Single Dad Pulls Rare Shohei Ohtani Baseball Card Worth Up to $500,000 During Emotional Trip with Son

CLEVELAND, Ohio — What started as a difficult trip to visit his ailing father turned into a once-in-a-lifetime moment for one single dad and his young son — thanks to an extraordinary baseball card pull worth nearly half a million dollars.

According to KTLA 5 News, Rick Fayter was in Ohio visiting his father in the ICU when he decided to take a short break to clear his mind and lift his spirits. Wanting to distract himself and his son from the heavy emotions at the hospital, Fayter stopped by a local sports card shop — a small decision that would soon change everything.

A Life-Changing Discovery

Inside the shop, Fayter purchased a few packs of 2022 Topps Tier One Baseball cards, a premium series known for featuring limited-edition autographs and memorabilia pieces from Major League Baseball stars.

As he opened one of the packs with his son, Fayter discovered a stunning find: a Shohei Ohtani one-of-one “Bat Knob” autographed card — one of the rarest cards ever produced by Topps.

The card features a piece of Ohtani’s game-used bat, an on-card signature, and the official “1-of-1” gold stamp, signifying that no other card like it exists in the world.

Experts estimate the card’s value at up to $500,000, depending on grading and market demand.

“It felt unreal — like winning the lottery,” Fayter told local reporters. “I bought the pack to cheer up my son, and suddenly we’re holding a card worth more than my house.”

Graded and Authenticated for Auction

The card, now graded 8.5 by Beckett Grading Services, is being showcased by Goldin Auctions, one of the leading online platforms for high-end sports collectibles.

Cards featuring Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani — who made history as one of the most talented two-way players since Babe Ruth — are among the most sought-after items in the modern sports card market.

Collectors say the bat knob card is especially valuable because of its rarity and connection to Ohtani’s record-breaking 2022 season, during which he dominated both as a pitcher and hitter.

A Bittersweet Moment

For Fayter, the discovery carries emotional meaning beyond the dollar signs. He said the moment gave him a sense of hope and joy during one of the hardest times of his life.

“My dad’s been fighting in the hospital, and we were exhausted. Pulling that card was like a little miracle,” he shared. “It gave us something positive to talk about — something exciting to bring back to my son and family.”

Shohei Ohtani’s Meteoric Card Value

Ohtani’s memorabilia and autographed cards have surged in value over the past two years, especially following his 2024 free agency deal that broke salary records across Major League Baseball.

In 2023, a similar 1-of-1 Ohtani card sold for over $400,000, and experts expect the market to remain strong due to his international appeal and two-way talent.

A Collector’s Dream Come True

What makes the moment even more special, Fayter said, is that the card pull happened in front of his son.

“It was just the two of us,” he said. “He looked at me and said, ‘Dad, that’s Shohei Ohtani!’ We both just started laughing and couldn’t believe it.”

For now, Fayter says he plans to hold onto the card until he decides whether to sell or keep it as a family keepsake.

“I think my dad would’ve told me to sell it,” he joked. “But honestly, it’s more than a card — it’s a memory I’ll never forget.”

What do you think — would you keep the rare Shohei Ohtani card or cash in for $500,000? Share your thoughts and join the conversation over at NapervilleLocal.com.