Whereas Shohei Ohtani's 2018 Topps flagship RC shows him dealing on the mound, the company took the opportunity to showcase the two-way superstar at the plate in that year's Topps Chrome product. Ohtani landed in the 72-card Rookie Autographs checklist at #RA-SO. With position players tending to attract more attention on the secondary market than pitchers, many collectors flock to these Chrome cards. And that's especially true of their serial-numbered parallels. Orange Refractors, which have a print run /25, were exclusive to hobby and jumbo hobby packs.
When Shohei Ohtani first signed with the Los Angeles Angels, expectations were high. For virtually everybody alive, the idea of a two-way player was limited to reading stories about Babe Ruth or watching a fielder take to the mound in a blowout. But Ohtani was built differently. He could hit, pitch and field—all at an elite level. Injuries slowed him somewhat for his first couple of seasons but then immortality took hold. Ohtani truly is unlike any player who came before him. Already a two-time World Series Champion, four-time MVP and the founding member of the 50/50 Club, that is really just the beginning of Ohtani's accolades.
This is the only 2018 Topps Chrome Rookie Autographs Orange Refractor Shohei Ohtani to receive a Black Label Pristine 10 grade from BGS. The signature is also ranked a perfect 10.
Learn more about the superstar's early card career in our Guide to Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards: https://www.fanaticscollect.com/definitive-guides/a-guide-to-shohei-ohtanis-rookie-cards
The certification number on this card has been checked against the third-party grader's online database and is active as of 01/05/2026.
