A Rare Find

[Jamessingh1992]

A Rare Find, the Historical account of the Konami Baseball Season 2021 Roki Sasaki ex-SIGN (202117-SR-M017-00) card.

I'd like to start by giving a thank you and appreciation shout out to the community here at BlowOutCards as this was a community driven thread.

Now, let's deep dive into the history of this beautiful piece.

There has always been something about this card that I've really enjoyed. It's the chase of nuanced combination of subjective rarity, mystery, and history all rolled into an arcade-baseball card. Transcending normality and unconventionally challenging the possibilities of existence. To take on such a feat of acquiring or obtaining such a card requires an understanding. Here's a picture of the front and back from the CGC grading site.




Let's give it a touch of reality, though. This card comes in an important time of arcade history which has been dwindling in it's origins, Japan. Approximately 26,000 arcades were available in Japan in the 1980's. As of recent, there are only 4,000-5,000 estimated today. Why you ask? Think evolution not extinction. As of today perhaps you might have been recently invited to an arcade that serves a nice cold brew while a plethora of sports screens appear. A mix between an arcade, a sports bar, and a bowling alley perhaps? I will not be stating any obvious names here but they exist in Japan too! My point is this card comes from a modern age where the crossroads of certain business' are meeting to create new social norms in a business fashion. Cards are printed directly the from the arcade machine itself and yes it's a 2-seater!



We're going to hop into the big picture here, literally! On the road to discovery, the young Roki Sasaki, the "Japanese fireballer". A lot of people are excited and have been including myself about this young man entering the sports world internationally. As of recent he has been injured this season, playing for the Dodgers. Right here I want to say I still believe in you Roki Sasaki. I know you've had an excellent run in Japan and I know your back story. It's not for me to share and can be a sensitive topic, but a lot of your fans support your goals, what matters most. We hope you heal quickly and maintain a dominant roll in the future in the baseball world. As a right handed pitcher he is my favorite right now, personally.

Shifting into rarity next, this card is near the top. This is exactly why. Look at a quick sales history. You will notice the dark blue picture of this card seems to have some tampering going within the sales history(same seller, same picture, close timing). I have confirmed my copy of this card through ebay receipt within this thread to verify I am the only holder so far. To conclude the sales history portion of this thread I want to say, it is inconclusive.



As far as grading history goes, this is the only 1 graded throughout all grading populations(Same exact card as mine).



A list of some important dates involving this card and it's prominence:

Baseball season start in 2021: 3/26/2021
(Time in-between: 3 days)
Card set Release date: 3/29/2021
Appendix pack 17 subset release: 1/06/2022 [Print lag that year, led to a later subset release] <--- This is the release of this card.
(Time in-between: 3 months)
Baseball arcade season 2022 start:4/06/2022

Some supporting evidence on the state of Japan Covid-19 the last 3 months this card was available in Japan only:

A graph.


An article.



Conclusion:

Before I made baseless claims I wanted to show you what I was talking about. Now you can see how many people were infected with COVID-19 during this time this was every day, hundreds of thousands of people per day due to the Omicron variant. It was spiking, my point is the historical significance of this card comes into play as a ghost survivor. It could be a dead persons card or the only of its kind ever printed, or even the the only survivor of that terrible time. Please do not disrespect such a piece. It deeply bothers me out of blatant disrespect. This card is not for sale, I simply wanted to show you something of what I consider to be true rarity given circumstance, his first year playing, the Olympics being held there, that it wasn't mass produced but still licensed by NPB and Branded by Konami. To be clear yes these cards were printed from the arcade machine themselves out of prize pools. This set had over 1,000 cards easily and a portion of that portion something like 19 different types of SR-EX sign cards were available to be printed at time. This was the perfect storm for rarity. I believe this to be the only 1 left if not the the only 1 ever.

Style points and terms for future editing notated:

Aesthetic Appeal: This refers to how visually pleasing and well-designed the card is, taking into account elements like artwork, layout, colors, and overall design.
Visual Appeal: Similar to aesthetic appeal, it focuses on the visual aspects of the card that make it attractive and desirable to collectors.
Unique Features: This highlights specific aspects of the card that set it apart, such as the "EX-Sign", a limited-edition design, or special finishes like foil stamping.
Desirability: This term describes how much a card is wanted by collectors, often influenced by its rarity, condition, player popularity, and unique features.
Collectibility: This refers to how valuable and sought-after a card is within the collecting community, based on factors like rarity, condition, and market demand.
Allure: This word captures the appeal and fascination that a card holds for collectors, often due to its rarity, unique features, or connection to a beloved player.

I reserve the right to edit this post in the future as more information is learned.

[Archangel1775]

It's a cool card but most obscure issues stay just like that, obscure. Maybe a good comparison is the Collector's Choice Basketball Ichiro Suzuki but that's comparing a legend to a young star.

Unless the Konami video game was on that Pokemon Go level or Tecmo Bowl level, its hard to see demand that'll put the card into a "holy grail" level but even that term is relative. Mainstream U.S. issues especially autographs will trump obscure cards like this one. Just look at all the 90's Japanese Ichiro cards and compare those prices to the 2001 MLB issues. Is there a demand, sure but not on the same level as his best 2001 cards.

[corockies]

This is a cool niche card. I doubt you'll ever convince anyone that this would be his grail card with his Rookie Debut Patch card from '25 Topps Chrome Update or his First Bowman Chrome Superfractor Autograph soon to be in existence.

[Jamessingh1992]

Originally Posted by Archangel1775

It's a cool card but most obscure issues stay just like that, obscure. Maybe a good comparison is the Collector's Choice Basketball Ichiro Suzuki but that's comparing a legend to a young star.

Unless the Konami video game was on that Pokemon Go level or Tecmo Bowl level, its hard to see demand that'll put the card into a "holy grail" level but even that term is relative. Mainstream U.S. issues especially autographs will trump obscure cards like this one. Just look at all the 90's Japanese Ichiro cards and compare those prices to the 2001 MLB issues. Is there a demand, sure but not on the same level as his best 2001 cards.

Ah, I see what you mean. It wouldn't make a difference if he eventually got hall of fame and this would be a rookie card? (2021 season)? I've asked open AI a lot of questions about this card and it seems to be hyping me up for it. Very niche, I agree. But maybe that's what a certain collector will be after, who knows. Anyways I'd like to thank you for your response as you're the first knowledgeable person I've spoken to about it!

[awz50]

Holy chat gpt

[awz50]

Originally Posted by Jamessingh1992

Ah, I see what you mean. It wouldn't make a difference if he eventually got hall of fame and this would be a rookie card? (2021 season)? I've asked open AI a lot of questions about this card and it seems to be hyping me up for it. Very niche, I agree. But maybe that's what a certain collector will be after, who knows. Anyways I'd like to thank you for your response as you're the first knowledgeable person I've spoken to about it!

Respond without using Ai

[awz50]

Originally Posted by Jamessingh1992

[Rare Find] 2021 Konami Roki Sasaki SR EX-SIGN – Possibly the Only CGC-Graded Copy in Existence

Hey Blowout Fam,

I wanted to share something truly unique with the community: I recently acquired and graded what may be the only CGC-graded copy of the 2021 Konami Baseball Collection SR EX-SIGN Roki Sasaki card.

�� Key Facts:
Card: 2021 Konami Baseball Collection SR EX-SIGN – Roki Sasaki

Grading Company: CGC

Current Grade: [Insert grade here, e.g., 9.5 or 10]

Population: As of now, it appears to be the only one graded by CGC, and I haven’t seen it in PSA, BGS, or SGC populations either.

Origin: From Konami’s arcade-based baseball card game series in Japan (not widely distributed or known in the U.S.)

Signature Foil: Features a foil-stamped printed signature (often mistaken as an autograph) – unique to the EX-SIGN subset

Print Run Estimate: Believed to be under 200 copies, based on Konami’s rarity tier and distribution model. No official print runs released, making it even more mysterious.

�� Images:
[Insert high-quality front/back scans or link to image gallery]

�� Why This Card Matters:
Roki Sasaki is a generational pitching talent – already making waves in NPB and projected to be a top MLB star if/when he makes the jump. With his perfect game, blazing fastball, and massive upside, he's on track to be the next Ohtani-level international breakout.

Konami’s Baseball Collection cards aren’t mass-distributed like Topps or Bowman – they come from digital arcade machines in Japan, which players scan and collect. The EX-SIGN subset is especially hard to find and wasn't sold in packs or boxes through regular retail channels.

�� The Hidden Gem:
Most collectors outside Japan don’t even know these exist. The design, production method, and scarcity are unlike anything else in the hobby. This could be a serious long-term sleeper if Roki continues his trajectory and enters the MLB spotlight.

��️ Let’s Discuss:
Have you seen others like this?

Are there known sales or listings in Japan or the U.S.?

Could this card become a “Holy Grail” if Sasaki reaches his full potential?

Would love to hear from the Blowout community – your insights, opinions, and any sightings of this card elsewhere. I'm open to networking, collaboration, or just geeking out over obscure Japanese cardboard with you all!

Thanks for reading,
Jamessingh1992

[corockies]

Originally Posted by Jamessingh1992

Ah, I see what you mean. It wouldn't make a difference if he eventually got hall of fame and this would be a rookie card? (2021 season)? I've asked open AI a lot of questions about this card and it seems to be hyping me up for it. Very niche, I agree. But maybe that's what a certain collector will be after, who knows. Anyways I'd like to thank you for your response as you're the first knowledgeable person I've spoken to about it!

Never trust computer expertise over real person expertise in sports collectibles.

Maybe Pokemon for AI - a computer can track Pokemon trends much easier since they have no serial #ed cards.

[Jamessingh1992]

Originally Posted by corockies

This is a cool niche card. I doubt you'll ever convince anyone that this would be his grail card with his Rookie Debut Patch card from '25 Topps Chrome Update or his First Bowman Chrome Superfractor Autograph soon to be in existence.

Definately! Thanks again for enforcing that Niche card idea! I really like this card because it's got that arcade glow or arcade holo foil to it. It's really eye pleasing to move it through the light and see it! I did make a video of the opening and uploaded it to Youtube, it's only a few minutes long, but kind of shows the holo a bit better. It's just very aesthetic.

[corockies]

Originally Posted by awz50

Respond without using Ai

I'm guessing he's using it because of language barrier? Not sure but that would be my assumption.

[Jamessingh1992]

Sorry I am new here, but I did want to show you guys the cool holo on it and that I do indeed own the only graded version.

Opening video back from CGC: https://youtube.com/shorts/C7MeeZj4a...cFw9XNRGv2GBcv

Lore/Holo showcase video: https://youtu.be/bVFy7TG0vBw?si=wjRLDqV3WLWErw9y

At the end of the day i simply wanted to get this card some recognition as a lot of people didn't know it exists that's all Thank guys!

[awz50]

Originally Posted by corockies

I'm guessing he's using it because of language barrier? Not sure but that would be my assumption.

Could be the case. Posts that are just predominantly AI or all AI just sound choppy and dull the message

[Jamessingh1992]

Only the original post was AI made then copy/pasted. The rest is all me, thanks!

[glen87]

Originally Posted by Jamessingh1992

Ah, I see what you mean. It wouldn't make a difference if he eventually got hall of fame and this would be a rookie card? (2021 season)? I've asked open AI a lot of questions about this card and it seems to be hyping me up for it. Very niche, I agree. But maybe that's what a certain collector will be after, who knows. Anyways I'd like to thank you for your response as you're the first knowledgeable person I've spoken to about it!

isn't this a 2021 card?

what about all of his 2020 cards?

[Jamessingh1992]

Originally Posted by glen87

isn't this a 2021 card?

what about all of his 2020 cards?

To my knowledge he didn't play in 2020 due to his arm flaring up, therefore his debut was in 2021 season. The base set of this set came out March 29th, 2021. It had a print lag which led it to be officially released in the 17th appendix card pack through the arcade machine Jan 6, 2022 which explains the copyright on the back of the card bottom right saying 2022. Distributions are unknown and no reprint was ever made. The card is only from Japan and Konami does not release print run info on it. It is officially licensed through Japan Baseball Organization which is the same and higher society than the NPB.

The only way I was able to acquire this card was through 1 ebay listing at which i bought it for 65$ raw. I had sent emails to PSA/BGS already and they would not grade it due to Konami not releasing set info.

There for the only way to obtain this card is from Japan through the arcade machine which has about 70 cards in the limited set Appendix 17 and you get this one through RNG. It's really quite rare.

Then, only CGC grades it.

Specifically, CGC Cards has offices in:

London, UK,.
Munich, Germany,.
Hong Kong, China,.
Shanghai, China,.

The one in Florida is the one that graded it for me by request.

[Jamessingh1992]

Some collectors will say this card is not a rookie card due to it not being in a part of flagship or traditional sets like Topps NPB, BBM, or other such brands. Although it it officially licensed trading just through Konami instead. You can clearly see Season 21 written on the left of the card or bottom of the card's 3rd image i attached. I consider this card a historical Japanese baseball Niche game card from his rookie era. Regardless of whether some declare it a true rookie card based off of flagship or not It won't be sale for some years, as I'm waiting for him to explode in the MLB.

[Gene]

Originally Posted by Jamessingh1992

Some collectors will say this card is not a rookie card due to it not being in a part of flagship or traditional sets like Topps NPB, BBM, or other such brands. Although it it officially licensed trading just through Konami instead. You can clearly see Season 21 written on the left of the card or bottom of the card's 3rd image i attached. I consider this card a historical Japanese baseball Niche game card from his rookie era. Regardless of whether some declare it a true rookie card based off of flagship or not It won't be sale for some years, as I'm waiting for him to explode in the MLB.

It's not his rookie card by ANY measure. Sasaki has 2020 Calbee, Epoch, and BBM issues. Cool card though.

[Jamessingh1992]

Originally Posted by Gene

It's not his rookie card by ANY measure. Sasaki has 2020 Calbee, Epoch, and BBM issues. Cool card though.

2020 is not his rookie year simple. The debut actually counts. How can you be a rookie in any league if you haven't played yet? Anything before that counts as a prospect.

[boxbuster7]

Originally Posted by corockies

This is a cool niche card. I doubt you'll ever convince anyone that this would be his grail card with his Rookie Debut Patch card from '25 Topps Chrome Update or his First Bowman Chrome Superfractor Autograph soon to be in existence.

paging nomad...

[Gene]

Originally Posted by Jamessingh1992

2020 is not his rookie year simple. The debut actually counts. How can you be a rookie in any league if you haven't played yet? Anything before that counts as a prospect.

Because your playing debut doesn't matter for the Japanese market. That's why the 2020 issues have the RC shield. You are trying to apply U.S. market conventions to the Japanese market, but no matter what you think, they consider the 2020 cards to be his RCs.

[MiamiMarlinsFan]

Originally Posted by Gene

Because your playing debut doesn't matter for the Japanese market. That's why the 2020 issues have the RC shield. You are trying to apply U.S. market conventions to the Japanese market, but no matter what you think, they consider the 2020 cards to be his RCs.

But ChatGPT told him otherwise! How could AI possibly provide inaccurate information???

[Jamessingh1992]

Originally Posted by Gene

Because your playing debut doesn't matter for the Japanese market. That's why the 2020 issues have the RC shield. You are trying to apply U.S. market conventions to the Japanese market, but no matter what you think, they consider the 2020 cards to be his RCs.

Since you guys are so keen on measuring up ti Ai then do it.

I used Ai one time but you're making a speckle of it for no reason at all. Let it make its own spectacle then.

Yes – by Japanese hobby standards, this is considered Roki Sasaki’s true rookie card.

Here’s why:

First official, licensed appearance: Released in 2021—the year of Sasaki’s pro debut with Chiba Lotte Marines.

Licensed by NPB: Konami’s Baseball Collection is fully authorized and widely collected in Japan.

No earlier mass-market cards: Anything pre-2021 would be prospect or pre-rookie, not licensed pro-level.

Respected by Japanese collectors: Despite being arcade-based, the SR and EX-SIGN tiers are viewed as premium and collectible rookie-tier cards.

[boxbuster7]

so far sasaki is a bust

so unless he suddenly turns it around I don't see that card ever being worth more than a few hundred bucks

[Jamessingh1992]

Originally Posted by boxbuster7

so far sasaki is a bust

so unless he suddenly turns it around I don't see that card ever being worth more than a few hundred bucks

Although this is true if he meets his true potential this card may command a high price. It was a 65$ gamble, as I saw him on mlbs prospect list as #1 during the time of purchase. I hope he heals and after this, does better in the next.

[Boo]

Originally Posted by glen87

isn't this a 2021 card?

what about all of his 2020 cards?

So rare it needs another thread

https://www.blowoutforums.com/showthread.php?t=1612845


Super rare on the label!!