When it comes to the grand stage of the postseason, notable names from other sports often show up to take in the raucous action and support their counterparts. The powerhouse Dodgers would go on to lose the 2018 World Series in five, proving no match for the Boston Red Sox, capturing their fourth championship over 15 years. Los Angeles' lone victory came in Game 3, an 18-inning marathon at Dodger Stadium. The following night, LA took a commanding 4-0 lead in the sixth inning, thanks to a towering blast off the bat of the occasionally enigmatic Yasiel Puig that landed in the left-field bleachers, a three-run shot that sent the crowd of 53,000-plus into a frenzy. Although Boston would mount a late-game comeback that included five runs in the ninth, Puig’s homer was a shining moment in an otherwise disappointing Fall Classic for the National League--enough so that it was immortalized on a Topps Now card the next day. While the Cuban slugger’s reaction to the big bomb is captured perfectly on the front, it’s the rear of this keepsake that makes it truly special. A metropolis awash in sports history, the City of Angels has no shortage of superstar athletes among its ranks, spanning generations. One of its most beloved is the late Kobe Bryant, an 18-time All-Star and five-time NBA champion who spent his entire two decades in the league donning Lakers purple and gold. A staunch supporter of LA’s other clubs, Bryant had a front-row seat to the October magic that night, wearing a No. 8 Dodgers jersey and cheering wildly in the background as Puig began his trot around the bases. Celebrities sitting field level at Dodger Stadium is a common occurrence, but capturing an iconic player like Kobe exuding sheer joy, standing out from the crowd, makes this one of the most unique cardboard cameos to be found in any era. The 2018 Topps Now #947 card offers a rare glimpse into a moment of pure exhilaration, a testament to the universal language of sports fandom. This particular card is significant not only for the historic game it documents but also for the inclusion of a legendary figure – Kobe Bryant – adding a layer of prestige and collectibility. The card itself features a captivating image of Bryant, captured in a moment of unrestrained joy, as he witnessed Puig’s momentous home run. The rear of the card provides further context, showcasing Bryant’s enthusiastic reaction, a spontaneous display of support that encapsulates the excitement of the game. This combination of factors – the historical significance of the game, the presence of a global icon, and the perfectly captured reaction – elevates this card to a truly special piece within the world of sports memorabilia. The card’s rarity is further emphasized by a limited print run of only 446, making each original version a valuable asset for collectors. Recently, a raw version of the card sold for a shade over $1,000, while a BGS 9.5 graded card fetched $1,500 on eBay in the spring of 2024, demonstrating the strong demand and appreciation for this unique collectible.

Investing in this card presents a potentially lucrative opportunity, particularly for long-term collectors or those seeking to add a truly exceptional piece to their personal collection. The card's value is expected to appreciate over time, driven by the enduring legacy of Kobe Bryant, the rarity of the card, and the historical context it represents. The 2018 Topps Now #947 card is a remarkable artifact, a tangible reminder of a thrilling baseball game and a truly unforgettable moment captured on cardboard. It's a must-have for any serious sports collector and a fascinating glimpse into the world of celebrity fandom. This card stands as a testament to the power of sports to unite people from all walks of life, and the joy of witnessing a legendary player's reaction to a game-changing moment.