Longoria’s 1/1 Charizard Card: The 2025 Topps Tier One Firestorm Collectors Can’t Resist!
- J Narc
- May 15
- 6 min read
The collectibles world is buzzing with excitement over a groundbreaking release that’s uniting two passionate fandoms: baseball and Pokémon. The 2025 Topps Tier One Baseball set will feature a one-of-a-kind Evan Longoria card, complete with an on-card autograph and a game-used bat knob showcasing the iconic Pokémon character Charizard. This 1/1 masterpiece is more than just a trading card—it’s a cultural milestone that’s set to redefine the hobby. Let’s dive into why this card is generating so much hype, its significance for collectors, and what it means for the future of crossover collectibles.
The Card: A Fusion of Baseball and Pokémon Greatness
Evan Longoria, the recently retired Tampa Bay Rays legend, is no stranger to the collectibles spotlight. With a 16-year MLB career that included three All-Star appearances, three Gold Gloves, and a Silver Slugger Award, Longoria’s legacy is cemented in baseball history. His upcoming retirement ceremony with the Rays on June 7, 2025, where he’ll sign a ceremonial one-day contract, only adds to his enduring appeal. But the 2025 Topps Tier One card takes his collectible status to new heights by pairing him with Charizard, the fire-breathing dragon that’s arguably the most beloved character in Pokémon’s vast universe.
This 1/1 card is a marvel of craftsmanship. It features Longoria’s on-card autograph, a hallmark of Topps Tier One’s premium quality, and an embedded game-used bat knob with a Charizard design. The bat knob itself is a nod to Longoria’s personal flair—reports indicate he’s used custom bats with Pokémon imagery in the past, making this card a perfect reflection of his personality. The combination of a high-end baseball relic with a pop culture icon like Charizard creates a collectible that’s as unique as it is desirable.
Why Charizard? The Pokémon Phenomenon
To understand the hype, you need to grasp Charizard’s unmatched status in the Pokémon world. Since the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) debuted in the 1990s, Charizard has been the face of rare and valuable cards. A first-edition holographic Charizard from the 1999 Base Set, for example, has sold for over $400,000 at auction, with a PSA 10 mint condition copy fetching $295,000 in 2020. Even a Japanese Base Set Holo Charizard, signed by artist Mitsuhiro Arita, sold for $324,000 in 2022. Charizard’s appeal transcends generations, making it a symbol of nostalgia and prestige for collectors.
The Pokémon TCG has seen a massive resurgence in recent years, fueled by high-profile sales, influencer-driven hype, and mainstream collaborations like McDonald’s Happy Meal promotions featuring Dragon-Type Pokémon cards, including Charizard, in 2025. This cultural moment makes the Longoria-Charizard card a perfectly timed release, tapping into the fervor of both Pokémon and baseball card collectors.
The Hobby’s Reaction: A $100,000 Bounty and Beyond
The announcement of this card has sent shockwaves through the hobby. When Longoria shared a glimpse of the card, collectors and dealers immediately recognized its potential. Alan Narz, owner of Big League Cards in Florida, reportedly placed a $100,000 bounty on the card, highlighting its instant status as a grail. Meanwhile, an X user pointed out that a full-sized game-used Longoria bat with the same Charizard knob design was listed on eBay for under $1,000, underscoring the card’s unique value as a compact, high-end collectible. The disparity between the bat’s price and the card’s projected worth speaks to the “magic dust” Topps sprinkles on its 1/1 releases, as Narz put it.
On platforms like X, collectors are calling this card “the ultimate flex” and predicting it could fetch record-breaking prices at auction. Some speculate it might rival the value of other high-profile 1/1 cards, like the 2025 Topps Series 1 James Wood “First Card” 1/1, which has been listed for $3,500. The Longoria-Charizard card’s crossover appeal gives it an edge, potentially attracting bidders from both the sports and Pokémon communities.
A Bridge Between Two Collecting Worlds
The Longoria-Charizard card is a masterstroke in connecting two distinct but equally passionate collector bases. Baseball card collectors are accustomed to chasing rare autographs and relics, with Topps Tier One being a flagship product known for its luxurious designs and limited-edition hits. Pokémon collectors, on the other hand, are driven by rarity and nostalgia, with cards like the Topps Chrome Series 1 Tekno Charizard from 2000 commanding premium prices for their unique materials and historical significance. This card appeals to both groups, offering the scarcity and prestige of a 1/1 baseball card alongside the cultural cachet of Pokémon’s most iconic character.
The crossover also builds on Topps’ history of innovative collaborations. While Topps has previously worked with brands like Star Wars and Marvel, this Pokémon partnership feels particularly bold. It’s not the first time Topps has dabbled in Pokémon— their 2000 Chrome promo series included a Tekno Charizard—but the Longoria card marks a new level of integration, blending sports memorabilia with pop culture in a way that feels fresh and forward-thinking. Collectors are already speculating about whether this could lead to more Topps-Pokémon collaborations, perhaps featuring other MLB stars or Pokémon characters like Pikachu or Mewtwo.
Longoria’s Legacy and the Timing of the Release
The timing of this card’s release couldn’t be more perfect. Longoria’s retirement announcement has put him back in the spotlight, with the Rays honoring his contributions through a pre-game ceremony on June 7, 2025. As the team’s all-time leader in WAR (51.7), home runs (261), and RBI (892), Longoria’s cards have always been popular among Rays fans and collectors. His 2008 Topps Red Hot Rookie Redemption autograph, for instance, recently sold for $145, while a 2018 Topps Inception SSP autograph numbered to 20 fetched $144. The Charizard card, however, is in a league of its own, elevating Longoria’s collectible profile to new heights.
The card also ties into Longoria’s personal story. Known for his love of gaming and pop culture, Longoria’s use of a Charizard-themed bat knob during his career adds authenticity to the card’s concept. It’s not just a gimmick—it’s a reflection of who he is, making the card feel like a true celebration of his legacy both on and off the field.
What’s Next for Collectors?
While Topps hasn’t announced an exact release date for the 2025 Tier One set, these products typically hit shelves in the spring or summer. Given the card’s 1/1 status, the odds of pulling it are vanishingly small, but that’s part of the thrill. Collectors can expect the set to include other high-end cards, potentially with more Pokémon-themed surprises, though the Longoria-Charizard card is likely to remain the crown jewel.
For those hoping to snag this card, the secondary market will be the place to watch. Auction houses and platforms like eBay are already gearing up for what could be a historic sale. Whether it ends up in a high-end break, a private collection, or a museum-like display, this card is destined to be a talking point for years to come. Collectors should also monitor Topps’ social media and hobby news for updates on the set’s checklist, pricing, and distribution.
The Bigger Picture: A New Era for Collectibles
The Evan Longoria Charizard card is more than a collectible—it’s a symbol of how the hobby is evolving. By blending sports and pop culture, Topps is tapping into a broader audience, inviting new collectors to join the chase. This card could inspire other companies to experiment with crossovers, whether it’s Marvel superheroes on basketball cards or anime characters on soccer trading sets. The success of this release might also encourage Pokémon to explore more sports-related collaborations, building on their recent McDonald’s and TCG expansions like Scarlet & Violet—Black Bolt and White Flare.
For now, the Longoria-Charizard card stands as a testament to the power of rarity, nostalgia, and creativity. It’s a reminder of why we love collecting: the thrill of the hunt, the joy of owning something unique, and the stories that each card tells. Whether you’re a baseball fan, a Pokémon enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a good collectible, this card is a must-watch in 2025.
Ditz Hits cannot wait to join in on this search and is waiting to stock up on these hobby boxes at our store at North County Mall (Mershop), in Escondido, CA 92025 on the 3rd Floor in Cultured Vibe Expo.
