{"product_id":"2018-topps-late-rookie-variation-ronald-acuna-jr-698-bat-down-rc-psa-9","title":"2018 Topps - Late Rookie Variation Ronald Acuña Jr. #698 Bat Down (RC) PSA 9","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRonald Acuña Jr. — 2018 Topps Series 2 Late Rookie Variation #698 \"Bat Down\" SP (RC) — PSA 9 Mint\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the card the hobby was hunting the moment Acuña debuted. \u003cstrong\u003eOn June 6, 2018 — one week before Series 2 hit shelves\u003c\/strong\u003e — Topps announced they had added Acuña as a last-minute short-printed variation of card #698, replacing the base checklist spot held by Ryan Sherriff. The result is one of the most celebrated late-addition rookies of the modern era: the \u003cem\u003e\"Bat Down\" SP\u003c\/em\u003e, featuring a photo snapped during Acuña's very first major-league plate appearance on April 25, 2018. Both the \"Bat Down\" and \"Bat Up\" images trace back to that same historic first at-bat, with this version capturing the frame where the bat is finishing its swing — the defining image collectors locked onto from day one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShort print scarcity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Collectors opening hobby cases reported the Acuña Bat Down variation appearing roughly \u003cem\u003eonce per 12-box hobby case\u003c\/em\u003e — making it a genuine pull, not a filler.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe photo:\u003c\/strong\u003e Taken from Acuña's first career plate appearance, a moment MLB.com called one of the most anticipated debuts the league had seen in a decade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePSA 9 Mint:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slabbed and authenticated — condition confirmed, no guesswork, ready for a registry or a showcase collection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMarket:\u003c\/strong\u003e The PSA 10 of this Bat Down SP recently sold for \u003cem\u003e$689.95\u003c\/em\u003e, up 13% in 30 days. The PSA 9 sits in the sweet spot — verified grade, meaningful discount to the 10 population, strong liquidity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe 2018 Topps Bat Down variation is the flagship Acuña rookie image that defines his entry into the hobby.\u003c\/em\u003e A PSA 9 is the right grade for the collector who wants a hard-slabbed copy of the most storied Series 2 short print of its generation — without paying gem-mint premiums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAvailable at Collector Station, Easley, SC. Local pickup available. \u003cstrong\u003eAll sales final.\u003c\/strong\u003e Shipping damage must be reported within 48 hours of delivery with photos.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collector Station","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49226375364860,"sku":null,"price":215.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0786\/1387\/2892\/files\/35EB288A-012E-42E4-ACF6-DB1366A86D7A.jpg?v=1782404109","url":"https:\/\/thecollectorstation.com\/products\/2018-topps-late-rookie-variation-ronald-acuna-jr-698-bat-down-rc-psa-9","provider":"Collector Station","version":"1.0","type":"link"}