This past summer, we went behind the scenes as Alexis Ohanian completed his first-ever trading card signing. The debut comes through the Topps Allen & Ginter Baseball set, which is set to release on December 3rd. Although Allen & Ginter is a baseball product, it’s best known for its non-baseball checklist – the annual run of celebrity and cultural cards that collectors chase. This year’s lineup is stacked, featuring Alexis, Druski, Al Pacino, and more (full list at the end of the article).
Mojo Sports joined us for the session, and below is a full breakdown of the signing – packed with easter eggs, nods to his wife Serena Williams and his kids, and more.
Introduction: Signing Day Begins
Alexis Ohanian:
Today, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look as I sign my first ever – and definitely not my last – trading card.
Mojo Sports:
Tell them the company.
Alexis:
Topps. Technically, it’s Allen & Ginter. Haven’t met either of them yet.
Mojo:
And how many cards are you signing?
Alexis:
600. I’ve been training. No stickers – these are all on-card autos. Every signature will be intentional. A dozen or so will have wild doodles or messages. It’s my love letter to the hobby.
First Card Reveal + Reaction
Alexis:
Wow. This is a moment. My first ever card. You got the Track Groupie shirt from the Paris Olympics on there. We had to crop the “Women’s Track Groupie” text to make space for the auto, but I’ll allow it.
Mojo:
Do you like the photo?
Alexis:
It’s got a quirky smile. And yes – that mullet was a winner.
Mojo:
Can we see your signature style?
Alexis:
It’s efficient – just the “A” and “O.” I’ve used it on legal documents. I want the fans to have a good experience though, no phoned-in signatures.
Easter Eggs and Bounties
Mojo:
Can we make one a Mantel bounty?
Alexis:
Let’s do it. I’ll sketch glasses and crazy hair on this one. Little goatee too. Someone’s pulling a true collector’s item.
Mojo:
We’ll inscribe “Mantel to the moon” on another one. That’ll be bounty-worthy too.
Alexis:
DM me on Mantel if you pull it. We’ll make it fun.
The Serena GOAT Card
Alexis:
I just signed one that says “Serena = GOAT.”
Mojo:
You went to her final match, right?
Alexis:
First tennis match I ever went to. What a way to start.
Mojo:
You’re the reason she retired!
Alexis (laughing):
Don’t blame me.
Honoring His Daughters
Alexis:
Let’s shout out Olympia and Adira. I’ll sign it “I ❤️ Olympia and Adira.” Classic dad move. This is the proud papa card. Whoever pulls this, I’m counting on you – please get it to them.
Mojo:
There’s even a “Papa Pancakes” doodle on one – chef’s hat and all.
Alexis:
This one’s truly one-of-one. I hope whoever gets it posts it on Mantel.
Talking Mantel
Alexis:
Post your pulls on Mantel – it’s like Reddit for collectors, but better. Doesn’t have to be trading cards. Could be comics, sneakers, coins – whatever you love.
Mojo:
I’ve got one of the biggest groups on Mantel. Sign up and DM me!
Signing the SNOO Sketch
Alexis:
This one’s for the collectors. A little nod to Reddit. Sketches like this one are gonna make these cards super fun to chase.
Chelsea FC Shoutout
Alexis:
Let me use the Chelsea blue marker for this one – big shoutout to the Chelsea Women. Hope whoever pulls this becomes a fan.
Mojo:
Should we add anything else?
Alexis:
Let’s keep shamelessly plugging all the teams.
Final Card – Dual-Ink Full Name Signature
Mojo:
Last one of the entire signing – make it count.
Alexis:
Alright, this is the final card I’m signing for a while. Lot of pressure here. Let me think… okay – I’m going to do something different on this one. Blue ink for the primary auto… then I’ll layer the red on top. Dual color.
Mojo:
Wait, are you really doing the full name too?
Alexis:
Yeah. Full name. Alexis Ohanian. I’ve never actually signed my full name like this on a card. It’s going to be artistic – people are going to look at it and be like, “I can’t believe he did that.” This might set a new standard.
Mojo:
That’s the collector’s item of collector’s items.
Alexis:
Two colors, full name – boom. History.
Final Reflections
Mojo:
What’s it like seeing people personally collect your card?
Alexis:
It’s surreal. I grew up collecting. And now being on a card – wow. I’m flattered and grateful. Hopefully, one day we get Athlos cards and women’s soccer cards out there too.
Mojo:
Talk to me about the experience signing your first card.
Alexis:
The team’s been great. They warned me my wrist might give out – but I’m caffeinated and cruising. It’s been fun, and I even added doodles and Easter eggs. I just want this to be special.
Be sure to check out the release on December 3rd. The Allen & Ginter Baseball set includes a strong lineup of non-baseball autographs. Here’s the full list:
- Andrew Bishop – Musician (The Red Clay Strays)
- a Boogie wit da Hoodie – Musician/Rapper
- Andre Lotterer – Former Race Driver
- Alexis Ohanian – Entrepreneur/Investor
- Al Pacino – Actor
- Bryan Cranston – Actor
- Brandon Coleman – Musician (The Red Clay Strays)
- Brittany Snow – Actress
- Big Sean – Musician/Rapper
- Chad Gilbert – Musician (New Found Glory)
- Jamie Chung – Actress/Reality TV
- Chef Reactions – Food Influencer
- Chuck Ragan – Musician (Hot Water Music)
- Cara Maria Sorbello – Reality TV (The Challenge)
- Larry David – Actor
- DJ Mighty Mi – Musician (The High & Mighty)
- Drew Nix – Musician (The Red Clay Strays)
- Druski – Comedian/Influencer
- Eric Keen – Musician (The Menzingers)
- Emma Roberts – Actress
- Ethan Zohn – Reality TV (Survivor)
- Dario Franchitti – Former Race Driver
- Greg Barnett – Musician (The Menzingers)
- Jax – Musician
- Joey Graziadei – Reality TV (The Bachelor)
- Joe Godino – Musician (The Menzingers)
- John Hall – Musician (The Red Clay Strays)
- Josh Rawitch – Baseball HOF President
- Kat Dennings – Actress
- Kenan Thompson – Actor
- Lauren Alaina – Musician
- Livvy Dunne – Gymnast/Influencer
- Lesley Arfin – Comedian/Writer
- Laura Prepon – Actress
- Mr. Eon – Musician (The High & Mighty)
- William Fichtner – Actor
- Michele Fitzgerald – Reality TV (Survivor)
- Mark Long – Reality TV (Road Rules)
- Paul Rust – Actor
- Peter Weber – Reality TV (The Bachelorette; The Bachelor)
- Richard Kind – Actor
- Shyne – Card Collector
- Skylar Astin – Actor
- Scott Boras – Sports Agent
- Seth Meyers – Comedian/TV Host
- Sway Calloway – Musician/Journalist
- Tom May – Musician (The Menzingers)
- Tom Marshall – Musician (Phish)
- Taylor Rooks – Sports Journalist
- Tai Verdes – Musician
- Wes Bergmann – Reality TV (The Challenge)
- Zach Rishel – Musician (The Red Clay Strays)
