USC Grad’s Rare Topps Debut Patch Card Triumph

USC graduate Alec Word’s December was not just about donning a cap and gown; it was about hitting the jackpot in the world of sports cards. Armed with a freshly minted Business Administration and Finance degree, Alec strutted into the limelight of the sports card industry with a stroke of unmatched luck, seizing two rare MLB Debut Patch autograph cards that quickly solidified his status as one of the luckiest collectors in the game.

Setting foot into Jaspy’s Sports Cards & Collectibles on Saturday, December 7th, Alec had no inkling of the immense surprise awaiting him. As he tore through packs of the 2024 Topps Update Jumbo edition, his eyes fell upon the holy grail—a 1/1 MLB Debut Patch autograph redemption card for Baltimore Orioles’ All-Star Jordan Westburg.

Initially oblivious to the significance of his find, Alec’s bubble of cluelessness soon burst when the shop erupted into cheers. “I didn’t realize what it was at first. The shop’s reaction clued me in—they were going crazy,” shared a stunned Alec.

Maren Jaspersen, the co-owner of Jaspy’s, vividly remembered the electrifying moment. “We were all absolutely thrilled for him! It was his first visit to our shop, and he walks away with a massive hit.”

The MLB Debut Patch autograph cards, first introduced in the 2023 Topps products, rank among the most sought-after treasures in the collector’s universe. Featuring a distinctive patch snipped from a player’s jersey during their MLB debut, coupled with their autograph, these cards are the epitome of rarity, with only one in existence for each player.

At the time of Alec’s fortuitous find, a staggering 60% of the 2024 Topps Debut Patch cards had already been accounted for by zealous collectors, rendering his discovery even more extraordinary.

But Alec’s tryst with destiny was far from over.

On Tuesday, December 10th, Alec returned to Jaspy’s and laid hands on Breaker’s Delight boxes, tantalizingly promising better odds of procuring low-numbered cards. Luck favored Alec once more as he peeled the wrappers off at home, over FaceTime with friends, and unearthed yet another gem—a live MLB Debut Patch autograph card, this time bearing the name of Jose Ferrer.

Overwhelmed by his improbable double win, Alec exclaimed, “I couldn’t believe it. I started running around the house, yelling. It was unreal.”

Alec’s rekindled passion for collecting burgeoned during the pandemic, serving as a means to bond with his brother, currently on the mend from back surgery. “It’s something fun we can do together,” expressed Alec, encapsulating the sentiment of shared joy and camaraderie that often accompanies the hobby.

While Alec promptly sold the Westburg card to an Orioles supercollector, he harbors intentions of safeguarding the Ferrer card for his personal stash, a memento of his epic run of fortune.

Maren from Jaspy’s encapsulated the enchantment of Alec’s narrative succinctly, “We couldn’t believe his luck. To pull two cards like that in just a few days—it’s what makes the hobby so exciting.”

Armed with an esteemed degree from USC’s renowned Marshall School of Business and an unwavering ardor for sports, Alec aspires to channel his fervor into a future career within the sports industry. Whether he’s striking gold in the realm of sports cards or chasing after professional pursuits, Alec’s December saga promises to etch itself as a tale to remember.

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