One of the most coveted rookie baseball cards in recent memory has been found.
Topps announced Tuesday that a one-of-one, autographed rookie card for Pittsburgh Pirates sensation Paul Skenes – one that also includes the debut patch off his game-worn jersey – was pulled by an 11-year-old from Los Angeles.
𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: The Paul Skenes 1/1 Rookie Debut Patch Autograph card has been pulled by an 11-year-old collector from Los Angeles, CA. pic.twitter.com/tYZe5KuqM2
— Topps (@Topps) January 21, 2025
Skenes, the first overall selection at the 2023 MLB Draft, set the league on fire in his debut season last year. The flamethrower went 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA and struck out 170 on his way to winning NL Rookie of the Year. He also started the All-Star Game for the National League and finished third in Cy Young voting.
Such a unique season and his career trajectory increased the value of Skenes collectibles. And when Topps announced in November that the rare debut-patch card could be found in one 2024 Topps Chrome Update pack, it sent collectors on a wild chase to find it.
Distributors and card shops had trouble keeping up with demand.
"If I had another 200 boxes today, I could get rid of them with no problem," one card shop owner in Pittsburgh said to CBS News in November.
Also increasing demand was an offer the Pirates put out for the card. Yes, the MLB team wants the rare item.
To the lucky person who finds this card… We’d love to bring this card home to PNC Park to share with all Buccos fans.
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) November 15, 2024
Here’s our offer: https://t.co/qSDgZg3C8p pic.twitter.com/efNGhjidQ4
The Pirates have offered a package that includes two season tickets behind home plate for the next 30 years, a softball game for 30 at their home ballpark, and a spring training experience with a meet-and-greet with Skenes.
There has been no word as to whether the 11-year-old who found the card is interested in the package, but there will be plenty of other offers on the table.
The debut-patch card for New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe fetched $150,000, and his resume pales in comparison to Skenes'.
