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
The youngster chronicled pulling the card in a journal entry.
The 11-year-old collector who pulled the Paul Skenes 1/1 Debut Patch card just shared his journal entries…
— Topps (@Topps) January 24, 2025
It’s an absolute MUST-READ 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/PldkJMS06W
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.
However, the 11-year-old has decided to put the card up for auction.
JUST IN 🚨 The 11-year-old collector & his family have decided to sell the Paul Skenes 1/1 Rookie Debut Patch Autograph card at auction.
— Fanatics Collect (@FanaticsCollect) January 24, 2025
Fanatics Collect is honored to usher this iconic Topps MLB collectible into the next chapter of its journey. The card will be available in our… pic.twitter.com/2OWspuHwUP
