For Alec Word, a recent graduate of the University of Southern California, December proved to be much more than just a month of academic achievement. After obtaining his degree in Business Administration and Finance, Alec found himself thrust into the limelight of sports card collecting with the discovery of not one, but two rare MLB Debut Patch autograph cards, solidifying his status as one of the hobby’s most fortunate collectors.
Alec’s extraordinary run began on a memorable Saturday, December 7th, when he made his inaugural visit to Jaspy’s Sports Cards & Collectibles. While casually opening packs of the 2024 Topps Update Jumbo series in-store, Alec stumbled upon a remarkable find – the 1/1 MLB Debut Patch autograph redemption card for Baltimore Orioles All-Star, Jordan Westburg.
Recalling the electrifying moment, Alec shared, “I didn’t realize what it was at first. The shop’s reaction clued me in – they were going crazy.” Maren Jaspersen, the co-owner of Jaspy’s, was equally enthusiastic, stating, “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, introduced in the 2023 Topps products, stand as some of the most sought-after treasures in the world of card collecting. Each card showcases a distinct patch extracted from a player’s jersey during their MLB debut, coupled with their autograph. With only one card in existence for each player, these cards hold immense value and appeal among collectors.
At the time of Alec’s remarkable find, nearly 60% of the 2024 Topps Debut Patch cards had already been accounted for by avid collectors, rendering his discovery even more exceptional.
However, Alec’s streak of luck was far from over.
Returning to Jaspy’s on Tuesday, December 10th, Alec acquired Breaker’s Delight boxes, renowned for offering improved odds of securing low-numbered cards. Opening these boxes at home while on a FaceTime call with friends, Alec experienced an unimaginable stroke of luck once again – successfully pulling the live MLB Debut Patch autograph card for Jose Ferrer.
Overwhelmed by his second stroke of luck, Alec exclaimed, “I couldn’t believe it. I started running around the house, yelling. It was unreal.” This hobby resurgence for Alec began during the pandemic as a means to connect with his brother, who was recuperating from back surgery. “It’s something fun we can do together,” Alec fondly expressed.
While Alec swiftly sold the Westburg card to a dedicated Orioles supercollector, he intends to retain the Ferrer card for his personal collection, serving as a tangible reminder of his incredible run of good fortune.
Maren from Jaspy’s succinctly captured the sentiment, remarking, “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 his prestigious degree from USC’s esteemed Marshall School of Business and a deep-rooted passion for sports, Alec aspires to channel his love for the industry into a flourishing career. Whether he is making waves in the world of card collecting or pursuing his professional ambitions, Alec’s December escapade will undoubtedly go down in history as a momentous chapter in his life.
