It was just a regular day in Texas when the world of baseball card collecting was turned on its head by an unexpected hero – six-year-old Champ Stutts. This young aficionado, with a collection already bursting at the seams with over a thousand cards, stumbled upon a gem that left even the most seasoned collectors in awe – the elusive “one of one” Paul Skenes Onyx card.
The Unveiling of a Hidden Treasure
When Champ tore into a pack of cards on an innocuous Monday, he had no idea what lay in store for him. Nestled among the ordinary cards was the extraordinary Paul Skenes card. The pure joy and astonishment on his face, immortalized in a video by his mother Kristi and shared through their family’s TikTok account “Stutts Family Fun,” quickly went viral, captivating the hearts of all who watched.
A Touch of Serendipity
In a twist of fate, the video caught the attention of LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne, who just so happens to be Paul Skenes’ girlfriend. Livvy not only left a comment on the TikTok post but also took the extra step of sharing the video with Skenes himself.
Excitedly recounting the experience, Champ shared, “She showed it to Paul Skenes. And Paul Skenes commented. I think he said, ‘You’re coming to one of my baseball games.’” The magic didn’t stop there, as the Pittsburgh Pirates also got wind of the extraordinary finding. They reached out to the Stutts family, promising to send Champ a Paul Skenes jersey to mark this special moment in his young life.
A Passion Passed Down Generations
The love for collecting baseball cards is a tradition that runs deep in the Stutts family. Champ’s father, who had embarked on a search for a Skenes Topps Chrome rookie patch card back in November, passed on his passion for collecting to his son. Now, Champ’s fervor for the hobby is rubbing off on his two-year-old brother, who insists on cuddling up with cards every night.
Despite his affection for his sibling, Champ is quick to lay down the law when it comes to handling the more valuable cards. “Bro, don’t bend it,” he firmly reminds his brother, ensuring that the prized possessions are kept in immaculate condition.
A Heartwarming Response
The online community couldn’t get enough of Champ’s story. As the video spread like wildfire, drawing attention from fans all around, one heartwarming reply summed up the community’s sentiments. A comment from @stuttsfamilyfun read, “Getting up early for school isn’t fun until you hear this news! You and Paul are the absolute BEST!”
Champ Stutts may only be six years old, but his incredible find has united fans, players, and ultimately showcased the pure joy that comes from a shared love of baseball cards. The treasure he uncovered goes beyond the physical card; it captures the essence of the sports community coming together in celebration of a young fan’s unforgettable moment.
