USC graduate Alec Word wrapped up his academic journey with a cherry on top in December, not because of his degree, but because of his extraordinary luck in the sports card collecting world. Topping off his academic achievements in Business Administration and Finance, Alec found himself at the center of the spotlight with the discovery of two rare MLB Debut Patch autograph cards.
Alec’s adventure began at Jaspy’s Sports Cards & Collectibles on December 7th, an auspicious day that would change his collecting game forever. Delving into packs of 2024 Topps Update Jumbo, Alec stumbled upon a true gem – the 1/1 MLB Debut Patch autograph redemption card featuring Baltimore Orioles All-Star, Jordan Westburg.
Initially unaware of the magnitude of his find, Alec’s realization was heightened by the ecstatic reactions of those around him. Maren Jaspersen, co-owner of Jaspy’s, described the scene as a mix of elation and disbelief. It was Alec’s first visit to the shop, and he had hit the jackpot, leaving everyone in awe of his luck.
The MLB Debut Patch autograph cards are a rarity in the collector’s sphere, introduced in 2023 Topps products. These cards hold immense value due to their unique patches sourced from a player’s MLB debut jersey, accompanied by their authentic signature. With only one card in existence for each player, Alec’s discovery was nothing short of striking.
During Alec’s card opening session, a majority of the 2024 Topps Debut Patch cards had already found homes in collections, making his finds even more exceptional. However, luck seemed to be on Alec’s side as he continued to ride the wave of fortune.
Returning to Jaspy’s on December 10th, Alec opted for Breaker’s Delight boxes known to carry low-numbered cards. Opening them at home, surrounded by friends on FaceTime, Alec’s second stroke of luck unfolded – the live MLB Debut Patch autograph card for Jose Ferrer emerged from the packs.
The thrill of his find sent Alec into a frenzy of excitement, with emotions running high as he basked in the surreal moment of pulling yet another remarkable card. Reflecting on his journey into collecting, Alec shared that it began as a means to connect with his brother during the challenges of the pandemic, providing them with a source of shared joy and entertainment.
While Alec has already bid farewell to the Westburg card, selling it to an Orioles supercollector, he has decided to preserve the Ferrer card for his personal collection. Maren from Jaspy’s encapsulated the sentiment of Alec’s remarkable streak, emphasizing the sheer astonishment and thrill experienced by all witnessing his back-to-back wins.
With a degree from USC’s esteemed Marshall School of Business and a profound passion for sports, Alec aspires to merge his interests and career ambitions in the sports industry. Whether he is making waves in the card collecting realm or pursuing his professional endeavors, Alec’s December stands as a testament to his exceptional luck and unwavering determination, marking it as a month to be remembered for years to come.
