For recent USC graduate Alec Word, December was a month to remember. Graduating with a Business Administration and Finance degree was just the beginning of his memorable month, as he made waves in the sports card world with not one but two rare MLB Debut Patch autograph card pulls, solidifying his status as one of the luckiest collectors in the hobby.
Alec’s incredible streak began on Saturday, December 7th, when he made his first visit to Jaspy’s Sports Cards & Collectibles. While cracking open packs of 2024 Topps Update Jumbo in-store, Alec stumbled upon a jaw-dropping discovery: the 1/1 MLB Debut Patch autograph redemption for Baltimore Orioles All-Star, Jordan Westburg.
Initially unaware of the significance of his find, Alec’s realization dawned upon him when the shop erupted in excitement. Maren Jaspersen, co-owner of Jaspy’s, reminisced about the fervor, 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 2023 Topps releases, are highly sought after in the collecting community. Featuring unique jersey patches from a player’s MLB debut alongside their autograph, these cards are true gems, with only one existing for each player, adding to their allure.
Remarkably, at the time of Alec’s pull, around 60% of the 2024 Topps Debut Patch cards had already been accounted for by collectors, making his discovery even more exceptional.
But Alec’s luck was far from depleted. Just three days later, on December 10th, he returned to Jaspy’s and acquired Breaker’s Delight boxes known for their increased chances of low-numbered cards. Opening these boxes at home on FaceTime with friends, Alec defied the odds yet again by unveiling the live MLB Debut Patch autograph card for Jose Ferrer.
Overwhelmed with disbelief, Alec recounted, “I couldn’t believe it. I started running around the house, yelling. It was unreal.”
Alec’s foray back into collecting began during the pandemic as a means to bond with his brother who was recuperating from back surgery. “It’s something fun we can do together,” he remarked.
While Alec has already sold the Westburg card to an Orioles supercollector, he has plans to retain the Ferrer card for his personal collection.
Reflecting on Alec’s staggering luck, Maren from Jaspy’s aptly summarized, “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 a degree from USC’s prestigious Marshall School of Business and a profound love for sports, Alec aspires to channel his passion into a career in the sports industry. Whether he’s making waves in the card collecting realm or ambitiously pursuing his professional endeavors, Alec’s December escapades are sure to be etched into the annals of his personal history.