Alec Word’s December was not just about celebrating his graduation from the prestigious University of Southern California, as he found himself immersed in the exhilarating world of sports card collecting. The young Business Administration and Finance graduate hit the jackpot with two remarkable pulls of rare MLB Debut Patch autograph cards, instantly solidifying his reputation as a fortunate and skilled collector.
Stepping into Jaspy’s Sports Cards & Collectibles on December 7th for the first time, Alec embarked on a journey that would leave a lasting mark on his memory. Opening packs of the 2024 Topps Update Jumbo series in-store, Alec stumbled upon the ultimate find – a 1/1 MLB Debut Patch autograph redemption card featuring Baltimore Orioles All-Star Jordan Westburg.
Initially unaware of the magnitude of his discovery, Alec’s excitement grew as the reactions of the shop’s staff and fellow collectors around him intensified. Maren Jaspersen, the co-owner of Jaspy’s, fondly recounted the moment, highlighting the collective thrill that filled the shop. The rarity and uniqueness of the MLB Debut Patch autograph cards, each showcasing a distinct patch from a player’s MLB debut jersey alongside their signature, made Alec’s find all the more extraordinary.
With approximately 60% of the 2024 Topps Debut Patch cards already accounted for by avid collectors, Alec’s luck in uncovering such a rare gem was undeniably impressive. However, the exhilaration did not end there for the fortunate USC graduate.
Returning to Jaspy’s on December 10th, Alec opted for Breaker’s Delight boxes, known for their higher chances of containing low-numbered cards. Opening the boxes at home while connected with friends on FaceTime, Alec experienced another stroke of luck as he revealed the live MLB Debut Patch autograph card for Jose Ferrer.
Overwhelmed by his unexpected success, Alec’s immediate reaction was a mix of disbelief and uncontainable joy, as he jubilantly raced around his home, sharing the news with his friends. Alec’s rekindled interest in collecting sports cards began as a means to bond with his brother during the isolation of the pandemic, evolving into a source of excitement and connection for the siblings.
While Alec made the decision to sell the Westburg card to an enthusiastic Orioles supercollector, he opted to retain the Ferrer card for his personal collection, cherishing it as a memento of his extraordinary stroke of luck. Maren from Jaspy’s encapsulated the sentiment shared by all witnessing Alec’s streak of good fortune, emphasizing the thrilling and unpredictable nature of the hobby that makes each pull a momentous occasion.
Combining his academic achievements from USC’s renowned Marshall School of Business with his profound passion for sports, Alec aspires to merge his interests into a future career within the sports industry. Whether navigating the highs of the card collecting world or pursuing his ambitions in the professional sphere, Alec’s unforgettable December serves as a testament to the endless possibilities that await him in his endeavors.
