Young Collector Unveils Coveted Paul Skenes 1-of-1 Card
On Tuesday, Topps announced that an 11-year-old collector from Los Angeles has successfully pulled the highly sought-after 1-of-1 autographed MLB debut patch card of Paul Skenes, the rising star pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates. This unique card was part of the 2024 Topps Chrome Update set and had garnered significant attention since its initial reveal in November.
With the unveiling of the card, the Pittsburgh Pirates expressed their keen interest in acquiring it even before it was pulled. The team proactively extended an enticing offer to the young collector, which included a remarkable package of perks. Among these were two season tickets behind home plate for 30 years, an opportunity to play in a softball game at PNC Park, a VIP experience at Pirates training camp, a meet-and-greet with Skenes himself, and two autographed jerseys from the player. This offer remains valid, showcasing the team's commitment to bringing this unique piece of memorabilia into their fold.
The young collector's luck with the card has drawn further attention, especially after Livvy Dunne, Skenes' girlfriend and an LSU gymnast, enhanced the appeal by inviting the cardholder to sit with her in a suite during a Pirates game. As the attention surrounding Skenes continues to grow, so does the value of his memorabilia. The young collector may find themselves in a challenging position. While the Pirates' offer is certainly compelling, the card's potential market value, estimated by Sports Collectors Digest to possibly reach six figures, raises the prospect of even higher bids at auction as Skenes solidifies his status in baseball.