For Alec Word, a recent graduate from the University of Southern California, the month of December turned out to be a whirlwind of excitement and unexpected fortune. While celebrating the achievement of earning his degree in Business Administration and Finance, Alec found himself thrust into the spotlight of the sports card collecting community with an incredible stroke of luck.
Making his way to Jaspy’s Sports Cards & Collectibles on December 7th for his first visit, Alec decided to try his hand at opening packs of the 2024 Topps Update Jumbo series. Little did he know that his very first visit would result in a once-in-a-lifetime discovery: a 1/1 MLB Debut Patch autograph redemption card featuring Baltimore Orioles All-Star Jordan Westburg.
Initially taken aback by his find, Alec’s astonishment grew as the staff and fellow collectors at Jaspy’s erupted in excitement at the rare pull. Maren Jaspersen, co-owner of the store, recounted the moment, expressing the collective thrill for Alec’s piece of incredible luck on his inaugural visit.
The MLB Debut Patch autograph cards, introduced in the 2023 Topps collection, are highly sought-after among collectors for their unique combination of a player’s jersey patch from their MLB debut along with their autograph. With only one card in existence for each player, these cards are truly prized possessions within the hobby.
At the time of Alec’s discovery, a significant portion of the 2024 Topps Debut Patch cards had already been claimed by avid collectors, making his find all the more remarkable and enviable.
But Alec’s streak of fortune was far from over.
Returning to Jaspy’s on December 10th, Alec decided to test his luck once again by purchasing Breaker’s Delight boxes known for their increased odds of containing low-numbered cards. Opening the boxes at home while on a FaceTime call with friends, Alec’s elation reached new heights as he revealed his second incredible find – a live MLB Debut Patch autograph card, this time featuring Jose Ferrer.
Overwhelmed by his second stroke of luck, Alec described his jubilation, recounting the sheer disbelief and excitement that led him to run around his house shouting in exhilaration.
Alec’s journey back into the world of sports card collecting had begun as a means to bond with his brother during the challenging times of the pandemic, particularly as his brother underwent recovery from back surgery. Describing it as a source of joy and connection, Alec found himself at the intersection of personal passion and unexpected success.
While Alec has decided to part ways with the Westburg card by selling it to an Orioles supercollector, he plans to hold onto the Ferrer card as a cherished piece in his growing personal collection.
Maren from Jaspy’s encapsulated the sentiment shared by many in the hobby, encapsulating Alec’s incredible double triumph within a few days as a testament to the thrilling and captivating nature of sports card collecting.
Armed with a degree from USC’s Marshall School of Business and an unwavering love for sports, Alec looks to turn his enthusiasm and knack for hitting jackpots in the card world into a promising career within the sports industry. Whether he’s scoring big in the realm of cards or pursuing his professional ambitions, Alec’s December is bound to be a chapter he won’t soon forget.