11-Year-Old Finds Rare Paul Skenes Baseball Card in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — An 11-year-old collector in Los Angeles has discovered one of the most coveted baseball cards in recent memory: a one-of-a-kind 2024 Topps Chrome Update Rookie Debut Patch autographed card featuring Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Paul Skenes. The card, which includes a game-worn jersey patch and Skenes’ autograph, was announced by Topps on Tuesday via social media.

The young collector’s find has sparked a frenzy in the sports memorabilia world, with the Pittsburgh Pirates offering a unique package to acquire the card. The team’s proposal includes 30 years of season tickets behind home plate at PNC Park, along with other exclusive experiences. Skenes’ girlfriend, LSU gymnast and influencer Livvy Dunne, has also offered the card’s owner the chance to watch a game with her in a luxury suite during one of Skenes’ starts.

Paul Skenes, the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year and a third-place finisher in the NL Cy Young Award voting, has quickly become one of baseball’s brightest stars. The 22-year-old pitcher, selected first overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, made his major league debut in May 2024 and finished the season with an 11-3 record and a 1.96 ERA in 23 games. His standout performance earned him the starting pitcher role in the 2024 All-Star Game after just 11 starts.

The Rookie Debut Patch program, introduced by Topps in 2023, has become a major innovation in the trading card industry. Before a player’s first MLB game, a small patch is placed on their uniform sleeve. After the game, the patch is removed, autographed by the player, and embedded into a trading card, creating a unique collectible. The program has expanded to other leagues, including the NBA and NFL, with plans for further growth.

Collectors have been eagerly searching for Skenes’ Rookie Debut Patch card since the 2024 Topps Chrome Update set was released in November. The card’s value is expected to surpass previous high-profile sales, such as the $66,000 paid for Tampa Bay Rays prospect Junior Caminero’s PSA 9-graded card in December 2024.

Topps’ announcement did not disclose the identity of the young collector or their plans for the card. However, the discovery has already generated significant buzz, with the Pirates and other collectors vying for the rare piece of memorabilia.