For USC graduate Alec Word, December was a month to remember beyond his academic achievement. Following his graduation with a Business Administration and Finance degree, Alec found himself in the spotlight of the sports card world after landing not just one but two rare MLB Debut Patch autograph cards, solidifying his position as one of the luckiest collectors in the hobby.
Alec’s extraordinary journey began on Saturday, December 7th, when he made his inaugural visit to Jaspy’s Sports Cards & Collectibles. While indulging in packs of the 2024 Topps Update Jumbo in-store, he stumbled upon a remarkable discovery – the 1/1 MLB Debut Patch autograph redemption card for Baltimore Orioles’ All-Star, Jordan Westburg.
Initially unaware of the significance of his find, Alec later shared, “I didn’t realize what it was at first. The shop’s reaction clued me in — they were going crazy.” Maren Jaspersen, the co-owner of Jaspy’s, recounted the exhilaration, 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 the 2023 Topps products, stand out as some of the most sought-after treasures in the collectibles community. Each card features a unique patch sourced from a player’s jersey during their MLB debut, coupled with their autograph. With only one card in existence for each player, these cards hold immense value and rarity.
Noteworthy is the fact that at the time of Alec’s remarkable pull, around 60% of the 2024 Topps Debut Patch cards had already been accounted for by collectors, rendering his discovery even more exceptional.
Alec’s stroke of luck didn’t stop there. Just three days later, on Tuesday, December 10th, he revisited Jaspy’s and opted for Breaker’s Delight boxes, known for offering improved odds of low-numbered cards. Opening them at home over a FaceTime call with friends, Alec experienced another surge of excitement as he revealed the live MLB Debut Patch autograph card for Jose Ferrer.
Overwhelmed by his second stroke of luck, Alec exclaimed, “I couldn’t believe it. I started running around the house, yelling. It was unreal.” Alec’s rekindled interest in collecting burgeoned 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,” Alec mused.
While Alec has already sold the Westburg card to an Orioles supercollector, he has decided to retain the Ferrer card for his personal collection. Maren from Jaspy’s encapsulated the sentiment perfectly, “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 Marshall School of Business and a profound passion for sports, Alec aspires to channel his enthusiasm into a career within the sports industry. Whether he’s hitting the jackpot in the card realm or pursuing his professional dreams, Alec’s December undoubtedly stands out as a month for the ages.
