A Young Collector’s Bold Decision
An 11-year-old baseball card collector from Los Angeles has turned down a once-in-a-lifetime offer from the Pittsburgh Pirates for a rare Paul Skenes 1/1 debut patch card. The Pirates’ proposal included two season tickets behind home plate at PNC Park for the next 30 years, a personal meet-and-greet with Skenes, two autographed jerseys, and more. Despite the generous offer, the young collector has chosen to put the card up for auction instead.
The Story Behind the Rare Trading Card
The card, featuring a patch from the sleeve of Skenes’ jersey worn during his MLB debut, also includes the star pitcher’s autograph. This makes it one of the most valuable rookie cards in existence. The collector pulled the card from a 2024 Topps Chrome Update hobby box, which he received as a Christmas present from his parents.
Topps, the card manufacturer, shared diary entries from the young fan, detailing how he discovered the card on Christmas morning. His excitement was clear, as he described waking up early, unwrapping the gift, and realizing he had pulled an incredibly rare redemption card for Skenes.
The Pirates’ Response
While the collector declined the Pirates’ offer, the team hasn’t given up on trying to connect with him. Pirates owner Bob Nutting expressed his admiration for the young fan’s passion for baseball and invited him and his family for a special visit to meet Skenes and the team—either in Pittsburgh or when they play in Los Angeles.
The Pirates responded on social media, saying, “Well…we’re bummed that we won’t be seeing you behind home plate for 30 seasons. But we’d still love to bring you to Pittsburgh for a special day at PNC Park this season.”
Auction Plans and Charity Contribution
The rare Skenes card will officially go up for auction in March. According to Fanatics Collect, all proceeds from the sale will be donated to LA Fire Relief funds. Given the card’s significance and Skenes’ rising stardom, it is expected to attract high bids from serious collectors.
A Baseball Dream Come True
For the young collector, pulling such a valuable card was a dream come true. His diary entry revealed his excitement over convincing his parents to buy the hobby box and the unforgettable moment when he realized what he had in his hands. His passion for baseball cards and the thrill of the unexpected find highlight the magic of sports memorabilia collecting.
While the Pirates’ offer was undeniably tempting, the decision to auction the card for charity shows a maturity beyond his years. The young fan’s journey—from Christmas morning excitement to a potential record-breaking auction—has captivated baseball fans and collectors alike. His love for the game and his once-in-a-lifetime pull will be a story to remember.
