USC graduate Alec Word must have thought December couldn’t get any better after completing his degree in Business Administration and Finance. Little did he know, the sports card gods had something extraordinary in store for him, propelling him into the spotlight of the collecting world.
Alec’s serendipitous journey began on Saturday, December 7th, when he made his inaugural visit to Jaspy’s Sports Cards & Collectibles. Excitement filled the air as he ripped into packs of the 2024 Topps Update Jumbo series, revealing a true treasure: the 1/1 MLB Debut Patch autograph redemption card featuring Baltimore Orioles All-Star Jordan Westburg.
Initial disbelief quickly turned to elation as Alec realized the magnitude of his find, especially when he noticed the shop’s ecstatic reaction. Maren Jaspersen, co-owner of Jaspy’s, described the moment as a collective rush of joy, noting that Alec’s luck was truly remarkable for a first-time visitor.
The MLB Debut Patch autograph cards, a sought-after rarity introduced in 2023 Topps products, hold a special place in collectors’ hearts. Each card showcases a distinct patch cut from a player’s jersey during their MLB debut, coupled with their autograph. The scarcity of these cards, with only one in existence for each player, elevates them to the status of coveted gems within the hobby.
Even more impressively, Alec’s luck didn’t stop there.
A mere three days later, on December 10th, Alec found himself drawn back to Jaspy’s, this time snagging Breaker’s Delight boxes known for their enhanced odds of containing low-numbered cards. During a thrilling FaceTime unboxing session with friends, Alec experienced a second stroke of fortune, pulling the live MLB Debut Patch autograph card for Jose Ferrer.
The jubilation was palpable as Alec recounted his elation, vividly describing how he couldn’t contain his excitement and resorted to sprinting around his house, letting out triumphant yells. This second significant pull only solidified Alec’s status as one of the hobby’s luckiest collectors.
Alec’s venture into collecting initially blossomed as a means of bonding with his brother, who is undergoing recovery from back surgery. The shared enjoyment of collecting cards provided a source of fun and connection for the siblings during challenging times.
While Alec has already parted ways with the Westburg card, selling it to an enthusiastic Orioles supercollector, he has decided to keep the Ferrer card as a cherished addition to his personal collection. Maren from Jaspy’s aptly captured the essence of Alec’s incredible fortune, stating that pulling two cards of such caliber in such a short timeframe epitomizes the thrill and allure of the hobby.
Armed with his USC Marshall School of Business degree and an unwavering love for sports, Alec aspires to merge his passion for collectibles with a prospective career in the sports industry. Whether he’s making waves in the world of card collecting or pursuing his professional dreams, Alec’s December will undoubtedly be etched in his memory as a month of unparalleled excitement and success.
