1/1 Paul Skenes MLB Rookie Debut Patch Autograph Has Been Found

The card, which is a crown jewel throughout the hobby, had seen Pittsburgh Pirates place a considerable trade “ransom” while other folks throughout the hobby have speculated that the card could fetch upwards of $500,000 in an auction setting.
Paul Skenes MLB Rookie Debut Patch Autograph - Has Been Found
Paul Skenes MLB Rookie Debut Patch Autograph - Has Been Found / Topps via X (formally Twitter) | https://x.com/Topps/status/1881756640476832250
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The world of sports cards has once again been set ablaze by a remarkable discovery of the coveted MLB Debut Patch Autograph Card of Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates' pitching phenom, has been found by none other than an 11-year-old collector in California. This extraordinary find has captivated the hobby, given the extreme rarity of one of the hobby’s most sought after modern-day cards.

Paul Skenes, selected as the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, has been a sensation both on and off the field. Known for his overpowering fastball and poise on the mound, the hype surrounding Skenes has been relentless. Topps, recognizing his star power, introduced a unique subset of cards featuring MLB Debut Patches, each one-of-a-kind and directly worn by players during their debut games and then subsequently signed. Skenes' patch card, as expected, was the crown jewels of the set.

Livvy Dunne Raises The Offer For Paul Skenes Card

It was such a crown jewel throughout the hobby, that even the Pittsburgh Pirates placed a considerable trade “ransom” on the card itself, and is featured below. The “ransom” on the card, offers significant memorabilia, autographed items, and potentially even monetary compensation to acquire it for their archives.

The $20,750 Superfractor: Paul Skenes’ Cards Are the Hobby’s New Gold Standard

The story of the young collector purchased a pack of Topps cards with his allowance at a local hobby shop in Los Angeles. Unbeknownst to him, tucked inside the pack was the Paul Skenes Debut Patch Card. The reaction of both the young boy and his family upon realizing the magnitude of the find has been described as sheer disbelief and jubilation.

For collectors and investors alike, this card represents a potential fortune. It is not just another piece of retail cardboard but a tangible connection to Skenes' debut, a memento of his journey from college phenom at LSU to professional stardom with the Pirates. Such a move underscores the card's cultural and historical value to the franchise.

Topps Now: Livvy Dunne & Paul Skenes Are Taking the Hobby By Storm!

As for the yound collector, this discovery could be life-changing. High-end collectors and investors have already expressed interest, with some speculating the card could fetch upwards of $500,000 in an auction setting. If handled wisely, this could mark the beginning of a substantial financial opportunity for the young collector and his family.

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the New York Yankees
Sep 28, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The excitement surrounding this card mirrors the broader hype around Paul Skenes. Seen as a generational talent, his rookie cards and memorabilia are skyrocketing in value, reflecting not only his current performance but the immense expectations placed upon him. For the hobby as a whole, stories like Jacob’s remind us of the joy and unpredictability that make collecting so special.


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Matt Schilling
MATT SCHILLING

Passionate sports card collector and writer based in Queens, NY. Lifelong fan of the New York Mets, Jets, and Rangers. Covering sports cards and collectibles with deep industry knowledge and enthusiasm, while bringing a fresh perspective to the ever-evolving hobby world on http://SI.com/collectibles.