For Alec Word, a recent graduate from the University of Southern California (USC), December turned out to be a month to remember. Besides the excitement of completing his studies in Business Administration and Finance, Alec found himself thrust into the spotlight of the sports card collecting world with not one, but two rare pulls of MLB Debut Patch autograph cards, cementing his status as a standout collector in the hobby.
Alec’s incredible journey began on a Saturday, December 7th, when he paid a visit to Jaspy’s Sports Cards & Collectibles for the very first time. While opening packs of the 2024 Topps Update Jumbo series in-store, Alec discovered a true gem: the elusive 1/1 MLB Debut Patch autograph redemption for Baltimore Orioles’ All-Star player, Jordan Westburg.
Initially taken aback by his find, Alec 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, vividly recalled the excitement in the air, stating, “We were all absolutely thrilled for him! It was his first visit to our shop, and he walks away with a massive hit.”
These MLB Debut Patch autograph cards, introduced in the 2023 Topps products, are highly sought after in the collecting community. Each card features a one-of-a-kind patch cut from a player’s jersey during their debut in Major League Baseball, paired with their autograph. With only one card in existence for each player, these cards are considered priceless treasures by collectors worldwide.
At the time of Alec’s remarkable pull, around 60% of the 2024 Topps Debut Patch cards had already been claimed by collectors, adding to the rarity and prestige of his find.
Just when Alec thought his luck had peaked, fate had another surprise in store for him. On Tuesday, December 10th, he revisited Jaspy’s and decided to try his chances with Breaker’s Delight boxes, known for offering improved odds of landing low-numbered cards. Opening the boxes at home while on a FaceTime call with friends, Alec’s luck shone through once again as he uncovered the live MLB Debut Patch autograph card for Jose Ferrer.
Overwhelmed by his astonishing back-to-back discoveries, Alec exclaimed, “I couldn’t believe it. I started running around the house, yelling. It was unreal.” As for his journey into the world of collecting, Alec revealed that it all began during the pandemic as a means of bonding with his brother, who was recuperating from back surgery. “It’s something fun we can do together,” Alec shared.
While Alec has already parted ways with the Westburg card, selling it to a dedicated Orioles supercollector, he has decided to hold onto the Ferrer card for his personal keepsake collection.
Maren, from Jaspy’s, encapsulated the collective amazement felt by all involved, saying, “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 prestigious degree from USC’s Marshall School of Business and a deep-seated passion for sports, Alec aspires to merge his interests into a successful career within the sports industry. Whether he’s hitting the jackpot in the card collecting world or pursuing his professional goals, Alec’s December escapades are sure to be etched in his memory for years to come.
