For USC graduate Alec Word, December turned out to be an extraordinary month, filled with more than just the achievement of earning his Business Administration and Finance degree. This young enthusiast not only marked his academic milestone but stepped into the limelight of the sports card industry with back-to-back pulls of rare MLB Debut Patch autograph cards, solidifying his position as one of the hobby’s most fortunate collectors.
On a memorable Saturday, December 7th, Alec made his way to Jaspy’s Sports Cards & Collectibles for the very first time. While simply opening packs of 2024 Topps Update Jumbo in the store, he was met with an astonishing discovery: the 1/1 MLB Debut Patch autograph redemption for the Baltimore Orioles’ All-Star, Jordan Westburg.
“I didn’t realize the magnitude of it right away,” Alec shared. “The shop’s reaction made me aware, and they were absolutely ecstatic.”
Maren Jaspersen, the co-owner of Jaspy’s, fondly recalled the excitement surrounding Alec’s find. “We were all beyond thrilled for him! It was his inaugural visit to our shop, and he walks away with a monumental 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 hobby. Each card showcases a unique patch extracted from a player’s jersey during their MLB debut, coupled with their signature. These cards are exceedingly rare, with only one in existence for each player, adding to their allure.
At the time of Alec’s remarkable find, approximately 60% of the 2024 Topps Debut Patch cards had already been accounted for by collectors, rendering his discovery even more exceptional.
However, Alec’s stroke of luck did not conclude there.
Returning to Jaspy’s on Tuesday, December 10th, Alec opted for Breaker’s Delight boxes, known for offering improved odds of obtaining low-numbered cards. Opening these boxes at home via FaceTime with his friends, Alec experienced yet another stroke of luck as he pulled the live MLB Debut Patch autograph card for Jose Ferrer.
“I was in absolute disbelief,” Alec exclaimed. “I found myself running around the house, shouting with excitement. It felt surreal.”
Alec’s rekindled interest in card collecting began during the pandemic as a means to bond with his brother, who has been recuperating from back surgery. “It has become a fun activity that we can enjoy together,” Alec expressed.
Regarding the cards, Alec has already sold the Westburg card to an Orioles supercollector but intends to retain the Ferrer card for his personal collection.
Summing up Alec’s remarkable streak, Maren from Jaspy’s remarked, “We were amazed by his incredible luck. To pull off two cards of such rarity in such a short span—it truly encapsulates what makes this hobby so exhilarating.”
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. Be it hitting the jackpot in the world of card collecting or pursuing his professional aspirations, Alec’s December will undoubtedly be one for the history books.
