Alec Word, a recent graduate from the University of Southern California, had a December to remember that went beyond the confines of academia. Following the completion of his degree in Business Administration and Finance, he found himself thrust into the limelight of the sports card world by striking gold with two back-to-back rare MLB Debut Patch autograph cards, cementing his status as a fortunate and skilled collector.
It all began on an ordinary Saturday, December 7th, when Alec decided to visit Jaspy’s Sports Cards & Collectibles for the first time. While casually opening packs of the 2024 Topps Update Jumbo series in-store, his luck took a dramatic turn. To his shock and amazement, he uncovered the highly sought-after 1/1 MLB Debut Patch autograph redemption card for Baltimore Orioles All-Star, Jordan Westburg.
Initially oblivious to the rarity and value of his find, Alec’s realization dawned upon him as the shop’s atmosphere erupted in excitement. Maren Jaspersen, the co-owner of Jaspy’s, fondly recalled the moment, emphasizing the sheer thrill they all felt for Alec, a first-time visitor, who walked away with a monumental hit.
The MLB Debut Patch autograph cards, introduced in the 2023 Topps products, are renowned for their desirability among collectors, featuring a distinctive patch from a player’s MLB debut jersey paired with their autograph. With only one card in existence for each player, they are truly coveted treasures within the hobby. At the time of Alec’s discovery, a significant portion of the 2024 Topps Debut Patch cards had already been claimed by eager collectors, rendering his find even more exceptional.
Just when Alec thought he had reached the pinnacle of his collecting endeavors, fate had another surprise in store for him. Three days later, on December 10th, he returned to Jaspy’s and opted for Breaker’s Delight boxes known for their improved odds of containing low-numbered cards. Opening the boxes at home while on FaceTime with friends, Alec was struck by lightning twice as he unveiled the live MLB Debut Patch autograph card for Jose Ferrer.
Overwhelmed by his improbable luck, Alec described his jubilation at the second find, recounting how he couldn’t contain his excitement and ended up jubilantly running around the house while yelling in disbelief. His renewed passion for collecting cards had initially blossomed during the pandemic, serving as a means to bond with his brother undergoing recovery from back surgery. Alec highlighted how the shared hobby had brought joy and camaraderie to their time together.
While Alec decided to part ways with the Westburg card, having successfully sold it to an Orioles supercollector, he has resolved to retain the Ferrer card as a cherished piece in his personal collection. Maren Jaspersen of Jaspy’s encapsulated the sentiment surrounding Alec’s incredible streak, marveling at his extraordinary fortune and emphasizing how such moments epitomize the sheer thrill and excitement of the hobby.
Armed with his prestigious degree from USC’s Marshall School of Business and a profound love for sports, Alec aspires to merge his passion with a career in the sports industry. Whether making waves in the world of sports cards or pursuing his professional ambitions, Alec’s December will undoubtedly stand as a remarkable chapter in his life’s narrative, filled with unexpected twists and exhilarating triumphs.
