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Unique Paul Skenes MLB Debut Card Pulled by Young Collector
The exclusive autographed MLB debut patch card featuring Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes has been taken off the market.
An 11-year-old collector from Southern California was fortunate enough to uncover this rare card, which is part of the 2024 Topps Chrome Update set.
Skenes, who was honored as the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year, garnered substantial attention when his card was showcased in November. Following its announcement, the Pirates expressed a strong interest in acquiring the card.
The allure of Skenes’ MLB debut patch card, being a one-of-a-kind collectible, has made it particularly desirable among fans and collectors. While all autographed cards of Skenes are valuable, this special edition stands apart.
To incentivize the young collector, the Pirates proposed an enticing package of benefits, which includes a pair of premium season tickets for three years, an opportunity to meet Skenes, and autographed jerseys, among other perks.
Despite the card now being in the hands of its new owner, the Pirates reiterated that their offer remains open.
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“An 11-year-old collector just pulled the Paul Skenes 1/1 Debut Patch card! Our offer still stands… you know where to find us,” tweeted the Pirates on X this Tuesday.
“Let’s raise the stakes…the person who finds this card can sit with me at a Pirates game in my suite,” Dunne posted on her Instagram story.
In the 2024 season, Skenes, aged 22, impressed fans and analysts alike with his performance, finishing with an 11-3 record, a striking 1.96 ERA, and 170 strikeouts. His remarkable year also included recognition as an MLB All-Star, a testament to his talent after being the top pick in the 2023 MLB Draft and making his professional debut in May.
Rookie players have sported MLB debut patches on their jerseys since 2023, and Topps subsequently acquired these patches to create unique cards.
In November, Sports Collectors Digest estimated that the Paul Skenes card could potentially attract bids reaching into six figures, highlighting its rarity and the fervor surrounding Skenes’ burgeoning career.
As collectors and fans keep a close watch on this unique situation, Paul Skenes’ rise continues to captivate the baseball community.
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