USC graduate Alec Word had more than just his diploma to celebrate in December. With a degree in Business Administration and Finance from USC’s Marshall School of Business in hand, Alec found himself thrust into the sports card limelight with not one but two remarkable pulls of rare MLB Debut Patch autograph cards, solidifying his status as one of the hobby’s luckiest collectors.
Alec’s journey into the realm of sports cards took an exciting turn on Saturday, December 7th, when he paid his first visit to Jaspy’s Sports Cards & Collectibles. As he eagerly ripped open packs of 2024 Topps Update Jumbo cards in-store, he stumbled upon a true gem: the 1/1 MLB Debut Patch autograph redemption card for Baltimore Orioles All-Star Jordan Westburg.
Recalling the moment, Alec shared, “I didn’t realize what it was at first. The shop’s reaction clued me in—they were going crazy.” Maren Jaspersen, co-owner of Jaspy’s, reflected on the excitement, saying, “We were all absolutely thrilled for him! It was his first visit to our shop, and he walks away with a massive hit.”
The MLB Debut Patch autograph cards, a coveted addition to the 2023 Topps products, boast a unique patch from a player’s MLB debut jersey paired with their autograph. With only one card in existence for each player, these cards are considered true treasures among collectors.
Alec’s luck didn’t end there. Returning to Jaspy’s on Tuesday, December 10th, he opted for Breaker’s Delight boxes known for their higher odds of low-numbered cards. During a FaceTime pack-opening session with friends at home, Alec’s fortune shone once more as he revealed the live MLB Debut Patch autograph card for Jose Ferrer.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Alec exclaimed. “I started running around the house, yelling. It was unreal.” His leap back into collecting was inspired by the pandemic, serving as a bonding activity with his brother, who is recuperating from back surgery. Alec described it as “something fun we can do together.”
Having already sold the Westburg card to an Orioles supercollector, Alec intends to hold onto the Ferrer card for his personal collection. Maren from Jaspy’s summed up Alec’s remarkable streak aptly, 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.”
With a degree from USC’s Marshall School of Business and a profound passion for sports, Alec aspires to merge his interests into a career within the sports industry. Whether navigating the highs of the card collecting world or steering towards his professional ambitions, Alec’s December surge will undoubtedly be etched into his memory as an exhilarating chapter.