For recent USC graduate Alec Word, the month of December was not just about celebrating his academic achievements but also about making a splash in the world of sports card collecting. Armed with a degree in Business Administration and Finance from USC, Alec found himself thrust into the spotlight of the hobby as he scored two rare MLB Debut Patch autograph cards that would cement his status as one of the luckiest collectors around.

Alec’s incredible streak began on a Saturday, December 7th when he paid a visit to Jaspy’s Sports Cards & Collectibles for the very first time. Engaging in the eager act of unwrapping packs of 2024 Topps Update Jumbo in-store, Alec stumbled upon a gem of a find: the 1/1 MLB Debut Patch autograph redemption card for Baltimore Orioles All-Star Jordan Westburg.

His initial reaction to the discovery? “I didn’t realize what it was at first,” Alec admitted. “The shop’s reaction clued me in—they were going crazy.” Maren Jaspersen, co-owner of Jaspy’s, fondly recalled the excitement, highlighting the thrill of witnessing Alec’s luck firsthand. “We were all absolutely thrilled for him! It was his first visit to our shop, and he walks away with a massive hit.”

MLB Debut Patch autograph cards, a coveted addition introduced in 2023 Topps products, stand out as prized possessions in the collectors’ realm. Each card boasts a unique patch sourced from a player’s jersey during their MLB debut, coupled with their autograph, ensuring that only one such card exists for each player, rendering them invaluable treasures. At the time of Alec’s remarkable find, close to 60% of the 2024 Topps Debut Patch cards had already made their way into the hands of dedicated collectors, making his discovery all the more extraordinary.

But Alec’s lucky streak was not about to end there. Returning to Jaspy’s on Tuesday, December 10th, Alec opted for Breaker’s Delight boxes, known for their enhanced odds of containing low-numbered cards. Opening these boxes at home while connecting with friends via FaceTime, Alec found himself hitting the jackpot for a second time, this instance scoring the live MLB Debut Patch autograph card for Jose Ferrer.

Overcome with astonishment, Alec expressed, “I couldn’t believe it. I started running around the house, yelling. It was unreal.” His foray back into card collecting had initially begun during the pandemic, serving as a means to bond with his brother, who was recuperating from back surgery. “It’s something fun we can do together,” Alec remarked, highlighting the sentimental value attached to the hobby.

Regarding the cards, Alec made the decision to part ways with the Westburg card, selling it to an Orioles supercollector while opting to retain the Ferrer card as a prized addition to his personal collection. Maren from Jaspy’s encapsulated the sentiment, emphasizing, “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 degree from USC’s prestigious Marshall School of Business and fueled by a profound love for sports, Alec aspires to merge his passion for the industry with his professional pursuits. Whether he’s hitting the jackpot in the world of sports cards or pursuing his career ambitions, Alec’s December is set to be etched in the annals of unforgettable moments.

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