Texas Kindergartner’s Rare Discovery Goes Viral
It’s a story fit for the movies – a young, enthusiastic collector, a stroke of luck, and the unexpected response from the baseball world. Meet Champ Stutts, a six-year-old kindergartner from Texas with a passion for baseball cards that knows no bounds. With a collection exceeding a thousand cards already, Champ recently stumbled upon a gem – a “one of one” Paul Skenes Onyx card. This extraordinary find not only set the baseball card community abuzz but also caught the attention of the Pittsburgh Pirates and the man himself, Paul Skenes.
Champ’s moment of glory happened on an ordinary Monday when he opened a pack of cards, only to discover the ultra-rare Paul Skenes card. His sheer excitement, blissfully captured in a video by his mom Kristi and shared on their family TikTok account, “Stutts Family Fun,” swiftly turned into a viral sensation that warmed the hearts of many.
Among the countless viewers of the video was LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne, who just so happens to be Paul Skenes’ girlfriend. Livvy not only left a comment on the TikTok post but also made sure Skenes got wind of the adorable discovery. Champ shared, “She showed it to Paul Skenes, And Paul Skenes commented. I think he said, ‘You’re coming to one of my baseball games.’”
But the excitement didn’t stop there. The Pittsburgh Pirates, the team that Skenes plays for, leaped into action, reaching out to the Stutts family with a promise to send Champ a personalized Paul Skenes jersey. This gesture further solidified the magical moment for the young baseball fan, creating an unforgettable memory that will undoubtedly last a lifetime.
The love for baseball cards runs deep in the Stutts family. Champ’s father ignited the flame when he embarked on the quest for a Skenes Topps Chrome rookie patch card last November. Now, he has passed on his fervor for collecting to Champ, who is now spreading the joy to his two-year-old brother. The little one insists on snuggling up with cards every night, much to Champ’s amusement and occasional concern. He playfully cautions his sibling, “Bro, don’t bend it,” ensuring the more valuable cards remain in mint condition.
Even in the midst of all the attention, Champ remains humble and grateful for the overwhelming response. The vibrant Texas kindergartner has inadvertently captured the hearts of many, turning a simple card-opening moment into a heartwarming tale that resonates with fans of all ages.
As Champ’s story spreads far and wide, it serves as a reminder of the pure joy and excitement that baseball cards bring to collectors young and old. It also showcases how a shared passion for sports can bring people together in unexpected and heartwarming ways. This kindergartner from Texas has not only found a rare gem in his card collection but has also unearthed a treasure trove of memories that he will cherish for years to come.