For Alec Word, a recent graduate of USC, December will forever be etched in his memory as more than just a month of academic accomplishment. Despite earning a degree in Business Administration and Finance, it was his foray into the sports card realm that truly set his month on fire. With two remarkable pulls of rare Topps MLB Debut Patch autograph cards, Alec solidified his status as one of the luckiest and most envied collectors in the hobby.
Alec’s extraordinary card-collecting journey began on Saturday, December 7th, when he made his inaugural visit to Jaspy’s Sports Cards & Collectibles. As he cracked open packs of the highly sought-after 2024 Topps Update Jumbo series in-store, he stumbled upon a true gem: the 1/1 MLB Debut Patch autograph redemption card for Baltimore Orioles All-Star Jordan Westburg.
In Alec’s own words, “I didn’t realize what it was at first. The shop’s reaction clued me in—they were going crazy.” Maren Jaspersen, the co-owner of Jaspy’s, recalled the excitement that filled the room, 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, introduced in 2023 Topps products, hold a special place in the hearts of collectors for their rarity and unique design. Featuring a distinctive patch taken from a player’s jersey during their major league debut, paired with their autograph, these cards are considered true treasures within the hobby. With only one card in existence for each player, the stakes are high and the excitement palpable.
At the time of Alec’s remarkable pull, collectors had already tracked around 60% of the 2024 Topps Debut Patch cards, making his discovery even more exceptional.
Yet, Alec’s stroke of luck didn’t end there. Just three days later, on December 10th, he returned to Jaspy’s and decided to try his hand at Breaker’s Delight boxes, known for their enhanced odds of yielding low-numbered cards. Opening the boxes at home while on a FaceTime call with friends, Alec experienced another thrill—a live MLB Debut Patch autograph card, this time for Jose Ferrer.
Recalling the moment, Alec expressed his disbelief, “I couldn’t believe it. I started running around the house, yelling. It was unreal.” The combination of shock and elation is a familiar sensation to many collectors who know the rush of finding a particularly valuable or rare card.
Alec’s return to the world of card collecting was sparked during the pandemic as a means to bond with his brother, who was recuperating from back surgery. “It’s something fun we can do together,” Alec shared, emphasizing the joy and camaraderie that can stem from shared hobbies and interests.
While Alec has already parted ways with the Westburg card, selling it to an Orioles supercollector, he has decided to hold onto the Ferrer card for his personal collection, a testament to the sentimental value and attachment collectors often develop with their prized cards.
Summing up Alec’s incredible stroke of luck, Maren from Jaspy’s concluded, “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 his educational background from USC’s prestigious Marshall School of Business and a deep-seated passion for sports, Alec aspires to combine his love for the game with a career in the sports industry. Whether he is making waves in the card collecting world or pursuing his professional aspirations, Alec’s December will undoubtedly be a chapter to remember and cherish for years to come.
