For recent USC graduate Alec Word, December turned out to be much more than just a celebratory period for earning his Business Administration and Finance degree. The young graduate stepped into the limelight of the sports card collecting community with an extraordinary stroke of luck that left many in awe of his fortune.
Alec’s journey into the realm of high-stakes collecting took a thrilling turn on December 7th when he ventured into Jaspy’s Sports Cards & Collectibles for the very first time. While casually opening packs of the 2024 Topps Update Jumbo in-store, Alec stumbled upon a once-in-a-lifetime discovery: the elusive 1/1 MLB Debut Patch autograph redemption card featuring Baltimore Orioles All-Star Jordan Westburg.
Reflecting on the moment, Alec shared, “I didn’t realize the magnitude of my find at first. The shop’s ecstatic reaction tipped me off—they were in a frenzy.”
Co-owner of Jaspy’s, Maren Jaspersen, fondly recounted the excitement that filled the store that day. “We were all absolutely thrilled for him! It was his inaugural visit to our shop, and he left with a major jackpot.”
The MLB Debut Patch autograph cards, introduced in the 2023 Topps line, stand out as some of the most sought-after treasures in the collecting world. Each card showcases a unique patch from a player’s jersey from their MLB debut game, coupled with their autograph. With only one card in existence for each player, these cards hold immense value for enthusiasts.
At the time Alec pulled his card, around 60% of the 2024 Topps Debut Patch cards had already been documented by collectors, rendering his discovery even more exceptional.
But Alec’s stroke of luck did not conclude there.
Returning to Jaspy’s on December 10th, he opted for Breaker’s Delight boxes known for their improved odds of containing low-numbered cards. Opening them in the comfort of his home via FaceTime with friends, Alec experienced another strike of luck—this time unearthing the live MLB Debut Patch autograph card for Jose Ferrer.
Overwhelmed with joy, Alec exclaimed, “I was in utter disbelief. I started sprinting around the house, shouting in sheer excitement. It felt surreal.”
Alec’s rekindled interest in collecting was sparked during the pandemic as a means to bond with his brother, who is recuperating from back surgery. “It’s a delightful activity we can enjoy together,” Alec expressed.
Regarding the cards, Alec swiftly sold the Westburg card to a devoted Orioles supercollector, but plans to preserve the Ferrer card for his personal collection.
Maren, representing Jaspy’s, encapsulated the sentiment succinctly: “His streak of luck left us dumbfounded. To pull off two phenomenal cards in just a span of a few days is precisely what makes this hobby so enthralling.”
Equipped with a prestigious degree from USC’s Marshall School of Business and a profound affection for sports, Alec aspires to channel his ardor into a promising career in the sports industry. Whether he is hitting the jackpot in the card collecting realm or pursuing his professional ambitions, Alec’s December saga will undoubtedly go down in history as one for the record books.
