In an unexpected, record-setting turn of events in the world of sports memorabilia, Pittsburgh Pirates sensation Paul Skenes has once again captured headlines, but this time it wasn’t for a dazzling performance on the mound. No, it was his cardboard doppelganger—the 2024 Topps Chrome Update MLB debut patch autograph card—that made waves by fetching a cool $1.11 million at auction this past Thursday, including the buyer’s premium. This marks the highest known sale price for any modern baseball card that doesn’t feature Mike Trout, whose own iconic rookie card graced an astoundingly high $3.9 million in August 2020.
For avid collectors and Skenes fans alike, this news is as exhilarating as a pennant-winning homerun. With his base salary for 2025 standing at a comparatively humble $875,000, it’s remarkable to think that a piece of cardboard bearing his image and autograph could eclipse his annual earnings. And yet, here we are, in an era where sports memorabilia continues to defy conventional valuations and where the identity of the buyer, cloaked in mystery, tantalizes the imagination of fans and pundits alike.
The masterpiece in question is a singular, veritable treasure within the trading card community: an inscribed card featuring Skenes’ genuine autograph and a textile snippet lovingly sourced from his Pittsburgh Pirates debut uniform. Curated under MLB’s exclusive trading card license by topps for the 2023 season, it’s not merely a card—it’s a beacon of baseball history.
Before this unprecedented sale, the most a Skenes card had been sold for was $150,000 for Anthony Volpe’s private card. Yet Skenes has managed to skyrocket beyond those already lofty benchmarks, further cementing his legend—and the legend of his card—within the pantheon of modern baseball card collecting.
The card is not the only thing of Skenes garnering attention. His accolades include being the National League’s All-Star Game starting pitcher, a Cy Young finalist, and the 2024 Rookie of the Year—a testament to his undeniable prowess on the diamond and the reason collectors have flocked to secure a piece of his rising stock.
The story behind this grand sale takes a delightfully heartwarming twist, too. The initial acquisition involved a Christmas gift to an unsuspecting 11-year-old Dodgers fan from Los Angeles. The child discovered a redeemable Skenes card hidden within his present, going on to make waves when the Pirates themselves reportedly dangled a tempting bounty to procure it. The offer included lifetime season tickets, personal encounters with Skenes, memorabilia, and tantalizing glimpses behind the curtain at Pirate facilities.
Even Skenes’ girlfriend, internet personality Livvy Dunne, threw her support into the mix, offering to host the young cardholder at a Pirates event in her personal suite. Reputedly even Seth Meyers, known for his comedic charm, hinted at a VIP viewing experience, all to bask in the glory of the elusive Skenes card.
Ever the pragmatists, and unruffled by their newfound fame, the family parried these offers and began conversing with auction houses. By early January, they had aligned themselves with Fanatics Collect, who helped bring the piece to market. Fanatics went so far as to personally fly the card for grading by PSA, ensuring it met the highest standards for the eventual sale. Kevin Lenane, Fanatics’ Marketplace vice president, recounted the almost-espionage-level security measures taken during the card’s journey, recalling the shadowy appeal—and danger?—associated with such a valuable piece.
The card garnered immense attention at the glitzy Fanatics’ Super Bowl LIX party, where it was displayed like a piece of fine art, replete with a meticulously secure protective case. This slick setup piqued the public’s curiosity even further, triggering a storm of social media exchanges and fervent inquires from eager collectors and enamored fans alike.
As for the proceeds, they are promised to secure the educational futures of the lucky 11-year-old and his sibling. According to strategic planner Kevin Lenane, while a smattering of funds might feasibly serve future collectibles pursuits, their lion’s share is being wisely squirreled away for college savings—an investment arguably as substantial as the card itself.
Fanatics, stewards of this remarkable tale, have teased potential future collaborations and meet-ups between Skenes and his youngest fan. With bated breath, we await what new chapter awaits this card, its original possessor, and the sporting icon it captures. Here’s hoping their paths cross once more; after all, in baseball, as in life, it’s often the unexpected turns that yield the most profound stories.
