For recent USC graduate Alec Word, the month of December marked a significant milestone beyond just donning his cap and gown to collect his Business Administration and Finance degree. This period turned into a whirlwind of unprecedented luck and thrill when he made an unexpected entry into the realm of sports card collecting. Alec’s knack for rare pulls quickly propelled him into the limelight, establishing his reputation as one of the hobby’s most fortunate enthusiasts.
Setting foot into Jaspy’s Sports Cards & Collectibles on Saturday, December 7th, was a move that would forever alter Alec’s collector journey. As he delved into packs of the 2024 Topps Update Jumbo on that fateful day, he stumbled upon a rare gem: the 1/1 MLB Debut Patch autograph redemption card for Baltimore Orioles’ All-Star Jordan Westburg.
Initially unaware of the card’s significance, Alec’s realization dawned upon witnessing the shop’s elated reactions. Maren Jaspersen, the co-owner of Jaspy’s, fondly recounted the extraordinary moment, “We were all over the moon for him! To land such a massive hit on his inaugural visit to our store was truly remarkable.”
The MLB Debut Patch autograph cards introduced in the 2023 Topps collection stand as some of the most sought-after treasures in the collecting sphere. Each card boasts a distinctive patch sourced from a player’s jersey during their MLB debut, coupled with their autograph. With only one card in existence for each player, these cards hold immense value and rarity, adding to their allure.
At the time of Alec’s exhilarating discovery, a staggering 60% of the 2024 Topps Debut Patch cards had already been accounted for by avid collectors, making his find all the more exceptional and noteworthy.
But Alec’s streak of luck was far from over.
Returning to Jaspy’s on Tuesday, December 10th, Alec delved into Breaker’s Delight boxes, known for their heightened odds of containing low-numbered cards. Excitedly unwrapping the packs at home while on a FaceTime call with friends, Alec was met with yet another stroke of fortune—this time snagging the live MLB Debut Patch autograph card for Jose Ferrer.
Overwhelmed by his incredible luck, Alec expressed, “I was in disbelief. I began running around the house, shouting. It felt surreal.”
Alec’s rekindled interest in collecting ignited during the pandemic, serving as a bonding activity with his brother who is currently recuperating from a back surgery. “It’s a fun pastime that we can share,” Alec remarked.
While Alec opted to part ways with the Westburg card, selling it to an avid Orioles supercollector, he intends to preserve the Ferrer card within his personal collection—a cherished memento of his remarkable collecting journey.
Maren from Jaspy’s encapsulated the sentiment aptly, “His streak of luck left us astounded. To secure two such extraordinary cards in just a span of a few days encapsulates the sheer excitement that the hobby exudes.”
Armed with a degree from USC’s esteemed Marshall School of Business and an unwavering passion for sports, Alec aspires to channel his fervor into a career within the sports industry. Whether hitting jackpots in the card collecting domain or pursuing his professional endeavors, Alec’s December escapade will undeniably be etched as a momentous chapter in his story.
