For USC graduate Alec Word, December was more than just a month to celebrate his academic achievements. It marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey into the world of sports card collecting, where luck and passion collided to create a whirlwind of excitement and joy. Armed with his newly minted Business Administration and Finance degree from USC, Alec ventured into the realm of sports cards and emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the hobby world.
Alec’s remarkable streak began on Saturday, December 7th, when he made his inaugural visit to Jaspy’s Sports Cards & Collectibles. Delving into packs of the 2024 Topps Update Jumbo in-store, Alec stumbled upon a treasure trove: the elusive 1/1 MLB Debut Patch autograph redemption card featuring Baltimore Orioles’ All-Star, Jordan Westburg.
Initially caught off guard by his find, Alec’s amazement only grew as he witnessed the shop’s reaction. Maren Jaspersen, co-owner of Jaspy’s, reminisced about the moment, describing the jubilation that filled the store. “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 the 2023 Topps products, are highly sought after by collectors for their unique nature. Each card showcases a distinct patch from a player’s MLB debut jersey, combined with their autograph, creating a one-of-a-kind collectible. With only one card in existence for each player, they hold a special place in the hearts of collectors worldwide.
At the time of Alec’s discovery, a significant portion of the 2024 Topps Debut Patch cards had already been snatched up by avid collectors, making his find all the more exceptional.
But Alec’s winning streak was far from over.
Returning to Jaspy’s on Tuesday, December 10th, Alec opted for Breaker’s Delight boxes, known for their favorable odds of containing low-numbered cards. Engaging in a virtual pack opening session on FaceTime with friends, Alec experienced a stroke of luck once again—this time securing the live MLB Debut Patch autograph card of Jose Ferrer.
Overwhelmed with disbelief and exhilaration, Alec vividly recalls the moment of his second triumph. “I couldn’t believe it. I started running around the house, yelling. It was unreal.”
Alec’s rekindled interest in collecting sparked during the pandemic, serving as a bonding activity with his brother, who was recovering from back surgery. “It’s something fun we can do together,” Alec shared, highlighting the sentimental value that collecting holds for him.
While Alec has already parted ways with the Westburg card, selling it to an Orioles supercollector, he intends to preserve the Ferrer card for his personal collection, adding to the tapestry of his collecting journey.
Maren from Jaspy’s encapsulated the sentiment perfectly, “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.”
Armed with his USC degree from the renowned Marshall School of Business and a profound affection for sports, Alec aspires to channel his passion into a career within the sports industry. Whether he’s making waves in the world of sports cards or pursuing his professional ambitions, Alec’s December escapade will certainly be etched in his memory as a period of unparalleled excitement and triumph.
