It was just an ordinary Monday for Champ Stutts, a six-year-old from Texas with a passion for collecting baseball cards. Little did he know that this particular day would be anything but average. As Champ eagerly tore into a pack of cards, his eyes widened in astonishment as he laid eyes on a rare treasure – a “one of one” Paul Skenes Onyx card. This remarkable find catapulted Champ into the spotlight of the baseball card world, leaving even seasoned collectors in awe of his luck and keen eye.
The excitement that bubbled within Champ was palpable and infectious, so much so that his mother, Kristi, couldn’t resist capturing the moment on video and sharing it on their family TikTok account, aptly named “Stutts Family Fun”. The video spread like wildfire, capturing the attention of LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne, who also happens to be Paul Skenes’ girlfriend. Livvy was quick to share the video with Skenes himself, setting off a chain of events that would leave Champ reeling in disbelief.
When Champ learned that his discovery had reached the ears of Paul Skenes, he was ecstatic. “She showed it to Paul Skenes,” Champ shared excitedly. “And Paul Skenes commented. I think he said, ‘You’re coming to one of my baseball games.’” The interaction didn’t end there; the Pittsburgh Pirates, too, caught wind of Champ’s phenomenal find and reached out to the Stutts family. In a heartwarming gesture, the Pirates promised to send Champ a Paul Skenes jersey, solidifying this moment as one for the ages in the young fan’s memory.
As it turns out, Champ’s love for baseball cards is more than just a passing interest – it’s a family affair. His father, who had been on the hunt for a Skenes Topps Chrome rookie patch card since last November, passed down his passion for collecting to his wide-eyed son. Now, Champ’s enthusiasm for the hobby is starting to rub off on his two-year-old brother, who has taken to sleeping with cards every night. However, Champ is quick to set boundaries, gently reminding his younger sibling to handle the more valuable cards with care and respect, showing a maturity beyond his years.
The Stutts family’s TikTok post documenting Champ’s rare find captured the hearts of viewers everywhere, including one Rangers fan who commented, “Getting up early for school isn’t fun until you hear this news! You and Paul are the absolute BEST!” It’s clear that Champ’s infectious joy and incredible discovery have not only brought happiness to his own family but have also touched the hearts of strangers who find delight in his serendipitous moment.
Champ Stutts’ unexpected tryst with fame through his discovery of the elusive Paul Skenes card serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary moments can come from the simplest of actions. In a world filled with chaos and uncertainties, Champ’s story shines brightly as a beacon of pure excitement, genuine passion, and the joy of a boy captivated by the magic of baseball cards.
