The Pirates must really be into card collecting…
Pittsburgh is offering an insane reward for the lucky fan who pulls a one-of-one Paul Skenes rookie card that will soon be introduced into circulation by Topps.
What could you win? It’s a pretty hefty package of perks, including 30 years’ worth of season tickets at PNC Park, a softball game for 30 people at PNC Park (which includes coaching from select team legends), a special spring training experience and two signed Skenes jerseys, among other prizes.
Topps revealed a sneak preview of the card, which features a patch that was on Skenes’ jersey during his debut game against the Chicago Cubs on May 11, 2024.
Why is the card so special? It’s a fair question — especially if you take into consideration that there are only so many things the franchise could do with it — but the hobby of collecting sports cards has exploded in recent seasons and even priced out a large number of collectors. The Pirates’ massive offer is just another example.
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Skenes authored a magnificent rookie season for the Pirates in 2024, making the All-MLB first team and finishing as a finalist for the National League Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards after posting an 11-3 record, 1.96 ERA, and 11.5 K/9 across 133 innings. He’s good, but a card with a random patch costing that much?
Insane.
More Pirates: Pirates Hurler Paul Skenes Makes 2024 All-MLB First Team
Featured image via Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images