The search is over for the coveted debut patch card of Pittsburgh Pirates superstar Paul Skenes.
Skenes set the league ablaze with a historic rookie season. The young fireballer went 11-3 for the Pirates with a blistering 1.96 ERA and rookie franchise record 170 strikeouts. He was named an All-Star and won the National League Rookie of the Year Award in his rookie season, only causing the value of his rookie card to rise.
After months of searching, the Skenes card was finally found, according to Bleacher Report’s Mike Chiari.
“Topps announced Tuesday that an 11-year-old collector from Los Angeles pulled the coveted 1-of-1 autographed MLB debut patch card of Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes,” Chiari said. “Any Skenes autographed rookie card is valuable, but the MLB debut patch version is especially sought after since it is a one-of-a-kind collectible.”
“Shortly after the card was first shown, the Pirates announced their desire to acquire it. Before it was even pulled, the Pirates proactively offered a package of perks in exchange for the card, including two Pirates season tickets behind home plate for 30 years, the chance to play in a softball game at PNC Park, a VIP experience at Pirates training camp, a meet and greet with Skenes and two Skenes autographed jerseys. That offer still stands.”
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Beginning in 2023, rookies wear debut patches in their first career regular season game. Skenes’ popularity is unmatched, as were his numbers in his first year in the big leagues, leading to the value of his card skyrocketing. Pittsburgh’s future looks bright with Skenes leading the way.
More MLB: Paul Skenes Ready To Pitch More For Pirates In Upcoming Season
Featured image via Benny Sieu/Imagn Images