USC Grad Scores Big with Two Rare Topps Debut Patch Cards
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For recent USC graduate Alec Word, December was unforgettable for more than just his academic milestone. After earning his Business Administration and Finance degree, Alec stepped into the sports card spotlight with back-to-back pulls of rare MLB Debut Patch autograph cards, solidifying his place as one of the hobby’s luckiest collectors.
On Saturday, December 7th, Alec visited Jaspy's Sports Cards & Collectibles for the first time. While opening packs of 2024 Topps Update Jumbo in-store, he unearthed an incredible find: the 1/1 MLB Debut Patch autograph redemption for Baltimore Orioles All-Star Jordan Westburg.
"I didn’t realize what it was at first," Alec shared. "The shop’s reaction clued me in—they were going crazy."
Maren Jaspersen, co-owner of Jaspy’s, recalled the excitement. "We were all absolutely thrilled for him! It was his first visit to our shop, and he walks away with a massive hit."
MLB Debut Patch autograph cards, introduced in 2023 Topps products, are among the most coveted in the hobby. Each card features a unique patch taken from a player’s jersey during their MLB debut, paired with their autograph. Only one card exists for each player, making them true treasures.
At the time of Alec’s pull, approximately 60% of the 2024 Topps Debut Patch cards had already been tracked by collectors, making his find even more remarkable.
But Alec’s streak wasn’t over.
On Tuesday, December 10th, he returned to Jaspy’s and purchased Breaker's Delight boxes, which have better odds of low-numbered cards. Opening them at home on FaceTime with friends, Alec struck gold again—this time pulling the live MLB Debut Patch autograph card for Jose Ferrer.
"I couldn’t believe it," Alec said. "I started running around the house, yelling. It was unreal."
Alec’s reentry into collecting began during the pandemic as a way to bond with his brother, who’s recovering from back surgery. "It’s something fun we can do together," Alec said.
As for the cards, Alec has already sold the Westburg to an Orioles supercollector but plans to keep the Ferrer for his personal collection.
Maren from Jaspy’s summed it up: "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."
With his degree from USC’s Marshall School of Business and a deep love for sports, Alec hopes to channel his passion into a career in the sports industry. Whether he’s hitting big in the card world or pursuing his professional goals, Alec’s December will be one for the books.
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