USC graduate Alec Word had an unexpected and thrilling December to remember. Not only did he successfully earn a degree in Business Administration and Finance from the prestigious Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California, but he also found himself in the spotlight of the sports card collecting world.
Alec’s journey into the realm of sports card collecting took a fortuitous turn when he visited Jaspy’s Sports Cards & Collectibles for the first time on December 7th. While casually opening packs of 2024 Topps Update Jumbo cards in-store, Alec stumbled upon a jaw-dropping discovery – the 1/1 MLB Debut Patch autograph redemption card for Baltimore Orioles All-Star Jordan Westburg.
The elation in the shop was palpable as Alec’s find sent shockwaves through the collecting community. Maren Jaspersen, the co-owner of Jaspy’s, fondly recollected the excitement that filled the store that day. Alec’s beginner’s luck seemed almost magical, especially considering it was his initial visit to the shop.
The MLB Debut Patch autograph cards, which made their debut in 2023 Topps products, hold a special place in the hearts of collectors. Featuring unique jersey patches from a player’s MLB debut paired with their autograph, these cards are highly sought after due to their exclusivity – only one card exists for each player. Alec’s luck was further highlighted by the fact that a significant portion of the 2024 Topps Debut Patch cards had already been claimed by collectors at the time of his find.
But Alec’s winning streak was far from over. Just a few days later, on December 10th, he revisited Jaspy’s and decided to try his hand at the Breaker’s Delight boxes known for their favorable odds of low-numbered cards. Opening the boxes at home while on a FaceTime call with friends, Alec experienced another stroke of luck – he pulled the live MLB Debut Patch autograph card for Jose Ferrer.
Overwhelmed with joy, Alec’s disbelief turned into jubilation as he shared his exhilarating discovery with his friends. The thrill of unexpectedly finding such rare and valuable cards back-to-back was a moment he would never forget.
Alec’s hobby of collecting sports cards began as a way to connect and have fun with his brother during the pandemic. It has since evolved into a passion that has brought him not only joy but also incredible success within the collecting community.
While Alec chose to part ways with the Westburg card by selling it to an enthusiastic Orioles supercollector, he decided to keep the Ferrer card for his personal collection, serving as a memento of his extraordinary streak of luck.
Maren, representing Jaspy’s, aptly summed up the situation, acknowledging the rarity of Alec’s feat and emphasizing how such moments of unexpected fortune are what make the hobby of sports card collecting so thrilling.
As Alec looks ahead to his future, combining his USC education with his love for sports, he aspires to carve out a career path in the sports industry. Whether he is making waves in the card collecting world or pursuing his professional ambitions, Alec’s December will forever be etched in his memory as a time filled with surprising victories and memorable milestones.
