A unique patch card autographed by Paul Skenes was found by an 11-year-old collector in Los Angeles, Topps announced Tuesday.
The first 1/1 rookie patch card from the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher and NL Rookie of the Year 2024 was part of Topps’ 2024 Chrome update bundle, released in November. The highly sought-after map is one of the most valuable pieces in the collection, so much so that Skenes’ own team was offering a bounty if it was found.
After the release of the set, the Pirates announced that anyone who found the Skenes card would be eligible for a number of prizes if they chose to accept it. Their deal includes two Pirates season tickets behind the plate for 30 years; the possibility of organizing a softball game with team alumni for 30 people at PNC Park; and a spring training experience that includes meeting with Skenes, batting practice at their facility and taking home two autographed Skenes jerseys.
Skenes’ girlfriend, LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne, added to loot offer a place to the winner in his suite during a Pirates game.
The identity of the collector has not been revealed.
Skenes, 22, is one of the best young players in MLB and will be a key part of the Pirates’ rotation moving forward. His rookie campaign was unforgettable, with the 22-year-old pitching 133 innings with 170 strikeouts and a 1.96 ERA. He was also the NL starting pitcher at All-Star Game.
