An 11-year-old collector rejected a generous offer from the Pittsburgh Pirates for his autographed Paul Skenes rookie card, opting instead to auction it off. The Pirates offered a tempting package including season tickets, a chance to play on the field, and autographed memorabilia. Even Skenes' girlfriend, Livvy Dunne, offered a perk to the card owner. The auction will benefit fire relief funds in Los Angeles.
An 11-year-old baseball card collector from Southern California has turned down a lucrative offer from the Pittsburgh Pirates for his prized possession: the autographed MLB debut patch card of rising star pitcher Paul Skenes . The card, featured in the 2024 Topps Chrome Update set, is considered one-of-a-kind and holds significant value due to Skenes' exceptional rookie season.
The Pirates, eager to acquire the card, presented a compelling package of perks, including premium season tickets for three decades, a chance to play softball on the field, a meet and greet with Skenes, and autographed jerseys. Even Skenes' girlfriend, LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne, offered an incentive, promising to let the card owner sit with her at a Pirates game in her suite. However, the young collector, who described obtaining the card as a 'dream come true,' opted to send it to auction with Fanatics Collect instead. The auction is scheduled for March, and Fanatics Collect has pledged to donate the proceeds to fire relief funds in the Los Angeles area. The Pirates expressed disappointment at missing out on the opportunity to reclaim the card but extended an invitation to the collector to attend a game during the 2025 season. Skenes' remarkable rookie season, culminating in a National League Rookie of the Year Award, has fueled the hype surrounding his future in baseball. He finished with an 11-3 record, a 1.96 ERA, and 170 strikeouts, earning a spot on the MLB All-Star team and finishing third in NL Cy Young Award voting. Drafted first overall in 2023, Skenes made his major league debut in May 2024. The rookie debut patch cards, introduced in 2023, have become highly sought-after collectibles, with Skenes' card potentially reaching significant value due to his young age and promising career trajectory. Skenes, however, remains focused on the present, prioritizing the Pirates' success in 2025 and expressing no immediate thoughts about signing a long-term contract with the team. He becomes eligible for free agency after the 2029 season. This story highlights the extraordinary rise of Paul Skenes and the fervent passion surrounding baseball collectibles. The young collector's decision to auction the card underscores its value and the potential for significant financial gain. Meanwhile, Skenes continues to make his mark on the baseball world, showcasing his exceptional skills and becoming a central figure in the Pirates' future aspirations.
PAUL SKENES MLB ROOKIE CARD COLLECTOR PITTSBURGH PIRATES AUCTION FANATICS COLLECT LIVVY DUNNE
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