An extraordinary baseball card featuring Paul Skenes has fetched an impressive $1.11 million following a two-week auction. This debut patch card, signed by Skenes and adorned with a piece of fabric from his jersey during his celebrated major league debut in May, drew 64 bids. The final price, inclusive of a 20% buyer's premium, was announced late Thursday by Fanatics Collect, according to the AP. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to the LA Fire Relief Fund. The young pitcher, aged 22, is set to earn $875,000 this season with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
This exclusive collectible, part of the Topps Chrome Update series, has captured the imagination typically reserved for legendary items linked to Hall of Famers such as Honus Wagner, Mickey Mantle, and Ken Griffey Jr. With only 91 cards produced in its first year in 2023 and 251 last year, the debut patch cards have piqued the interest of both emerging players and seasoned collectors. However, it is Skenes' card that has garnered the most attention, driven by his rising fame, the influence of his girlfriend Livvy Dunne, an LSU gymnast and social media personality, and a substantial offer made by the Pirates to secure the card.
The card initially came into possession of an 11-year-old boy from the Los Angeles area, who found the redemption code within a pack gifted to him at Christmas. Despite the Pirates' tempting offer, the young owner opted to entrust the card to Fanatics Collect, which has provided meticulous care for the past two months. Skenes, who was named National League Rookie of the Year after achieving an impressive record of 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA in 23 starts for Pittsburgh last year, is scheduled to start for the Pirates on opening day next week.
Fanatics Collect plans to channel all profits from the sale into supporting the LA Fire Relief Fund, underscoring the broader community impact of this high-profile transaction. The journey of this unique card highlights the intersection of sports, celebrity culture, and the burgeoning market for rare memorabilia, capturing public fascination and setting new standards in the world of collectibles.