11-Year-Old Los Angeles Boy Hits It Big: Baseball Card Sells for over $1 Million
LOS ANGELES (AP) — An 11-year-old boy from Los Angeles has become a millionaire after pulling a rare baseball card from a pack he received as a gift.
$1 million. Topps
Skenes Rookie Card Auctioned for $1.1 Million
The coveted card, pulled from a pack costing just over $200, features a game-worn patch from the debut of Paul Skenes, the
2024 National League Rookie of the Year. skenes is a starting pitcher for the MLB’s Pittsburgh Pirates.
Pirates’ Offer Declined
The Pirates where so eager to acquire the card that they offered:
- Two 30-year season tickets behind home plate
- A meet-and-greet with Skenes
- Two signed Skenes jerseys
- A chance to watch a Pirates game with Skenes’ girlfriend, Livvy Dunne
The young collector declined the offer, opting rather to auction the card. The card was sold for $1.1 million, according to
an announcement by Topps, the card manufacturer, on Thursday night, March 20.
Sixth-Highest Price in Baseball Card History
According to Topps, the sale marks the sixth-highest price ever paid for a baseball card and the second-highest for a
card featuring an active player. In 2020, a Mike Trout rookie card sold for nearly $4 million.
Skenes’ Reaction to Young Collector’s Find
The skenes card is valuable due to both its rarity and Skenes’ outstanding rookie season.The 22-year-old Skenes, who
resides in Orange County, expressed his satisfaction that a child had discovered the card, alleviating concerns that an
older collector would obtain it.
A Dream Come True
The boy documented his experience with the card in a series of diary entries posted by Topps on their social media pages
in January.
“I’m 11 years old,” the diary entry read. “So pulling this card is a dream come true.”
**What factors contributed to the unusual value of Paul Skenes’ rookie card, and how does this case exemplify the potential for high returns in baseball card collecting?**
11-Year-Old los Angeles Boy Hits It Big: Baseball Card Sells for over $1 Million
LOS ANGELES (AP) — An 11-year-old boy from Los Angeles has become a millionaire after pulling a rare baseball card from a pack he received as a gift.
$1 million. Topps
Skenes Rookie Card Auctioned for $1.1 Million
The coveted card, pulled from a pack costing just over $200, features a game-worn patch from the debut of Paul Skenes, the
2024 National League Rookie of the Year.skenes is a starting pitcher for the MLB’s Pittsburgh Pirates.
Pirates’ Offer Declined
The Pirates where so eager to acquire the card that they offered:
- Two 30-year season tickets behind home plate
- A meet-and-greet with Skenes
- Two signed Skenes jerseys
- A chance to watch a Pirates game with Skenes’ girlfriend, Livvy Dunne
The young collector declined the offer, opting rather to auction the card. The card was sold for $1.1 million, according to
an declaration by topps, the card manufacturer, on Thursday night, March 20.
Sixth-Highest Price in Baseball Card History
According to Topps, the sale marks the sixth-highest price ever paid for a baseball card and the second-highest for a
card featuring an active player. In 2020, a Mike trout rookie card sold for nearly $4 million.
Skenes’ Reaction to Young Collector’s Find
The skenes card is valuable due to both its rarity and Skenes’ outstanding rookie season.The 22-year-old Skenes,who
resides in Orange County,expressed his satisfaction that a child had discovered the card,alleviating concerns that an
older collector would obtain it.
A Dream Come True
The boy documented his experience with the card in a series of diary entries posted by Topps on their social media pages
in January.
“I’m 11 years old,” the diary entry read. “So pulling this card is a dream come true.”
Q&A: The Million-Dollar Baseball Card
Q: What made this Paul Skenes rookie card so valuable?
A: The card is exceptionally rare, featuring a game-worn patch from Skenes’ debut season, and it was graded a perfect PSA 10. this combination of factors—rarity, condition, and the player’s rising star—drove its value sky-high. Skenes was the National League Rookie of the Year in 2024, further boosting the card’s desirability.
Q: How much did the card cost initially?
A: The pack of cards from which the winning card was pulled cost just over $200. This amazing return on investment highlights the thrill and potential of collecting.
Q: What was the Pittsburgh Pirates’ offer for the card?
A: The Pirates were eager to get the card, offering two 30-year season tickets behind home plate, a meet-and-greet with Skenes, two signed jerseys, and even a chance to watch a game with Skenes’ girlfriend, Livvy Dunne.
Q: Is this the most expensive baseball card ever sold?
A: No, but it’s still incredibly high! This sale is the sixth-highest price ever for a baseball card and the second-highest for a card featuring an active player. A Mike Trout rookie card sold for nearly $4 million in 2020 holds the record.
Q: What are some tips for aspiring baseball card collectors?
A: Start by focusing on players you love or teams you support. Research grading companies like PSA and BGS to understand how cards are evaluated.Consider the condition of the card and the rarity of the card. Most importantly, enjoy the hobby!
Q: How did Paul Skenes react to the news?
A: Skenes was pleased that a young collector obtained the card, showing the positive impact of baseball on young fans.
Q: Where can you find more information about this story?
A: Follow Topps on social media to read the boy’s diary entries about finding the card. Additional details on the auction and the card can be found on various sports news outlets.
The story of this young collector and his million-dollar find is a reminder that dreams really can come true. Maybe it’s time to dust off your old collection!
