A lucky young baseball fan has found the golden ticket, now it’s time for him to run to the Pittsburgh Pirates and not stop until he gets there.
An 11-year-old collector from Los Angeles has pulled the one-of-one autographed Paul Skenes rookie card from Topps, and will be able to cash in on the treasure chest of rewards offered by the Pirates organization.
In return for the card, the Pirates are offering two season tickets behind home plate for 30 years, a softball game at PNC Park for 30 people, a meet and greet with Skenes at Pittsburgh’s spring training facility – LECOM Park – along with additional up close and personal experiences with the team.
Skenes, 22, had immense expectations after being selected first overall in the 2023 MLB amateur draft. He followed through and then some, bolting to the Majors the following season after only 12 minor-league appearances and winning the 2024 Rookie of the Year.
Despite Skenes’ pedigree, nobody could have predicted how the six-foot-six right hander would blow away the competition in his first major-league season. He finished with a blistering 1.96 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 170 strikeouts over 133.0 innings.
The one-of-one card includes an “MLB Debut” patch worn by Skenes during his electric first start, along with the rising superstar’s autograph.
The exceptional collectors item has also drawn offers from other celebrities.
Skenes’ girlfriend, LSU gymnast and social media influencer Livvy Dunne said the person who finds the card can sit with her in her suite at PNC Park.
Late night talk show host Seth Myers has offered four VIP tickets to a taping of his show for a chance to just see the card.
Pittsburgh hopes its godfather offer is one that cannot be refused, and plan to display the card at PNC Park for all attending Pirates’ fans to enjoy.
Now it’s up to the young fan what they value more, the priceless collectors item, or a tour of the Pirates chocolate factory.
