Paul Skenes’ Rookie Card Sells for Record $1.11 Million
In a jaw-dropping turn of events, the sports memorabilia world was set ablaze when a Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes’ 2024 Topps Chrome Update MLB debut patch autograph card sold for an astonishing $1.11 million, including buyer’s premium, on Thursday. This sale not only set a new record for a Skenes card but also marked the most expensive modern, non-Mike Trout baseball card ever sold. For context, a 1-of-1 Trout rookie card fetched $3.9 million in August 2020, which was then the most expensive sports card of all time.
The identity of the buyer remains a mystery, adding an air of intrigue to this already captivating story. The card was sold through Fanatics Collect, a company that has become a significant player in the sports memorabilia market.
What makes this card so special? It’s a 1-of-1 numbered, on-card autographed card that includes a patch Skenes wore on his Pirates uniform during his MLB debut. This unique feature is part of a concept that MLB exclusive trading card licensee Topps introduced for the 2023 season, making it a highly sought-after collectible.
Before Skenes’ card made headlines, the highest amount paid for a similar card was $150,000 in a private sale for Anthony Volpe‘s card last summer. Additionally, Jackson Holiday‘s MLB debut patch autograph card sold for $198,000, including buyer’s premium, in the same auction as Skenes’ card.
The fervor surrounding Skenes’ card can be attributed to his impressive achievements as the NL’s All-Star Game starting pitcher, a Cy Young finalist, and Rookie of the Year in 2024. This past Christmas, an 11-year-old Dodgers fan from Los Angeles, whose family has chosen to remain anonymous, pulled the Skenes redemption card from his lone Christmas present.
The Pirates made a generous offer to acquire the card, including 30 years of season tickets, a meet-and-greet with Skenes, two signed jerseys, and various private PNC Park and spring training experiences. Skenes’ girlfriend, LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne, even offered to host the cardholder for a Pirates game in her suite. Seth Meyers, host of “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” also extended a VIP experience just to see the card.
However, the family decided to decline these offers. Instead, they began discussions with auction houses in early January and ultimately chose Fanatics Collect. Kevin Lenane, Fanatics’ Marketplace vice president, personally flew to Texas to collect the Skenes card.
“This was complicated by the fact that the family was evacuated from where they were in Los Angeles multiple times,” Lenane explained. “I got the card from Topps in Texas and brought it to the family out there, then the following day, graded it for them [with card grader PSA] and brought it back to New York.”
During the flight to California, the pilot learned about Lenane’s heavily insured cargo, which was securely tucked away in a protective case.
“I discreetly shared it with him [and] he wanted a picture,” Lenane, the former president of PSA, recounted. “I honestly felt like Ed McMahon, bringing this check to an excited, modest southern California family. A lot of times with larger items, you’ll spend a bunch of money and make a bunch of money; in this case, the family bought one box of cards for a few hundred bucks and this is the outcome. It was a pleasure to be able to bring it to them.”
The card also became a highlight at Fanatics’ Super Bowl LIX party in February, where it was encased on a wall for viewing. Fanatics Collect CEO Nick Bell described the scene as “felt a little like the Mona Lisa” due to the line of people eager to catch a glimpse of the rare collectible.
The 11-year-old who pulled the card is a fan of Shohei Ohtani but is still looking forward to meeting Skenes, a meeting that Fanatics plans to facilitate in the future, according to Lenane.
Bell noted that he couldn’t recall a time since joining the company when there was such excitement over a card. “I’ve had more calls and questions about the Skenes card than any other card we’ve sold on Fanatics,” he said. “And that was true within five, ten minutes of [the card going to auction] being announced. This is the most notable card ever in terms of our impression tracking on social media.”
Fanatics Collectibles, based in Los Angeles, announced that all proceeds from the sale will go toward L.A. Fire Relief funds. Fanatics has also supported relief efforts with LA Strong merchandise.
The family shared with Fanatics that the sale will fund their 11-year-old and his brother’s college education. “Whatever they have in mind for their college, they’re gonna split down the middle as a savings,” Lenane said. “There’s some small amount set aside for cards, but it’s tiny compared to the college bill. The vast majority is going into college-type savings plans.”
- The card sold for $1.11 million, including buyer’s premium.
- It’s the most expensive modern, non-Mike Trout baseball card.
- The Pirates offered 30 years of season tickets for the card.
- Fanatics Collect proceeds will support L.A. Fire Relief funds.
Originally Written by: Dan Hajducky
