Pirates ‘freaked out’ after young collector turns down club’s offer for one-of-a-kind Paul Skeens card
Earlier this week, a young collector pulled the coveted Paul Skeens autographed MLB First Amendment card off the market.
An 11-year-old collector from Southern California, who picked up a one-of-a-kind baseball card featuring Pittsburgh Pirates star Peter, decided to turn down a trade offer from an MLB franchise.
The card appeared in the 2024 Topps Chrome Update set. On Friday, the trading card and collector’s manufacturer confirmed that the collector has “opted to auction the card through @FanaticsCollect instead.” Topps wrote In an Instagram post.
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Paul Skeens of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on May 17, 2024 in Chicago. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
Pirates offered a bundle of benefits in exchange for the card. For three decades, premium Pirates season tickets, a chance to play a softball game on the field, a meet-and-greet with Skenes and autographed jerseys are among the gifts from the team.
LIVY DUNNE has described an infamous season with Paul Skins after winning NL Rookie of the Year.
LSU gymnast Livvy Dunn, who meets Skanes, offers an incentive for the cardholder.
Paul Skeens and Olivia Dunn during ESPN’s “College Game Day” at the LSU Quad on Nov. 9, 2024 in Baton Rouge. (LSU Athletics/University Images via Getty Images)
“Let’s raise the stakes…Whoever gets this card can sit in my suit with me at a Pirates game.” Dunn wrote Posted on her Instagram story
In a journal entry shared by Topps, the collector wrote that getting the card was “a dream come true,” but that dream didn’t include attending PNC Park games for the next 30 years.
The Pirates admitted they were “upset” after learning of the catcher’s decision, but offered to have the fan in one game through the 2025 season.
A view of PNC Park as the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Philadelphia Phillies on June 21, 2024 in Pittsburgh. (Charles LeClair/USA TODAY Sports)
“Well…we’re sorry not to see you behind home plate for 30 seasons. But we’d love to bring you back to Pittsburgh for a special day at PNC Park this season.” Posted on X.
Fanatics Collector, which will be auctioning off the card in March, said it would donate the proceeds from the sale to visitors. Firefighting funds in the Los Angeles area.
Skenes had a season to remember in 2024, finishing 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts. Before winning the National League Rookie of the Year award, he was named to the MLB All-Star team. Skenes was the top pick in the 2023 MLB draft and made his big league debut in May 2024.
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Starting in 2023, rookies have worn MLB primary patches on their jerseys. Considering the bright future for the 22-year-old, who finished third in the NL Cy Young Award voting, the card could come at a very high price.
Skenes said over the weekend that he was not looking to sign a long-term contract to stay with the Pirates, instead focusing on the Pirates’ 2018 season. It is helping them take a step towards competing in 2025. 2029 season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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