From Rookie to Relic: Paul Skenes’ Meteoric Rise
Paul Skenes, a young pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has been in the major leagues for less than a year. However, his impact has already been felt in both the baseball world and beyond. His journey began in May with a remarkable start, and a piece of his jersey from that game is now set to make history. A one-of-a-kind autographed baseball card featuring a patch of the No. 30 jersey Skenes wore during his debut is heading to auction on Thursday. The card’s journey over the last few months has generated a level of buzz typically reserved for iconic collectibles featuring Hall of Famers like Honus Wagner, Mickey Mantle, and Ken Griffey Jr.
The Power of Social Media
Skenes’ card has the added advantage of social media, which has amplified its reach and appeal. "The coverage on this just in my opinion is so much bigger," said Nick Bell, CEO of Fanatics Collect, the company running the auction. "I really can’t remember one similar to it to be frank. It’s pretty exceptional." Fanatics Collect is not estimating the card’s potential sale price publicly, but Bell expects "a very significant sale." The combination of Skenes’ burgeoning stardom, the considerable reach of his girlfriend, LSU gymnast and influencer Livvy Dunne, and a head-turning offer from the Pirates has made the card a rare collectible that has captured the interest of both collectors and noncollectors alike.
A Card Claimed by a Young Collector
The card was initially claimed by an 11-year-old from the Los Angeles area, who received it as part of a Christmas gift. Despite the Pirates’ offer, which included season tickets behind home plate at PNC Park for 30 years, the young collector declined and instead turned the card over to Fanatics Collect. Skenes, who briefly reunited with the card at the Super Bowl, expressed surprise at the attention it has received. "I never would have imagined how much hype there was around it, which is cool," he said. The hype seems to follow the reigning National League Rookie of the Year wherever he goes, a testament to his X factor.
The X Factor: Skenes’ Pop Culture Impact
Nick Bell attributed the card’s popularity to Skenes’ X factor. "He’s obviously kind of broken through into the world of popular culture with his relationship with Livvy, etc.," Bell said. "And I think the story behind this card itself is just incredible." Demand for Skenes-related items has been high since his senior year at LSU in 2023. A 2023 card featuring Skenes fetched $63,000 last August, highlighting the growing interest in his collectibles. The current auction, which closes on March 20, has no reserve price, meaning anyone can bid, though a $20 bid is unlikely to stick.
Capturing the Imagination
The card’s story has captured the imagination of many, thanks to its innovative nature and the potential of the athlete behind it. "It just really has captured the imagination," Bell said. "And I think it goes from being a truly innovative product. You have a great athlete with a huge career ahead of them and an incredible story to go along with it." Fanatics Collect plans to donate any of its proceeds from the eventual sale to the LA Fire Relief Fund, adding a philanthropic dimension to the auction.
A Personalized Collector Experience
The story of Paul Skenes and his autographed card is a perfect blend of traditional collectibles and modern media. It highlights the power of social media and the personal connections that can drive interest in sports memorabilia. As the auction approaches, the attention surrounding the card is likely to grow, cementing Skenes’ place in baseball history and the world of collectibles. For those interested in following the auction and other sports news, creating or logging into a FOX Sports account allows you to follow your favorite leagues, teams, and players to receive personalized updates and information.
