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For Alec Word, December has been a month to remember. The recent University of Southern California graduate didn’t just celebrate earning his Business Administration and Finance degree—he also made waves in the sports card community with an extraordinary pair of pulls from 2024 Topps Update Jumbo and Breaker's Delight boxes.

It all started on Saturday, December 7th, when Alec made his first visit to Jaspy's Sports Cards & Collectibles. While casually ripping some 2024 Topps Update Jumbo packs in-store, Alec pulled an astonishing 1/1 MLB Debut Patch autograph redemption for Baltimore Orioles All-Star Jordan Westburg. The reaction in the shop was electric.

"I didn't even know what it was at first," Alec admitted. "But the shop started to go bonkers."

Jaspy's co-owner Maren Jaspersen recalled the moment vividly: "We were all going crazy about what he just pulled! I believe that was the first time he ever stopped into our shop."

The MLB Debut patches, introduced in 2023 Topps products, have become one of the most sought-after features in the hobby. Each patch is taken directly from a player’s jersey during their MLB debut, making every card unique. Paired with the player’s autograph, these 1/1 cards have captivated collectors and even garnered attention from MLB players and teams themselves. Some teams, like the Pittsburgh Pirates, have even offered bounties for their players' Debut Patch cards.

At the time of Alec’s pull, about 60% of the 251 Debut Patch autograph cards from the 2024 Topps set had already been claimed and tracked by collectors. Despite the odds, Alec struck gold—or, in this case, orange and black—pulling the Westburg redemption.

But Alec’s good fortune didn’t end there.

Returning to Jaspy’s on Tuesday, December 10th, Alec decided to try his luck again with Breaker's Delight boxes, which are known for yielding low-numbered cards. This time, he opened the packs at home during a FaceTime call with friends. What he found left him in disbelief: a live MLB Debut Patch autograph card for Jose Ferrer.

"I saw the patch and legit couldn't believe it," Alec said. "I started running up and down the stairs screaming."

The Ferrer card, featuring the game-used patch and Ferrer’s signature, was not a redemption, making the discovery all the more thrilling.

For Alec, collecting isn’t just about the thrill of the hunt—it’s also a way to connect with his family. After rekindling his passion for sports cards on Black Friday, Alec has been enjoying the hobby with his brother, who is recovering from back surgery.

As for the cards? Alec has already sold the Westburg to an Orioles supercollector, while he plans to keep the Ferrer as a centerpiece of his collection.

With his recent degree from USC’s Marshall School of Business, Alec, a devoted Dodgers fan, hopes to carve out a career in the sports industry. Whether he’s pulling cards or pursuing his professional dreams, Alec’s December is proof that sometimes, luck and passion align in the most unexpected ways.