The Pittsburgh Pirates‘ Paul Skenes expressed his joy at the news an 11-year-old found the only ever card made from his rookie season in the MLB as the talented star Topps trading cards craze similar to finding the golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s factory.
Tipped as a generation-defining pitcher, the 22-year-old from Orange County, California appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers to hope the exclusive card didn’t land in the hands of a middle-aged baseball card hoarder.
And the National League Rookie of the Year winner is grateful it landed in the hands of a young child who can enjoy the benefits of the card when he eventually decides to sell it at an auction hosted by Fanatics sometime around March.
The unnamed kid denied an offer from the Pirates for the card, which included two 30-year season tickets; a meet-and-greet with Skenes; two signed jerseys and even time to hang out with Olivia Dunne at a game, in exchange for the limited edition item.
“Well…we’re bummed that we won’t be seeing you behind home plate for 30 seasons,” the Pirates said to the 11-year-old via X.com, formerly Twitter. “But we’d still love to bring you to Pittsburgh for a special day at PNC Park this season.”
Skenes’ insane start to life in the MLB
Skenes made an impressive debut in the MLB after being drafted from the LSU Tigers, throwing for a 2.69 earned run average, striking out 150 batters, allowing just 12 home runs and earning a 9-4 win/loss ratio through 127 innings.
He’s currently penned to an $800,000 salary which included a $9.2 million signing bonus and expires at the end of 2025, when he will be free to renegotiate a larger extension which will send his net worth through the roof.
His efforts helped him guide the Pirates to a 4.69 record in the National League Central with 76 wins, although they missed out on the postseason in a highly competitive division that was topped by the Milwaukee Brewers.