Paul Skenes, the star of the Pittsburgh Pirates, received a perfect dual-10 on the Professional Sports Authenticators’ grade for his one-of-one MLB debut patch card. The 22-year-old ace pitcher has come off an impressive season, and he was named the National League Rookie of the Year. Paul’s impressive 11-3 record, posting 1.96 ERA and 0.947 WHIP in the 23 starts, made his patch card receive a grade of 10, including sharp focus, four sharp corners, and even a full original gloss. And now, this card has changed the life of a young fan!

An 11-year-old card collector managed to draw the card that featured Paul’s autograph along with a patch from the jersey that he won during the game. However, it comes as a shock for everyone, as the kid declined the offer to exchange that card. Reportedly, the young fan isn’t willing to give it back to the Pittsburgh Pirates, given its value. The collector and his family completely rejected the offer made by the Pirates, who offered them two season tickets behind the home plate at PNC Park for the next thirty years. The Pirates even offered him an option to meet Paul Skenes, two jerseys signed by him, and coaching from the Pirates alumni, which is quite a deal. Isn’t it?

The Pittsburg Pirates also made offers to the young boy to watch the Pirates game with Paul’s girlfriend and LSU gymnast, Livvy Dunne, that too from her luxury suite at the ballpark, which is a dream for many, and it doesn’t end here! They are even ready to provide him a better experience at the Pirates City and LECOM Park in exchange for the 1-of-1 card, but sadly, he and his family disagreed. Now, with the card going to the auction, the Fanatics Collect confirmed donating the amount to the wildfire relief funds in Los Angeles to tackle the wildfire. Nevertheless, for a young child, it is a dream come true.

A dream comes true both emotionally and financially

With Paul Skenes coming after an impressive season where he struck out 170 batters, allowing just 32 walks in the 133 innings that he played, the card holds quite high value. Topps, on January 21, shared a post on X handle about rejecting the offer and estimated it to be worth six figures. The card can definitely fetch a hefty amount during the auction, but it’s not as high as the rare ’52 Mickey Mantle Rookie card that sold at $12 million. Now, as per the PSA rating, the value of the car will increase over time. However, for the young kid, it’s a lifetime experience.

Based on one of the entries in the kid’s diary, the dream became a reality when he pulled the car on Christmas morning. His parents got him the box that cost $200, which was quite a lot. However, once he opened the box, he was spellbound getting the Paul Skenes redemption card, which eventually led to his denial of the offers made by the Pirates in exchange for the card. Ever since the card is gone for the auction, Pirates owner Bob Nutting praised the kid’s bonding with his family and believes that’s what baseball is all about.

Despite the rejection by the young kid, Nutting shared his interest in hosting him and his family and even arranging a meetup with Paul and every other teammate in Pittsburg or LA. It surely will be a dream come true for them if they manage to meet these players they adored and grew up watching for a long time. What do you think about the young kid’s decision to reject the Pittsburgh Pirates‘ offer? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.