Pittsburgh Pirates Offer Kings Ransom For Paul Skenes Baseball Card
In the early to mid 1990's, the sports card market exploded. Topps changed the game, when they introduced gold foil to baseball cards, in their 1991 Stadium Club set. The crystal clear photos, glossy finish, and sparkling gold foil made them easy on the eyes, but hard to find for a good price. Hobby shops that gave away Michael Jordan rookie cards in the 80's, because they couldn't sell them, couldn't keep inventory in stock of the latest sports card trend.
Certain players garnered bigger dollars. During that time period, those players were Ken Griffey Jr and Frank Thomas. There was also a premium on rookie cards and special inserts. In 1992, the Yankees top pick, Brien Taylor was the hottest player to collect. Equipped with an elite fastball, he was the first high school player ever drafted that got a $1 million signing bonus. An injury cut him short of his potential.
Donruss had a limited insert, or subset, called their Elite series. They were limited to just 10,000 cards made, and the rarity drove the prices of the cards up. The 92 Frank Thomas Elite card went for as much as $400 ($900 today, adjusted for inflation). That's nothing compared rookie cards today, sometimes fetching in the millions. Inserts and subsets can be limited to 10, or even 1.
Paul Skenes Baseball Card
Topps recently announce the inclusion of a baseball card, 1 of 1, hidden like a Wonka golden ticket, in a pack of cards somewhere in America. The player on the card is Pittsburgh Pirates phenom, Paul Skenes. The card is autographed, and called and MLB Debut card. Given the fantastic season he just had, and the fact that there is only one in existence, this card would be considered a great find for any luck collector.
The collector who desires this card the most? The Pittsburgh Pirates. Upon word of the cards creation, the Pirates organization has offered a significant prize to whoever finds the card, and brings it to them. The offer on the table is:
Season Tickets behind home plate for the next 30 years
Participation in a softball game at PNC Park, coached by Pirates players
Two autographed Skenes jerseys
Private tour of spring training facilities
Warming up with the team, including batting practice
The offered experiences make the card practically priceless. Skenes girlfriend, Olympic gymnast Olivia Dunne offered to sweeten the pot, by letting the person who turns in the card sit with her in her Prates game suite. The hunt is on for this treasure, and while Pirates fans are hoping to find the card somewhere close to home, they shouldn't be surprised if it ends up somewhere like Maine or Oregon. Good luck, and happy hunting for the one and only Paul Skenes baseball card.