It was an average day for six-year-old Champ Stutts in Texas until he stumbled upon a treasure that would set the baseball card world abuzz. With a collection of over a thousand cards already under his belt, Champ uncovered a “one of one” Paul Skenes Onyx card, a discovery so extraordinary that it left seasoned collectors green with envy.
The unearthing of the rare card took place on a regular Monday when Champ tore open a pack of cards and found the ultra-exclusive Paul Skenes card. His sheer excitement, caught on camera by his mother Kristi and later posted on their family TikTok account, “Stutts Family Fun,” swiftly turned into a viral sensation.
In a turn of fate, the video reached LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne, who coincidentally is dating Paul Skenes himself. Dunne not only left a comment on the TikTok post but also shared the video with Skenes, sparking his interest in the young card collector’s find.
Excited about the discovery, Champ shared, “She showed it to Paul Skenes, and Paul Skenes commented. I think he said, ‘You’re coming to one of my baseball games.’” The engagement didn’t stop there, as the Pittsburgh Pirates also joined the excitement. They reached out to the Stutts family and made a promise to send Champ a personalized Paul Skenes jersey, solidifying this memorable moment for the avid young fan.
For Champ, his passion for baseball cards is a family affair. Inherited from his father, who initiated the search for a Skenes Topps Chrome rookie patch card back in November, Champ’s enthusiasm has now spread to his two-year-old brother. The younger sibling has developed a love for sleeping with cards every night, much to Champ’s concern for keeping the valuable ones in pristine condition.
Even with his protective streak as a devoted older brother, Champ ensures that his sibling understands the importance of handling the cards with care. “Bro, don’t bend it,” he firmly reminds his brother, showing his commitment to preserving the more valuable cards in his growing collection.
The heartwarming gesture from both Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates has not only created a memorable experience for Champ but has also introduced him to a new team to cheer for. With the promise of a special jersey and the prospect of attending one of Skenes’ games, the young Texas kindergartner’s remarkable find has truly left a mark on the baseball world.
Champ’s infectious enthusiasm for collecting baseball cards has not only brought joy to his family but has also caught the attention of sports fans and players alike. A heartwarming reminder of the magic that lies in the world of sports memorabilia and the unexpected connections that can stem from a simple, yet extraordinary, discovery.
