In the world of baseball card collecting, every pack holds the promise of something extraordinary. For Champ Stutts, a six-year-old from Texas with a passion for the hobby, that promise turned into a jaw-dropping reality when he pulled a "one of one" Paul Skenes Onyx card. The moment, captured on video by his mom and shared on TikTok, has taken the internet by storm—and even caught the attention of Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
A Collector’s Dream Come True
Champ, who already boasts an impressive collection of more than 1,000 cards, found the ultra-rare Paul Skenes card during a routine card-opening session. His reaction, pure and unfiltered, was recorded by his mom Kristi and posted on their TikTok account, "Stutts Family Fun."The video quickly went viral, attracting comments from none other than Livvy Dunne, LSU gymnast and girlfriend of Paul Skenes. Dunne didn’t just comment—she shared the video with Skenes himself, sparking an interaction that Champ will never forget.
“She showed it to Paul Skenes,” Champ said, still buzzing with excitement. “And Paul Skenes commented. I think he said, ‘You’re coming to one of my baseball games.’”
Pirates Make It Personal
As the video gained traction, the Pittsburgh Pirates joined the fun, reaching out to the Stutts family to offer Champ a Paul Skenes jersey. The gesture added yet another layer of magic to what was already a dreamlike moment for the young collector.A Family Passion
Champ’s love for baseball cards was nurtured by his father, who started searching for a Skenes Topps Chrome rookie patch card back in November. Now, the passion runs deep in the family, extending even to Champ’s two-year-old brother.The younger sibling might sleep with cards at night, but Champ is quick to set boundaries when it comes to the valuable ones. “Bro, don’t bend it,” he firmly reminds his little brother, showing wisdom beyond his years when it comes to card preservation.
From Rangers Fans to Pirates Supporters
While the Stutts family are devoted Texas Rangers fans, Champ’s incredible find has given them a new reason to cheer for the Pirates. For Champ, Paul Skenes has become a player to follow and root for, even from afar.“This was the last thing I expected,” Champ’s mom Kristi shared, marveling at how one special pull could connect her son with one of baseball’s rising stars.
The Elusive One-of-One Chase
Adding to the buzz is the mystery surrounding another one-of-one Paul Skenes card. The signed debut patch card from the 2024 Chrome Update series has yet to surface, fueling speculation and excitement among collectors. For now, Champ’s Onyx card is the talk of the hobby—and a testament to the thrill of the hunt.A Viral Sensation with Heart
Champ’s story isn’t just about pulling a rare card—it’s about the joy of collecting, the bonds it creates within families, and the incredible way it can connect fans with the players they admire. From TikTok fame to a personal acknowledgment from Skenes and the Pirates, Champ’s viral moment is a reminder of why collecting is so much more than just a hobby.For now, this six-year-old collector has earned his place in the spotlight, with a priceless card in hand and a story that will be told for years to come. As for what’s next? Champ is ready to cheer for Skenes at a Pirates game—an experience that promises to be just as unforgettable as the moment he found that card.
TikTok @stuttsfamilyfun