It was an ordinary Monday for young Champ Stutts from Texas when his world suddenly turned extraordinary. This eager kindergartner had his collector’s eyes peeled as he ripped open a pack of baseball cards, unknowingly on the cusp of unearthing a gem that would skyrocket him to viral stardom within hours.
Hidden amongst the regular cards was a mystical Paul Skenes Onyx card, so unique that it stood as the sole existence of its kind. Champ’s infectious joy at this discovery was captured on camera by his mother, Kristi, and shared on their popular TikTok account, “Stutts Family Fun.” The video swiftly garnered a frenzy of attention, earning the admiration of not only avid collectors but also some unexpected figures in the baseball realm.
One such figure was none other than Livvy Dunne, an LSU gymnast who also happened to be Paul Skenes’ significant other. Livvy stumbled upon the captivating video on TikTok, and not only did she leave a comment, but she also took the extra step of sharing it with Skenes himself.
Champ marvels, “She showed it to Paul Skenes. And Paul Skenes commented. I think he said, ‘You’re coming to one of my baseball games.'” The mere thought of being invited to a baseball game by the very player on his cherished card left Champ beaming with delight.
But the surprises didn’t end there. The Pittsburgh Pirates, the team Skenes plays for, caught wind of Champ’s enchanting discovery and promptly reached out to the Stutts family. In a heartwarming gesture, they pledged to send Champ an official Paul Skenes jersey, solidifying his newfound connection to the team he now ardently cheers for.
This uncanny love for baseball cards that now envelops Champ is no happenstance—it’s a trait deeply ingrained in the Stutts family’s DNA. Champ’s father ignited the passion when he embarked on a quest for a Skenes Topps Chrome rookie patch card back in November. With over a thousand cards already in his collection, Champ’s zeal has even begun to rub off on his two-year-old brother, who insists on cuddling up with cards every night before bedtime.
Yet, even in his role as a devoted older brother, Champ enforces certain boundaries. “Bro, don’t bend it,” he gently reminds his sibling, safeguarding the more valuable cards in their pristine state.
The heartening tale of Champ Stutts and his extraordinary discovery has not only captured the attention of seasoned collectors and baseball enthusiasts but has also showcased the power of serendipity and unwavering passion in a world where the most magical moments often stem from the most unexpected places.
