Former LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne made headlines by purchasing a rare baseball card featuring her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, for $2,850 at Fanatics Fest in New York City. This exclusive 2024 Bowman’s Best anime-style card is one of only five in existence and holds a perfect PSA 10 grade.

Details of the Rare Card and Its Historical Influence

The card’s design pays tribute to the original 1955 Bowman cards, which notably depicted players inside television-shaped borders to reflect the era’s broadcast technology. Dunne’s purchase represents a valuable piece of sports memorabilia, combining nostalgic design with modern collectible appeal.

Background on Livvy Dunne’s Previous Card Pursuit

Prior to this acquisition, Dunne attempted to secure Skenes’ highly coveted 1-of-1 Topps Chrome rookie debut patch autograph card but was unsuccessful. That particular card later sold for $1.11 million at auction, underscoring the high demand for Skenes’ memorabilia among collectors.

Paul Skenes’ Rising Stardom in Major League Baseball

Paul Skenes has established himself as one of the National League’s top pitchers following his 2024 Rookie of the Year award. In 16 starts this season, he leads all NL pitchers with a 1.85 ERA and an impressive 0.882 WHIP, while striking out 106 batters and issuing just 27 walks across 102 innings.

Significance of the Purchase and Skenes’ Career Trajectory

Dunne’s purchase of the rare anime baseball card highlights the growing interest in unique sports collectibles tied to rising stars. As Skenes continues his promising career with the Pirates, demand for his memorabilia is expected to increase, making this collectible a potentially valuable investment for fans and collectors alike.