Grant Wolfram and the MLB Players Chasing Their Own Rookie Debut Patch Cards

When a player makes his major league debut, it is an unforgettable moment for the players and fans alike. With that said, the aspect of the unforgettable moment now stretches well into the collectibles hobby especially since we’re in the midst of the Rookie Debut Patch Autograph (RDPA) era. That has led to several players searching for their own patch cards.

Orioles pitcher Grant Wolfram is searching for his Debut Patch 1/1 card.

Who can help him out?! pic.twitter.com/SQXQjmmapM
— Sports Cards Nonsense (@SCN_Pod) December 27, 2025

So anytime a player makes their debut, most collectors, fans and even the player themselves will notice a patch on their jersey that reads “MLB Debut” and once that game is completed that patch (in most cases) goes from the player’s jersey right into card that is then released through Topps.

The coolest thing about Rookie Debut Patch Autograph cards is that not only are collectors in the mix for chasing such cards, the players themselves are very much apart of the chase for these ultra-rare 1/1 cards as well. For example, Baltimore Orioles pitcher Grant Wolfram recently created a Facebook post that centers around the nostalgia rather than the value, and in that post Wolfram made a simple, heartfelt request: “if anyone finds the card, please tag or message him”.

The sentiment, which is cool, in and of itself, creates a soft spot throughout the hobby world as it truly designates how deeply personal these cards can be for the players themselves. In another similar moment, Colorado Rockies infielder Aaron Schunk made headlines by writing his phone number on the back of his rarest trading card, hoping to negotiate directly with the collector who pulls it.

Topps Instagram Post - Following Aaron Schunk writing his phone number on the back of his RDPA 1/1 card. | https://www.instagram.com/p/DSiObtuDqpS/?img_index=1

These posts by both Wolfram and Schunk also reflect a growing trend among players engaging directly with collectors all throughout the hobby, which has somewhat of a tendency to blur the lines between how athletes and fans interact. Additionally, these interactions also add a "human" layer to the aspect of modern day collecting and how collecting has risen in its popularity to become more and more mainstream than has been the case in decades past.