Fanatics, Topps Introduce New Baseball Cards with a Twist for 2023 Season

Top rookies Anthony Volpe, Masataka Yoshida, Kodai Senga, Shintaro Fujinami, Elly De La Cruz, Grayson Rodriguez and Andrew Painter will wear special 'MLB Debut' patches on the sleeves of their jerseys, as part of a new collection of memorabilia baseball cards Fanatics and Topps will be releasing.

Major League Baseball rookies will be wearing something new on their jerseys in their debut appearances in 2023.

Each rookie will wear a special 'MLB Debut' patch on the sleeve of their jerseys in their first career games. These patches will make for extremely valuable memorabilia baseball cards from Topps and Fanatics. Here's how it all will work:

• When a rookie is called up and steps on the field, whether that be on Opening Day or any game throughout the season, the patch will be placed on the bottom of the sleeve opposite their sponsor patch and worn during their first-ever MLB game.
• Following the game, the patch will be taken off, secured and authenticated for inclusion in an upcoming Topps product (yet to be announced). The patch will be taken off after the game, secured and authenticated for inclusion in the product.
• Any player making their debut will have patch on their jersey for each game until he appears in a game, which includes an at bat, pitch run, defensive replacement or batter faced.
• If player wears multiple jerseys during their debut, all jerseys will feature patch for the duration of the debut game, and the authenticator will collect all patches worn.
• The authenticator will place hologram on the back of the patch and will note innings of use if multiple patches are worn, and only the patch(es) worn by the player in game will be authenticated as game-used. 

“Debut Patches represent one of the first steps that Fanatics Collectibles is taking to bring the players and leagues closer to the products, and ultimately fans,” CEO of Fanatics Collectibles Mike Mahan said. “As a trusted partner of the league and players association, we are honored to partner closely with MLB and MLB Players Inc., to create this innovative, first-of-its kind program, and are committed to continue developing unique experiences for all fans and collectors.”

Top rookies wearing the MLB Debut Patch on Opening Day include Anthony Volpe, Kodai Senga, Shintaro Fujinami, and Masataka Yoshida. Other top prospects such as Elly De La Cruz, Grayson Rodriguez and Andrew Painter will also wear the patches once they make their big league debuts.

“For a Player there is no bigger moment than the first time they step onto a field for their Major League debut,” MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark said. “The Debut Patches is one way to capture the timeless nature of this moment and provide fans the opportunity to be part of it by collecting a Player worn item.”

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