Yoshinobu Yamamoto became the first Los Angeles Dodgers rookie to wear a special MLB debut jersey patch this season, doing so in his start against the San Diego Padres in the finale of the Seoul Series.
Launched in 2023, the debut jersey patch program is part of a partnership between MLB, the Players Association (MLBPA), Fanatics Collectibles and Topps.
“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,” Fanatics Collectibles CEO Mike Mahan said in a statement.
“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.”
Michael Busch, Gavin Stone, Bobby Miller, Jonny DeLuca, Nick Robertson, Emmet Sheehan, Bryan Hudson and Kyle Hurt were Dodgers prospects to wear the special patch last season. The year saw 91 total rookies debut before June 1 with their one-of-one patches being added to trading cards in the 2023 Topps Chrome Update Series.
After a player appears in his first game, the patch is removed, secured and authenticated through the MLB Authenticated program for inclusion in an upcoming Topps product.
Topps arranged for Yamamoto to sign a one-of-one Rookie Debut Patch card that is going to be randomly inserted into a pack.
Padres rookies Jackson Merrill and Yuki Matsui both wore an MLB debut patch during the Seoul Series as well, doing so Opening Day against the Dodgers.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto struggles in debut
Unfortunately for Yamamoto, his MLB debut was an outing to forget as he allowed five runs and threw 43 pitches while completing just one inning.
The outing was somewhat an extension of his finish to Spring Training, which Yamamoto said he was not concerned with due to experimenting and learning from struggling in Cactus League play.
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