Rob Manfred. Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

'MLB Debut' patch makes way to diamond for Opening Day

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated Mar 30, 2023 10:51 AM ET

If baseball fans heading to their respective favorite team's Opening Day on Thursday aren't familiar with the rookies on the squad yet, a pair of binoculars could help with identification.

Major League Baseball and Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin both announced that all rookies will be wearing special "MLB Debut" patches when they make their big league debuts this season, starting on Thursday. The patch will then be added to Topps trading cards to create the "ultimate rookie card."

Made for the moment. Starting #OpeningDay, every player making their Major League debut will wear an “MLB Debut” patch on their uniform for their first game! That patch will then be added to @Topps trading cards, creating the ultimate rookie card. pic.twitter.com/Acs5dxZWRD
— MLB (@MLB) March 30, 2023

Transformational moment for the collectibles industry - Starting #OpeningDay, every player making their Major League debut will wear an “MLB Debut” patch on their uniform for their first game! That patch will then be added to @Topps trading cards creating the ultimate rookie card pic.twitter.com/SDrpdAu7Of
— Michael Rubin (@michaelrubin) March 30, 2023

While none of the 30 starting pitchers on the mound for Opening Day will be rookies -- an honor that will be filled with veterans, star youngsters on the rise and a host of former Cy Young Award winners -- there will likely be plenty of notable rookies making their debuts in the field on Thursday. One of the biggest prospects who will be taking the field for the first time is New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe.

The 21-year-old will be batting ninth for the Bronx Bombers as they host the San Francisco Giants at 1:05 p.m. ET.

Victor Barbosa

Victor Barbosa is a passionate follower of MLB, the NBA and NFL, with a deep interest in Boston-area teams. He graduated from Springfield College -- The Birthplace of Basketball -- in 2013 with a degree in Communications-Sports Journalism. Previous bylines include FanSided, Heavy and Syracuse

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