In the glittering city of Los Angeles, among the hustle of traffic and the charisma of Hollywood, a young baseball player has written the latest chapter in his story on a broad and shining diamond. Hyeseong Kim, a 21-year-old Dodger rookie with nerves of steel and a bat that swings like poetry in motion, has carved out a special place for himself in the annals of baseball lore. Against the Oakland Athletics, Kim delivered a resounding crack off his bat that translated to his first Major League Baseball home run. The Dodgers, already bathing in the glow of a 9–3 victory, found another reason to cheer as Kim’s stat line continues to outshine expectations in his fledgling career.
A shot to savor: Kim’s home run exploded off his bat in the third inning, slicing through the afternoon air for a satisfying 385 feet before it found a home in the welcoming arms of Dodger stadium’s exuberant fans. His solo act of brilliance was more than just contributing to the win; it was a gift to the fans, a nod to his potential, and an official notice that he’s a player worth watching. With an early batting average that rings in at a shiny .360, accompanied by an OPS of .840 through the first 11 games, it’s clear that Kim is finding his comfort zone among some of the brightest stars in the MLB galaxy.
But Kim’s colossal day didn’t just leave its mark in the box score—it also made waves in the collectible market thanks to the ever-innovative Topps Now series. As an authentic chronicler of baseball’s iconic moments, Topps seized the opportunity to immortalize Kim’s first homer with a commemorative card set, complete with an extra special touch: the first-ever autographed card by Kim himself.
It’s no ordinary release. The centerpiece is a mystical 1-of-1 on-card autograph inscribed with the words “First Home Run.” This golden ticket, hidden away in a random order, propels its recipient into the realm of baseball folklore as the possessor of a tangible piece of Dodgers history. Kim’s autograph card is not just an addition to a collection; it might very well be the cornerstone of one destined for greatness. Including this singular gem, the release boasts 15 other autographs in circulation, as well as cards numbered to /10 and /5, making each grab a heart-pounding occasion.
However, the fun doesn’t stop at autographs. Topps Now has layered this cake with enough icing to tempt even the savviest collector. Optimistic fans and collectors can find parallel versions of the base card adorned in dazzling shades: Gold Foil numbered to /50, Orange Foil to /25, Black Foil to /10, a Red Foil running to /5, and the ultra-rare single 1/1 FoilFractor. Each provides a different angle of appreciating this watershed moment in Kim’s budding career.
Adding to the allure, this Topps release pays homage to Kim’s roots with a special mention. Three versions of the card are available: a standard base version, a short-printed image variation, and a super short print written in Korean—a tribute to his heritage that resonates with international fans and collectors alike.
As is customary with Topps Now drops, the purchase options cater to a wide swath of collectors. Options range from a single card at $11.99, scaling up to packs of varying quantity—5 cards for $49.99, 10 for $89.99, and a starry 20-card set for $169.99. The scramble doesn’t last long; these cards are only available for a short 24-hour window on the Topps website, where every purchase translates into an ordered print run, making this a thrilling race against the clock.
For the Los Angeles Dodgers faithful, budding rookie card enthusiasts, and anyone with a focused gaze on the emerging talents of Kim, this Topps Now release captures more than just a day on the baseball calendar. It’s an opportunity to clutch a piece of a saga that seems poised for greatness. Whether the dash is for a precious autograph, the shimmer of foil, or simply a card that embodies a vibrant debut, this stunning Topps drop is set to be a prized possession that will enlighten the story of Hyeseong Kim—a rookie whose future promises much more enthralling news to come.
