Topps officially launched its newest baseball card collection ahead of the 2015 Major League Baseball season last week. In addition to some cards you expect to see, like the last baseball card for the future Hall of Fame inductee Derek Jeter, formerly of the New York Yankees, the first card for New York Mets Rookie of the Year Jacob deGrom and a commemorative card for the late Hall of Famer Ernie Banks, formerly of the Chicago Cubs, there is also a “First Pitch” series of cards that features entertainers, including three hip-hop artists.
Executive producer of the hit Starz show “Power” and hip-hop artist 50 Cent has a baseball card which shows him throwing out the first pitch at a game in his native Queens, New York at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets. Fifty made news with a very awkward first pitch and also performed at Citi Field after a Mets game. He was joined on stage by members of G-Unit.
Hip-hop pioneer Biz Markie also has a baseball card in the “First Pitch” series, as well as hip-hop artist Macklemore, who at this time a year ago was preparing to head to the Grammy Awards, where he received seven nominations and took home four awards, throwing out the first pitch before a Seattle Mariners game.
The first set released by Topps includes 350 cards, and a second set released in June will feature another 350 cards, topping the total off at 700. Topps also makes cards for the National Football League, WWE and UFC.
