Baseball cards have long captured the hearts of collectors, and some of the most coveted pieces of cardboard can fetch prices well into the thousands. For those just starting a collection or looking for iconic cards of hall of fame players, there are still plenty of valuable options available for $100 or less. These affordable cards allow collectors to build a strong foundation for their collection while securing pieces of history from some of the game’s greatest legends.

One of the most consistently affordable hall of fame options is cards featuring Stan Musial from his playing days with the St. Louis Cardinals. As one of the best hitters in baseball history and a career .331 hitter, “Stan the Man” maintains a strong legacy among fans. His 1953 Topps card in near mint condition can often be found for under $100, giving collectors an opportunity to own a piece of one of the game’s true ambassadors. Other affordable Musial options include his 1952 Bowman and several of his 1950s Topps issues.

For AL fans, cards showing Red Sox legend Ted Williams are also regularly priced below $100 when high grade. As the last major leaguer to hit over .400, batting .406 in 1941, Williams is revered for his hitting prowess. His 1956 Topps or 1953 Bowman cards frequently sell in the $80-90 range when graded at PSA 8 or above. This provides a solid starting point for anyone looking to represent the Splendid Splinter in their collection. Other affordable Williams options that often come in under $100 include his 1953 Topps or 1957 Topps issues.

Yogi Berra was one of the most popular and accomplished players of his era as a 14-time All-Star, 3-time AL MVP, and member of 10 World Series champion New York Yankees teams. As a fan favorite known for his humorous sayings, Berra cards also remain accessible. His 1956 Topps rookie card, showing him as a member of the Newark Bears minor league team, can typically be acquired for $75-90 in top condition. Berra’s 1953 Topps rookie from his debut season with the Yankees is also regularly priced in the high $80s to low $90s range. These provide collectors a chance to add an iconic piece of Yankee history to their collection at an entry level cost.

Nolan Ryan redefined what was possible on the pitching mound as MLB’s all-time strikeout and no-hitter king. While some of his premier vintage rookie and star cards have grown quite rare and expensive, there are still numerous affordable options to represent the Express. His 1968 Topps rookie card, showing him as a member of the New York Mets organization, is a favorite that often sells in the $70-90 range when high grade. Ryan’s 1970 or 1971 Topps cards, displaying him as one of the game’s brightest young arms, also provide strong options for under $100. With over 5,700 career strikeouts, owning a classic Ryan piece allows any collector to showcase one of the most dominant hurlers in baseball annals.

One of the true iconic cards in the hobby is Willie Mays’ classic 1954 Bowman issue. Considered one of the most beautiful and sought-after vintage cards ever made, high grades of the Mays are now extraordinarily rare and valuable. For collectors on a budget, there is still an accessible option. Mays’ 1959 Topps card regularly sells in the $80-95 range when in near mint condition, giving fans an opportunity to represent “The Say Hey Kid” at a reasonable cost threshold. Later vintage Mays cards from the 1960s, showing him as a star of the San Francisco Giants, are also regular finds under $100. For any collection, a card of one of baseball’s all-time greats and perhaps its most gifted player is a true prize at an entry level investment.

Those looking to build upon National League history have solid options when it comes to collecting Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt. As a career .267 hitter who smacked 548 home runs primarily as a Philadelphia Phillie, Schmidt is beloved among NL fans. His 1976 Topps rookie card, displaying his prodigious power in a Phillies uniform, is a classic that often sells between $80-95 in top condition. Other consistently accessible Schmidt pieces include his 1983 or 1987 Topps update cards, each usually priced under $100. For collectors seeking to add plaques to their collections, Schmidt provides both attainable options and power hitting flashbacks to one of the game’s premier third sackers.

While Jackie Robinson shattered MLB’s color barrier and changed the course of history, his early vintage cards have grown incredibly rare and valuable in the billions of dollars. There are still affordable modern Robinson cards available showing appreciation for the barrier-breaking pioneer. Examples include his 1998 Finest Refractor parallel /299, usually priced around $80. Robinson’s 1999 Collector’s Choice Gold parallel /1999 is another oft-found option under $100, allowing any collector to pay tribute to #42’s legacy at an accessible cost. While his true pioneers are out of reach financially, these modern parallels allow a more affordable way to represent and honor Robinson’s immense impact and courage.

One of the true icons of baseball’s golden era was New York Yankee Mickey Mantle. A powerful switch hitter and 3-time AL MVP, Mantle’s legend and charisma made him incredibly popular among fans nationwide. Some of his premier rookie and star cards now fetch hundreds of thousands. But there are still regularly available and affordable options to represent “The Mick” and display his pure athletic brilliance. His 1959 Topps card often sells in the $90 range when in pristine condition, showing Mantle dominating at the height of his powers in pinstripes. Later 1960s Mantle pieces including from his 1967 or 1969 Topps issues are other findable cards usually costing under $100. For any collector, owning a piece of the Commerce Comet allows remembering one of the game’s most cherished figures.

While the salaries and values of baseball cards have risen exponentially in recent decades, these examples demonstrate there are still numerous entry points available for collectors seeking pieces of iconic players and teams. With diligent searching and patience, cards showing legends like Musial, Williams, Berra, Ryan, Mays, Schmidt, Robinson, Mantle and more provide affordable avenues to represent history in any collection. Whether as a starting foundation or a valued addition, cards in the $75-100 price range allow paying homage to the greats while fitting modern hobby budgets. For any fan excited about the roots and traditions of America’s Pastime, these cards are worthwhile investments that will only grow in nostalgia and significance over time.