The 1973 Topps baseball card set is regarded as one of the classic and iconic issues in the storied history of Topps baseball cards. Issued in 1973, the set features 660 total cards including career retrospectives, team cards, manager cards, and checklists.
Some key details about the 1973 Topps baseball set include:
Roster Size: The set featured cards for all existing major league players at the time totaling over 600 cards. This was one of the largest roster sizes of any 1970s Topps set.
Design: The card design transitioned to a newer style with solid colored borders and player photos centered on a white or off-white background. Statistics were printed on the back along with the standard player information.
Rookies of Note: Notable rookie cards included Bud Black, Dave Collins, Gary Matthews, Jeff Burroughs, Jackie Brown, Dan Spillner, and Doug Rader. Many of these players went on to have successful MLB careers.
Short Prints: As was common in the 1970s, some cards were printed in lower quantities and are now considered short prints. Examples include cards #310 Ray Fosse and #430 Garry Maddox.
Superstars of the Era: The set well represented the game’s superstar players of the early 1970s including Hank Aaron, Johnny Bench, Pete Rose, Tom Seaver, and Rod Carew among many others.
Checklists: In addition to base cards, the set included checklist cards at the end of the alphabetical team runs to help collectors ensure they had a complete collection.
Now, let’s dive deeper into some of the key aspects and notable cards from the 1973 Topps checklist:
Rookie Cards of Future Hall of Famers:
#550 Gary Carter (Expos): Carter went on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Montreal Expos and New York Mets as an elite offensive catcher. His rookie card remains one of the most iconic and sought after from the 1970s.
#489 Eddie Murray (Orioles): Murray became one of the greatest switch hitters of all-time and in 1999 was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. His sophomore Topps card showcased his early promise.
#341 Phil Niekro (Braves): “Knucksie” carved out a legendary 24-year career playing until 1987 at the age of 48. He racked up over 300 wins mostly with the Braves utilizing his infamous knuckleball.
Player Movement:
#551 Reggie Jackson (A’s): “Mr. October’s” first season in Kansas City was documented after being part of the A’s dynasty that won 3 straight World Series from 1972-1974.
#337 Willie Mays (Mets): In the twilight of his legendary career, Mays was dealing with injuries but still provided value for the 1973 NL Champion Mets. His tough performance encapsulated his dedication and excellence.
Popular Veterans:
#37 Johnny Bench (Reds): Arguably the best offensive catcher of all-time, Bench was in his prime winning back-to-back MVP awards during this time period for the Big Red Machine.
#64 Hank Aaron (Braves): “Hammerin’ Hank” continued his assault on Babe Ruth’s home run record, launching 33 long balls in 1973 in pursuit of the iconic #715.
#174 Harmon Killebrew (Twins): The formidable power hitter remained a mainstay in the Minnesota lineup providing consistent production through the early 1970s.
Iconic Team Cards:
#656 A’s Team Card: Highlighted the three-time defending World Champion Oakland A’s squad led by Reggie Jackson, Catfish Hunter, Rollie Fingers and more.
#657 Reds Team Card: Showcased the first full season of the dominant Big Red Machine that would win back-to-back World Series titles in 1975-76.
The 1973 Topps baseball card set provides a engaging snapshot of the era. With a large checklist featuring many Hall of Famers and notable players, it remains a highly collectible issueamong vintage card enthusiasts. The design transitioned Topps into the classic 1970s cardboard aesthetic while honoring the sport’s greatest names. For both history and nostalgia, 1973 Topps Baseball stands the test of time.
