The 1979 Topps baseball card set is notable for featuring several future Hall of Fame players as rookies, including Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Cal Ripken Jr. This rookie class ended up being one of the strongest in baseball history. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top rookie cards from the 1979 Topps set.
Wade Boggs, 3B, Boston Red Sox (Card #486): Boggs would go on to become a 12-time all-star and 5-time batting champion. He won the American League batting title in each of his first five full seasons from 1983-1987, batting over .340 each year. Boggs was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2005 in his first year of eligibility. His 1979 Topps rookie card can still be found in mid-grade for around $15-20. Higher graded copies in Mint condition have sold for over $200.
Ozzie Smith, SS, San Diego Padres (Card #600): Known as the “Wizard” for his incredible defensive skills at shortstop, Smith was elected to 15 all-star games and won 13 Gold Gloves over his career. He led the National League in fielding percentage eight times. Smith was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2002 in his third year of eligibility. In top-graded Mint condition, his rookie card has sold for over $500 due to his iconic status as one of the best fielding shortstops ever. Lower grade copies can often be found for under $50.
Cal Ripken Jr., SS, Baltimore Orioles (Card #494): Ripken shattered the record for consecutive games played by appearing in 2,632 straight games over his career. He was named American League MVP in 1983 and 1991 and won two Gold Gloves. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 2007 in his first year of eligibility, Ripken’s rookie card remains one of the most sought-after from the 1979 set. Pristine Mint condition copies have sold for well over $1,000 due to Ripken’s ironman status and popularity in Baltimore. Most average copies trade hands between $75-150.
Nolan Ryan, SP, Houston Astros (Card #181): Ryan was already an established star by 1979, but the card is included as one of his early Astros issues after being traded from the California Angels. Ryan went on to break Sandy Koufax’s record for strikeouts and pitch a record seven no-hitters over his career. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1999, Ryan’s 1979 Topps remains obtainable in the $15-30 range even in top grades due to his status as a pitching legend with many popular vintage cards available.
Don Sutton, SP, Houston Astros (Card #219): Like Ryan, Sutton was no longer a rookie by 1979 but cracking the 3,000 career strikeout milestone. He went on to win 324 games over his career, which ranks sixth all-time. Sutton was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1998 in his sixth year on the ballot. His 1979 Topps can often be found for $5-10 even in pristine condition.
Bob Horner, 3B, Atlanta Braves (Card #151): Horner hit 28 home runs as a rookie in 1978 and batted .277 with 90 RBI’s. He was named National League Rookie of the Year that season. Though he never reached those heights again, Horner remained a productive player through 1987 before injuries derailed his career. His rookie card can still be acquired for $10-15 even in top-tier Mint condition due to his short peak.
Bert Blyleven, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates (Card #199): By 1979, Blyleven was already in his ninth MLB season and had 138 career wins. He finished his exceptional career in 1992 with 287 wins, making him one of the most underrated pitchers in baseball history. Finally elected to the Hall of Fame in 2011 in his 14th year of eligibility, Blyleven’s 1979 card remains obtainable in the $5-10 range due to his late emergence as a Cooperstown player.
Steve Garvey, 1B, Los Angeles Dodgers (Card #5): Already a four-time all-star and 1974 NLCS and World Series MVP by 1979, Garvey was in the prime of his career. He won the NL batting title in 1974 and played through 1987, earning MVP votes eight times. Garvey’s 1979 card can be found for $3-5 despite his iconic status with the Dodgers. His earlier 1970’s issues carry much higher values.
Rollie Fingers, RP, San Diego Padres (Card #465): Fingers was coming off back-to-back saves titles with over 30 each year in 1977-1978 for the Padres. He went on to dominate as a reliever through the 1980’s, winning the 1981 MVP and finishing with 341 career saves when he retired after the 1985 season. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1992, Fingers cards like his 1979 Topps remain inexpensive in the $3-5 range.
The 1979 Topps set showcased many legends as established veterans or just starting their rookie campaigns. For budget collectors on the hunt, it remains one of the more affordable vintage issues for acquiring a Hall of Famer’s card at reasonable prices. The standout rookies of Boggs, Smith, and Ripken ensure their iconic first cards maintain strong collector demand and values even after forty years.
