The 1979 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the vintage era of the 1970s. While it may not have the star power of some other years, the ’79 Topps set featured several highly sought after rookie cards and key players that make it a favorite among collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top cards from the 1979 Topps set.
One of the most valuable rookie cards from the 1979 set is Nolan Ryan’s last Topps rookie card issued while with the California Angels (Ryan was traded to the Houston Astros in late 1979). In top-rated condition, the Ryan rookie can fetch thousands of dollars. Even well-worn copies still demand over $100 due to his Hall of Fame career and status as one of the greatest power pitchers in MLB history. Another highly valued rookie is Cal Ripken Jr’s first Bowman card which was also included in the 1979 Topps set. Ripken would go on to break Lou Gehrig’s iconic record for consecutive games played. Near-mint copies of his rookie often sell for well over $1000.
The 1979 Topps set also featured rookie cards for other stars including Willie Aikens, Dave Kingman, Donnie Moore, and Steve Rogers. While not as expensive as the Ryan or Ripken rookies, these players all had solid MLB careers and their rookie cards remain popular holdovers from the vintage era. The ’79 issue also featured the last Topps cards as Dodgers for Davey Lopes and Bill Russell, both key members of Los Angeles’ pitching-dominant teams in the late 70s. Their stats on these final Dodgers cards make them recognizable to collectors.
Two of the most iconic players of the late 1970s are featured prominently in the 1979 Topps set – George Brett and Nolan Ryan. Brett’s card #87 depicts him during his prime years with the Kansas City Royals. The third baseman won the AL batting title in 1976, 1977, and 1980 giving him a highly acclaimed reputation. His 1979 Topps card remains one of the most visually popular and is still attainable for a modest price, even in top-rated condition. Nolan Ryan’s card #177 shows “The Ryan Express” firing a 100+ mph fastball for the California Angels. Ryan went 15-13 with 313 strikeouts in 1979 continuing his domination for the Angels before being traded to the Astros. Near-mint copies of this classic Ryan card can reach over $150 due to his legendary pitching career.
Two other Hall of Fame players with highly recognizable 1979 Topps cards are Robin Yount and Mike Schmidt. Yount’s card #433 features the young Milwaukee Brewers’ shortstop who would go on to have a spectacular career winning MVPs in 1982 and 1989. Schmidt’s imposing card #612 depicts the fearsome Phillies’ slugger during his prime years in Philly. Schmidt took home MVP honors in 1980, 1981, and 1986 establishing himself as arguably the best third baseman in baseball history. Both of these HOFers have 1979 Topps cards that are still relatively affordable and hold value due to their fame.
Another MVP winner featured prominently is Keith Hernandez with his 1979 Topps St. Louis Cardinals card #223. While primarily known for his time with the 1980s Mets’ championship teams, Hernandez was a leader for the Cardinals in the late 70s as well. His MVP season came in 1979 when he posted a .344 batting average along with 110 RBIs. This recognizable card from his award-winning year remains a notable one in the set. Fellow ’79 MVP winner Don Baylor is also highlighted with his Angels card #236 performing at an All-Star level during his career years spent mainly with California and Colorado.
While the 1979 Topps set may not have the true “rookie phenoms” or “megastars” of some other years, it does feature the last or early career cards of many all-time great players including Ryan, Ripken, Brett, Schmidt, Yount, Hernandez, and Baylor. Low-print vintage cards like the Ryan and Ripken rookies hold incredible value, but most iconic cards from the ’79 set can still be obtained. Collectors enjoy finding these pieces of 70s MLB history that transported a young generation of fans before the coming decade of steroids and free agency forever changed the game.
