The 1985 Topps Baseball card set is considered one of the most notable issues ever produced by the Topps Company. While it may not be the most valuable overall as some earlier sets featured many more trading cards per pack, the 1985 edition featured several highly coveted rookie cards and big stars of the day that have become very desirable for collectors in the decades since. With 792 total cards in the set spread across 132 factory sets, the 1985 Topps release remains a very popular one to collect even today among both newer and veteran collectors.

One of the biggest storylines of the 1985 season was the emergence of Dwight Gooden onto the Major League scene with the New York Mets. As a rookie, “Doc” Gooden went 17-9 with a 2.60 ERA and 268 strikeouts, winning the National League Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards. His impressive rookie card from the 1985 Topps set, card #94, is considered one of the most iconic rookie cards in the hobby. In near mint to mint condition, Gooden’s rookie card can fetch well over $1,000 and grades of 9 or 10 can sell for $5,000 or more. The card pictures Gooden in the follow through of his windup with the familiar Mets logo on his hat, capturing one of the game’s young stars on the verge of greatness.

Another star who burst onto the scene in 1985 was Baltimore Orioles catcher Mark McGwire, who blasted 49 home runs in just his second MLB season. Like Gooden, McGwire’s #234 rookie card from the 1985 Topps set is among the most desired and his explosive rookie campaign made it one of the hottest cards to chase from the set. Pristine copies in mint condition have sold for up to $2,000 in recent years with more modest grades still achieving prices of $500 or more. McGwire quickly established himself as one of the game’s emerging power threats and his imposing stature and swing made for an eye-catching rookie card image.

While Gooden and McGwire grabbed much of the early season attention with their Rookie of the Year worthy campaigns, the reigning National League MVP and 1984 NL batting champion was still considered the game’s best player – Montreal Expos first baseman Tim Raines. Raines put together another terrific season in 1985, batting .334 with 43 stolen bases playing in the small Montreal market that often overlooked star players. His flashy #141 card featuring Raines sliding headfirst into third base is one of the more aesthetically pleasing cards from the set. Higher graded Raines rookies have sold for $400-$600 range reflecting his status as a star of the era before injuries slowed his career.

Another future Hall of Famer who was still in his prime during the 1985 season was San Diego Padres third baseman and perennial Gold Glover, Tony Gwynn. Like Raines, Gwynn played for a smaller market franchise and didn’t always get his due credit nationally for his outrageous hitting prowess. In 1985, Gwynn batted an eye-popping .351 with 204 hits to capture his first of later 8 batting titles. His #493 card, which shows Gwynn taking a mighty cut, is iconic of his sweet swing and underrated playing career. Higher graded Gwynns from ’85 can sell for $150-$250 given his credentials as one of the game’s purest hitters.

While stars like Gooden, McGwire, Raines and Gwynn shined brightly on the rookie and young superstar cards of the 1985 set, arguably the single most popular card was that of longtime Chicago Cubs great Ryne Sandberg. Sandberg was coming off back-to-back MVP award winning seasons and may have been arguably the best player in the league at the time. His signature #486 card, which shows “Ryno” executing a flawless double play turn at second base, is considered by many to have one of the best actual card images of any issue. Sandberg’s card is almost as iconic to Cubs fans and collectors as Ernie Banks’ rookie is. Graded examples in the 9-10 range have sold for well over $1,000 with most bring $400-$600 still today.

While players like Gooden, McGwire, Raines and Gwynn brought excitement as the next generation of stars, veterans like Mike Schmidt, George Brett and Andre Dawson still cranked out productive seasons drawing lots of attention on their cards as well from the 1985 set. Schmidt’s #96 card shows his unmatched power posing in his classic batting stance. His high-grade rookie cards from the early 1970s have exceeded $10,000, showing his star power. Brett’s #220 picture finds him digging in at the plate ready to drive the ball as only “Gorgeous George” could. And Dawson’s #112 captures him tracking a fly from his centerfield spot, bringing a reminder of his Gold Glove caliber defense that was often overlooked due to his later power numbers in Montreal and Chicago.

While stars on most teams received due recognition with quality cards, the 1985 Topps set also included key cards commemorating huge moments from the prior postseason. The 1984 Detroit Tigers championship team is represented with Lance Parrish’s #161 depicting his game-winning home run in the ’84 World Series. Cincinnati Reds ace Tom Browning’s #186 honors his perfect game in the ’88 season opener. And the #418 card pictures the entire San Diego Padres team celebrating their unlikely 1984 NL pennant on the field. These memorable “highlight” cards from recent Octobers added to the nostalgia and collectibility of the 1985 issue.

In terms of overall condition and quality of the photography and design, the 1985 Topps set is considered among the best in the modern era run by Topps. With oversized portraits in sharp focus, vivid colors, and creative posing, the classic card designs have held up extremely well. Factors like the quality paper stock used and overall care in production helped ensure the longevity and eye appeal of the ’85s compared to earlier and later issues prone to more wear. Even moderately played examples retain strong visual pop on the racks.

While stars were the big draw, the 1985 Topps set also well represented players from across the league and all stages of their careers. Everyone from Yankees captain Don Mattingly to Oakland A’s ace Dave Stewart to Milwaukee Brewers power threat Robin Yount received due attention. And veterans like Reggie Jackson, Pete Rose and Rick Sutcliffe brought nostalgia playing key roles on contending teams. Overall roster and player coverage was excellent for the time period captured.

In the decades since its original release, the 1985 Topps Baseball card set has grown stronger in reputation and demand has soared on the top rookie cards and stars of the era featured. While it may not be the most expensive vintage set to collect overall, it offers an excellent value for hobbyists to add high-quality examples of indispensable vintage cards at a fraction of the cost of predecessors. For visual appeal, capturing a great era of the game, and including icons like Gooden, McGwire, Raines, Gwynn and Sandberg, the 1985 Topps set stands tall as one of the crown jewels of the vintage era. It remains as popular with collectors today as when first released due to these factors and the lasting memories it stirs of the mid-1980s on the diamond.