The 1998 Topps baseball card set was the 67th annual release from Topps and featured cards of Major League Baseball players and managers from the 1997 season. Some of the top rookies featured in the set were Nomar Garciaparra, Carlos Beltran, and Vladimir Guerrero. The design featured a unique border motif around each photo with colorful geometric shapes and patterns. Prices for individual cards from the 1998 Topps baseball set have fluctuated over the years based on player performance and collecting interest. Let’s take a deeper look at prices for some of the top cards from the 1998 Topps release according to the latest guidelines.
Garry Maddox (#1) was the sole representative of the Philadelphia Phillies on the starting lineup checklist featured on the back of Series 1 packs. Due to his prominent placement and relative scarcity compared to star players, mint condition copies of his base card have sold for $15-20 in recent years. Another key Cardinals player, Mark McGwire (#16), dominated the home run race that season and his card remains one of the most popular chase cards from the set. Pristine, near-mint copies can be found for $25-35 dollars while well-centered mint examples command over $50.
Babe Ruth (#66), shown in a Red Sox uniform, was one of the legendary players paid tribute to in the Hall of Fame highlight subset. Due to the storied status of Ruth and the subset theme, his card frequently fetches $8-12 in top-notch condition. The diamond kings parallel subset introduced colorful parallel variations of star players with a diamond-encrusted design. Ken Griffey Jr’s spectacular parallel (#D1) regularly trades hands for $40-60 in mint condition due to his star power and the allure of the rare parallel design.
Although not a rookie card, Nomar Garciaparra’s (#97) impressive debut season made his base card a popular chase. Near-mint examples are found for $15-25 while true mint copies commanding upwards of $35. Vladimir Guerrero’s striking rookie card (#598) depicts him with the Expos and has grown in demand due to his Hall of Fame caliber career. Near mint copies sell in the $25-35 range while pristine mint copies reach as high as $50.
Additional notable and frequently purchased insert cards from the 1998 Topps set include Darryl Strawberry’s “Best I Ever Saw” card (35 cents insert) which is found for $4-6 in top-notch condition due to Strawberry’s star power. The “Farewells” subset featured retired players in their original team uniforms. Cal Ripken Jr’s moving emotional last season send off card (#FW-CR) fetches $8-12 in mint condition.
High series and parallel cards from the 1998 Topps set possess premium pricing for avid collectors. The rare 1/1 printing plate parallels that featured each player’s name and statistics imprinted on printing plates fetch top dollar. A Ken Griffey Jr. printing plate sold at auction in 2018 for over $1,000 in protected slabs. The elusive final card of the base set, featuring Frank Thomas (#808), can sell for $80-120 in pristine condition due to its coveted positioning and star subject.
1998 Topps traded, and special parallel variations are key chase cards. The Florescent Parallel Pete Rose card (#T306) sells between $80-120 in top-grade. The Crackled Ice Parallel Michael Jordan baseball cameo card (#SI-MJ), a true one-of-a-kind due to Jordan’s basketball dominance, has reached as much as $5,000 when graded and encapsulated by PSA. Overall, 1998 Topps remains an engaging vintage release for collectors and the prices of individual stand out cards from the base and insert sets steadily appreciate along with the players’ careers and sustained collecting demand. Whether seeking rookie stars or aging all-time greats, the 1998 Topps baseball card set provides affordable classic cardboard for most budgets.
The 1998 Topps baseball card set features many investment-worthy cards for collectors at both budget and high-end levels. Rookie sensations like Nomar Garciaparra and Vladimir Guerrero hold steady resale value increases. Home run heroes Mark McGwire and Ken Griffey Jr. command strong prices. Unique parallel and insert variations offer rarer chase opportunities. And superstar subjects like Cal Ripken Jr. and Babe Ruth ensure nostalgic cardboard endures. Whether casually completing a set or selectively upgrading highlights, the 1998 Topps release remains a fan favorite two decades later. With the potential for future price boosts, its cards remain a sound consideration for patience collectors.
