The 1998 Topps baseball card set featured many young stars who were just starting their Major League careers. This was one of the most exciting rookie classes in the modern era of baseball. Some of the top rookies in 1998 Topps included Nomar Garciaparra, Sammy Sosa, Kerry Wood, Mark McGwire, Roberto Alomar, and Dante Bichette. Let’s take a more in-depth look at some of the most valuable and noteworthy rookie cards from the 1998 Topps baseball set.
Arguably the premier rookie card from 1998 Topps was Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood. Wood had one of the greatest pitching debuts in MLB history on May 6, 1998 when he struck out 20 Astros over 9 innings. This started “Kerrymania” in Chicago as baseball fans knew they had a budding superstar. His Topps rookie card, #221, skyrocketed in value and demand after this historic debut. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples now sell for well over $1,000. Even lower graded copies in the $200-300 range show how beloved this rookie card became.
Another top rookie was Dodgers shortstop Nomar Garciaparra. He won the AL Rookie of the Year award in 1998 after batting .306 with 30 doubles for the Red Sox. His sweet left-handed swing and smooth fielding skills made him an instant fan favorite. Garciaparra’s Topps rookie, #87, has also held value very well over the years. High grade copies regularly sell for $250-500. The popularity of “Nomah” in Boston created lasting demand for this iconic card.
One of the most prolific power hitters of the 1990s was Sammy Sosa. After breaking out with 40 home runs for the Cubs in 1998, Sosa started gaining national attention. His rookie card from that year, #217 in Topps, is quite plentiful in raw form. High quality PSA/BGS gems with a Sosa auto or patch sell for over $1,000. Even PSA 10 examples can be found for a couple hundred. Sosa’s card shows promise as collectors continue remembering his amazing 608 career home run tally.
Just missing out on Rookie of the Year was Cardinals stud McGwire and his mighty long balls. Tragedy struck in 1994 when he suffered a leg injury, but “Big Mac” returned with a vengeance by bashing 49 home runs in 1998. This monster season made his Topps rookie, #192, very collected. High grades with a grade of PSA 8 or better sell routinely around the $100-200 range. McGwire remains one of the most iconic power hitters in baseball history.
Another integral part of 1990s baseball was Blue Jays second baseman Roberto Alomar. After being traded from the Padres, Alomar helped Toronto win two World Series in 1992-1993. His defensive skills were matched by his smooth left-handed swing. Alomar’s Topps rookie card from 1988, #477, has found new collectors in recent years as prices have risen to the $80-150 range. Even raw copies in played condition fetch $30-50 due to his impressive career.
One dark horse rookie that could rise in value is Rockies slugger Dante Bichette. After three straight 40+ home run seasons from 1995-1997 with Colorado, Bichette was firmly establishing himself as a star. His Topps rookie, #270 from 1988, has low pop reports on the major tracking sites. High quality specimens with strong eye appeal could multiply in price as more recognize Bichette’s all-star caliber career.
The 1998 Topps baseball set featured a variety of future Hall of Famers and all-time great players. Rookie cards for Kerry Wood, Nomar Garciaparra, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, Roberto Alomar and Dante Bichette show the highest grades and demand. As the years pass, younger collectors gain new appreciation for the stars of the late 90s. This bodes well for the long term potential of these iconic rookie cards from the 1998 Topps baseball set. The rich stories and memorable performances of these players are sure to keep collectors searching to add them to their collections for decades to come.
