The Houston Astros have a long and storied history since establishing themselves as a franchise in 1962. Over the decades, countless Astros players have made their mark on the field and in the hearts of Houston fans. Not surprisingly, many of these star players from yesteryear also have baseball cards that are highly valued today among collectors. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable vintage Astros cards that can fetch big money when they cross the auction block or are bought and sold privately.
Jimmy Wynn – 1964 Topps #291
Widely considered the greatest Astro of all time, “The Toy Cannon” Jimmy Wynn terrorized National League pitching during his over a decade long career entirely spent in Houston from 1963 to 1976. His rookie card from 1964 Topps is one of the crown jewels for any Astros collector. High grade examples in NM-MT 7 condition have sold for over $10,000 in recent years. Even well-centered copies in EX-MT 5 shape can sell for $3,000-$5,000. The card has added mystique as it was Wynn’s only Topps rookie produced during his playing days.
Nolan Ryan – 1967 Topps #526
Yes, people primarily associate Nolan Ryan as a member of the Angels, Rangers and other clubs later in his career. But “The Ryan Express” got his start in 1966 as a 19-year old with the Astros. His rookie card from 1967 Topps is a true collecting gem. High grades in the BVG 9.0 or PSA 10 realm have crossed the auction block for astronomical sums approaching $100,000. Even well-centered copies in raw near mint condition demand $5,000-$10,000 due to Ryan’s iconic stature in the sport.
Joe Morgan – 1963 Topps #340
A future Hall of Famer and star of the Big Red Machine Cincinnati Reds clubs, Joe Morgan’s rookie season was with the 1963 Astros. His glossy issue card from that year in pristine BVG 9.0 or PSA 10 condition has sold for $25,000-$35,000 levels. Well-centered raw copies still pull in $3,000-$5,000. The card caught Morgan in his early days as he wouldn’t become the superstar “Little Genius” second baseman until a few years later with the Reds.
Don Wilson – 1967 Topps #538
One of the hardest throwing hurlers of his era, righty Don Wilson won over 100 games in his breakout career largely with the Astros from 1967 to 1977. Tragically, Wilson passed away young from head injuries suffered in a dune buggy accident at age 29 in 1975. His rookie card holds mystique and remains a standout for Houston collectors. High quality PSA 10 or BVG 9.0 specimens have crossed the $5,000 mark. Even well-centered raw copies still demand $1,000-$2,000.
Mike Scott – 1979 Topps #694
No Astro had a more dominant single season than Mike Scott’s magical 20 win, 286 strikeout campaign in 1986 that led Houston to its first World Series title. Not surprisingly, his rookie card from 1979 Topps is one of the franchise’s true gems. Pristine PSA 10 copies are $3,000-$5,000 cards. Well-centered raw copies in the $800-$1,200 range remain a sound investment for any Astros PC. Scott’s postseason heroics and Cy Young award only accentuate interest in his early cardboard.
J.R. Richard – 1975 Topps #552
Another flamethrower righty but one whose career and life were tragically cut short, J.R. Richard dominated NL hitters with the Astros from 1971 to 1980 with a 100 mph heater. A stroke ended his playing days at age 30 in 1980. His 1975 Topps rookie card remains a must-have for collectors. High grades of PSA 10 or BVG 9 are $1,000-$2,000 cards while well-centered raw versions pull in $400-$600.
Jesus Alou – 1964 Topps #446
The Astros career hits leader from 1963-1976, Jesus Alou was a rock steady outfield presence for over a decade in Houston. His ’64 Topps rookie represents an intriguing early piece of franchise history. PSA 10 or BVG 9 grades achieve the $1,000 mark. Well-centered raw copies hold $400-$600 value among Astros aficionados.
Craig Biggio – 1988 Fleer #343
One of the greatest second basemen ever who still holds the franchise record for games, hits and numerous other categories, Craig Biggio spent his entire 20 year career from 1988 to 2007 as an Astro. Not surprisingly, interest is high in his rookie card. Pristine mint PSA 10’s are $3,000-$5,000 cards. Even well-centered raw copies bring $1,000-$1,500 on the secondary market. Biggio’s 3,000 hit milestone only enhances the long term value of his ’88 Fleer RC.
Jeff Bagwell – 1989 Fleer #640 and 1990 Bowman #59
The 1990 NL MVP who led the Astros resurgence in the 1990s alongside Biggio, Jeff Bagwell’s rookie cards from 1989 Fleer and particularly 1990 Bowman are tremendously valuable in the hobby. PSA 10 grades bring $5,000 for the Fleer and a jaw dropping $12,000+ for the ultra-rare Bowman. Well-centered raw versions still demand $2,000-$3,000 for the Fleer and $4,000-$6,000 for the Bowman. Both represent key components of any Astros PC.
Billy Wagner – 1993 Leaf #326
A dominant late inning reliever during his playing career from 1995 to 2010, Billy Wagner racked up 422 saves mostly with the Astros and Phillies. Interest has grown in his flashy 1993 Leaf rookie parallel to the game’s appreciation of top closers. Pristine PSA 10 examples cross for $1,200. Well-centered raw copies are $400-$600 cards for Astros collectors. Wagner’s electric fastball made him a fan favorite during Houston’s rides to success.
Vintage cards from all-time Astros greats like Wynn, Morgan, Ryan, Scott and Bagwell headline the most expensive offerings for this legendary Houston franchise. Close behind are mid-career stars Richard, Alou, Biggio and Wagner among others from the team’s early decades. With the rise of modern Astros stars like Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa, interest should remain high for years to come in collecting and holding these classic Houston cardboard pieces from the sport’s storied past.
