The 1970 Seattle Pilots baseball cards were the only official set issued during the short one-season existence of the Seattle Pilots Major League Baseball franchise. While the team only played in Seattle for one year before relocating to Milwaukee and becoming the Brewers, these cards remain an important part of Seattle sports history and cards related to the team have taken on great nostalgia and value for collectors in the decades since.
The 1970 Pilots baseball card set was produced by Topps and consists of 107 total cards including 100 player cards, 2 manager cards, 2 checklists, and 3 promotional/team cards for a total of 107 cards. Some key things to know about the 1970 Seattle Pilots baseball card set:
The designs featured a simple blue and red color scheme matching the Pilots uniforms with a color photo of each player on a blue background. The team name “Seattle Pilots” is featured prominently at the top with the player’s name and position below.
Cards were sold in wax packs of 5 cards each with the checklist cards found about 1 per box. The 3 promotional/team cards were insert cards found about 1 per 10 packs.
Roster included all the expected stars like catcherup Dan Meyer, outfielder Tommy Harper, and pitchers Diego Segui and Jim Bouton. Many players did not stay with the team long after the relocation.
Notable rookie cards included Buddy Bradford, Craig Chamberlain, Mike Marshall, and Tommy Harper who all made their MLB debuts with the Pilots in 1969. Tom Burgmeier also has a Seattle Pilots rookie card despite debuting in 1968 with the Angels.
Manager cards were issued for Joe Schultz and Eddie O’Brien. This was the only Topps set to feature manager cards until 1987.
Checklist cards promoted the set and listed statistical information about the players, managers, and team from the 1969 season in Seattle.
Promotional cards highlighted attendance figures, team colors/logos, and stadium information for Sick’s Stadium, the Pilots’ home ballpark.
When issued in 1970, the cards retailed for about 10 cents per pack. Because the team only lasted one season, the cards did not see wide distribution and many were lost to the ravages of time. This scarcity has led to the 1970 Pilots cards gaining immense value among collectors today. Here are some key highlights about their collectibility and values:
In nearly mint condition, a 1970 Topps Seattle Pilots complete set could fetch over $10,000 today. Singles of star players can sell for hundreds on the secondary market.
The promotional/insert cards are the most scarce due to low print runs and are amongst the most valuable from the set regularly selling for $500-1000 each.
Jim Bouton’s rookie card is especially key being one of his earliest MLB cards issued and in high demand from collectors. Graded examples have sold for over $2000.
Lower grade and common cards still sell readily for $20-50 even in played condition due to the finite survival rate and Seattle-based nostalgia.
As the cards are now over 50 years old, high grade specimens are extremely elusive with even well-centered examples usually grading no higher than EX-MT 6 at best.
The 1970 set is one of the most sought after among Pacific Northwest collectors seeking to commemorate their local baseball history. Cards attract premium dollar amounts within this regional collection niche.
While not a long-term MLB franchise, the one-year Seattle Pilots have become one of the most famous failed or relocated teams. Their cards satisfy collectors interests in oddities and milestones within the hobby.
Despite a franchise history limited to just one season in 1969, the 1970 Topps Seattle Pilots baseball card set has achieved great notability among collectors. The scarcity of the cards combined with representing the sole depiction of the Pilots on cardboard has elevated them to an icon status within the Seattle/Pacific Northwest sports collectibles market. Over 50 years later, these cards continue to delight and fascinate collectors as a reminder of what could have been for baseball in the Emerald City.
