The 1968 season was a memorable one in Major League Baseball. The Detroit Tigers won the World Series, led by future Hall of Famers Denny McLain and Al Kaline. Jackie Robinson, one of the greatest players in history, retired after the 1966 season. Young stars like Reggie Jackson and Willie Mays were entering their primes.
Not surprisingly, the 1968 Topps baseball card set featured some iconic players and rookies that would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. Due to the significance of the season and players featured, 1968 Topps cards are highly sought after by collectors today. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable and memorable cards from the set.
Reggie Jackson #433
A star-studded rookie season was on display for Reggie Jackson in 1968. Though he only hit .238 for the Athletics that year, Jackson showed flashes of prodigious power by hitting 27 home runs. His card highlights his rookie status and huge potential that would eventually be realized as one of the game’s all-time great sluggers. High grade Reggie Jackson rookie cards can sell for well over $10,000 due to his legendary career and Hall of Fame induction.
Carl Yastrzemski #425
Playing all his career with the Boston Red Sox, Carl Yastrzemski was enjoying the prime of his career in 1968. That season, he won the American League Triple Crown by leading the league in batting average (.301), home runs (44), and RBIs (121). His iconic card shows him in batting pose during that MVP season. Top graded Yaz rookies have sold for upwards of $6,000 over the years.
Willie Mays #359
Already a 12-time All-Star, Willie Mays was entering his 17th season in 1968 while playing for the San Francisco Giants. Dubbed “The Say Hey Kid,” Mays remained one of baseball’s most talented five-tool players. His accomplishment-filled career is reflected in his ’68 Topps card, which can demand over $4,000 in top condition due to his status as perhaps the greatest player who ever lived.
Johnny Bench #415
Before establishing himself as one of the best-hitting catchers in MLB history with the Cincinnati Reds, Johnny Bench was a 21-year old prospect in 1968 hitting .275 with 5 home runs in 49 games. His rookie card shows promise of the many All-Star seasons and two National League MVP awards ahead. Graded rookies have topped $3,000 at auction.
Tom Seaver #210
In his second season with the New York Mets, Tom Seaver was already emerging as a pitching phenom by going 16-13 with a 2.20 ERA in 1968. The future Hall of Famer and three-time Cy Young award winner is depicted in his dominant wind-up on this coveted rookie card, which has also exceeded $3,000 for high grades.
Hank Aaron #144
It’s easy to see why Hank Aaron’s 1968 card is one of the most iconic of all-time. That season, the Atlanta Braves slugger smashed the coveted Babe Ruth home run record by hitting 39 home runs. This cemented his place as one of the greatest right-handed hitters who ever lived. An Aaron card in gem mint condition can sell for over $2,000.
Don Drysdale #192
Dodgers ace Don Drysdale enjoyed one of his finest seasons on the mound in 1968, going 17-12 with a 2.18 ERA and 232 strikeouts for LA. The 268-game winner’s powerful overhand delivery and Hall of Fame credentials make his ’68 Topps issue highly sought after, with high grades bringing $1,500 or more.
Rod Carew #90
Already a three-time All-Star by 1968, Rod Carew was winning his first batting title with the Minnesota Twins, hitting .331 on the season. Carew would go on to become one of the best contact hitters ever while winning seven batting crowns. His promising prospect card can reach $1,000 pristine condition.
Those were some of the most valuable and historically significant cards collectors can find from the 1968 Topps baseball set. With Hall of Famers, MVPs, and young stars on the rise, it truly captured a special season in MLB. Over 50 years later, these classic cardboard issues continue to be prized by vintage collectors for their memorable images and attachment to baseball memorabilia. The combination of playing careers and condition grade make certain 1968 Topps cards enduring pieces of sport’s history.
