The 1970 baseball season saw many legendary players in their prime who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. As a result, 1970 baseball cards featuring these future legends remain some of the most sought after and valuable among collectors. While the baseball cards released in 1970 were part of the dominant Topps set that year, it was the rookie cards and starring players that have stood the test of time in popularity and value.
Perhaps the highest valued and most iconic 1970 baseball card is Nolan Ryan’s rookie card. The future record holder for no-hitters and strikeouts was just starting his journey in 1970 with the New York Mets organization. Ryan would go on to have a 27-year career mostly known for his blazing fastball and no-hitter records. It was as a rookie in 1970 that collectors first got their hands on the Nolan Ryan card, which helped lead to its inflated current value. Graded mint condition Ryan rookies have sold for over $100,000, making it one of the most valuable baseball cards ever released.
Another hugely popular card from 1970 was Reggie Jackson’s amid his breakout season with the Oakland Athletics. Known best by his nickname “Mr. October” for his postseason heroics, Jackson was starting to emerge as a true superstar in 1970. He batted .277 with 32 home runs and 94 RBIs that season to help lead the A’s to the AL West title. Jackson would go on to smash historic home run totals in the postseason that cement his legacy. High graded versions of his iconic 1970 card featuring his confident smile sell for over $10,000.
Two other Athletics who defined the 1970s dynasty had valuable rookie cards released in 1970 – pitchers Vida Blue and Rollie Fingers. Blue captured the AL Cy Young and MVP awards in 1971 at age 21 by going 24-8 with a 1.82 ERA. His dominant left-handed skills shone brightly on his 1970 rookie card. Meanwhile, Fingers was just starting his journey to becoming arguably the greatest relief pitcher in history, a task he finished with 341 career saves. Near-mint condition Blue and Fingers rookie cards still fetch thousands on the collector market today.
Pete Rose, forever known as “Charlie Hustle,” was also one of 1970’s most prized cards. He was in the midst of his first of 17 straight seasons batting over .300, hitting for the cycle four times in his career. Rose’s no-nonsense, hustling style remains popular with collectors to this day. Highly graded 1970 Rose cards have sold for over $2,000 each.
Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver had one of the most iconic baseball cards in 1970 as well during the peak of his career with the Miracle Mets. “Tom Terrific” had just won the first of his three Cy Young awards in 1969 and captured the hearts of New York fans. The card captured Seaver in his elite years where he racked up 25 or more wins and over 300 strikeouts multiple times. Pristine 1970 Seaver cards have sold for thousands.
Another legendary hurler who defined the 1970s was Gaylord Perry. In 1970, Perry led the National League with 24 wins tossing for Cleveland and San Francisco in a Cy Young caliber season. His deceptive knuckleball delivery made him a challenge for any hitter. Near-mint condition 1970 Perry cards remain valuable at over $500 due to his fame during that era.
In addition to future Hall of Famers, popular veteran stars in 1970 included Hank Aaron chasing Babe Ruth’s home run record with the Atlanta Braves, Orlando Cepeda providing power for the Boston Red Sox, and Billy Williams delivering consistency for the Chicago Cubs. High graded versions of their 1970 Topps cards remain pieces many collectors seek to this day.
In the end, 1970 gave collectors a treasure trove of future baseball legends and stars on the rise. While the 70s brought flashy polyester uniforms and afros, the cards released that year remain timeless in depicting baseball immortals at the starting points of their iconic careers. This makes 1970 cards headlined by Ryan, Jackson, Rose, Seaver, and others highly coveted and valuable treasures for collectors decades later.
