The 1985 Topps baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the 1980s. It marked Topps’ return to the baseball card market after Fleer broke their monopoly in 1981. The set contains 792 total cards including player cards, manager cards, team cards, and checklists. While not the most valuable set from the junk wax era, it featured many talented players and some of the most iconic designs of the decade. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout cards from the 1985 Topps set.
One of the most sought after rookie cards from 1985 is Dwight Gooden’s. Gooden, known as “Doc”, had just come off a historic rookie season with the New York Mets in 1984 where he won both the Rookie of the Year award and the Cy Young award. His rookie card shows him in action on the mound with his trademark high leg kick. While not the most valuable of his rookie cards due to higher print runs during the junk wax era, it remains one of the most iconic and recognizable. In high grade it can fetch upwards of $100.
Another star rookie card is Roger Clemens’ debut with the Boston Red Sox. Like Gooden, Clemens went on to have a Hall of Fame career and won multiple Cy Young awards. His rookie card depicts him in the Red Sox’ classic red uniform. High graded examples in near mint to mint condition have sold for over $150 in recent years. Clemens would go on to have one of the most decorated careers of any pitcher in MLB history.
For Cardinals fans, one of the standouts from the 1985 set is Ozzie Smith’s card. Nicknamed “The Wizard” for his flashy defense at shortstop, Smith’s card shows him fielding a ground ball. He was already established as one of the best defensive infielders in the game by 1985. High graded versions have sold for $50-75 due to his iconic status in St. Louis. Smith would be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002.
Another defensive wizard with an eye-catching 1985 card is Padres third baseman Graig Nettles. Known for his leather and big bat, Nettles’ card depicts him barehanded snagging a hot shot down the line. As a veteran player at this point, his card doesn’t carry huge value, but for Padres and baseball card collectors it remains a favorite. In top condition it can sell for $15-20.
For fans of power hitters, Dave Parker’s 1985 card stands out. As a two-time batting champion for the Pirates in the late 70s, “The Cobra” was still raking for the Cincinnati Reds in 1985. His card shows off his smooth left-handed swing. In high grade it has sold for $25-35 due to his offensive prowess and popularity during his playing days. Parker was one of the most complete hitters of the late 70s and early 80s.
No article on the 1985 set would be complete without mentioning Don Mattingly’s iconic card. Already one of the game’s best young hitters as the Yankees’ first baseman, his card depicts him in the team’s classic pinstriped road uniform. Even in the overproduced junk wax era, Mattingly’s rookie cards remain popular and in high demand. Near mint to mint copies have reached $100 due to his status as a fan favorite and longtime Yankee. He would go on to be a cornerstone of the franchise for many years.
While star players receive most of the attention, the 1985 set also featured unique team and manager cards. The Detroit Tigers’ team card showed manager Sparky Anderson surrounded by stars like Kirk Gibson and Jack Morris. For Cubs fans, their team card featured beloved manager Jim Frey. These types of cards offer a more complete look at the rosters and personalities of each franchise from that season.
While print runs were high during the junk wax era, the 1985 Topps set still featured many of the game’s biggest stars and future Hall of Famers. Cards like Gooden, Clemens, Smith, Parker, and Mattingly remain popular due to the players’ accomplishments both during and after their careers. For set collectors, it marked Topps’ return to the baseball card market and contains iconic designs that are still appreciated today. While it may not be the most valuable set, 1985 Topps had no shortage of memorable and worthwhile cards for collectors of the era.
