The 1979 Topps baseball card set was the 58th series produced by the Topps Chewing Gum Company. It marked another iconic year in the history of Topps baseball cards as the brand transitioned into a new decade. The 1979 set featured 660 total cards and was issued in wax paper packs of five cards each.
Some key details about the 1979 Topps baseball card checklist and design include:
The design featured a classic white border surrounding each player photo with their name and team logo arched at the top. Statistics were listed on the bottom half of the card.
Superstar Nolan Ryan of the California Angels graced the very coveted card #1 position in the set.
Rookies featured included Ozzie Smith of the San Diego Padres (card #630), Chili Davis of the Los Angeles Dodgers (#359), and Mike Schmidt of the Philadelphia Phillies (#279).
Prominent Hall of Famers included in the set were Hank Aaron of the Milwaukee Brewers (#84), Johnny Bench of the Cincinnati Reds (#25), Reggie Jackson of the New York Yankees (#155), and Pete Rose of the Phillies (#199).
The Minnesota Twins team cards occupying slots #660-662 depicted the Twins celebrating their 1978 World Series championship over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Detroit Tigers had two team cards at #655-656 showing their division championship team from the previous season.
The set was the last to feature Pirates star Dave Parker in a Pittsburgh uniform before he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds after the 1979 season.
Some of the standout rookies of the 1979 Topps set have gone on to have Hall of Fame careers. Ozzie Smith appeared on card #630 and would become known as the “Wizard” for his defensive wizardry at shortstop, garnering 13 Gold Gloves and election to Cooperstown in 2002.
Mike Schmidt’s rookie card was #279 and he went on to establish himself as arguably the greatest third baseman of all-time. Schmidt smashed 548 home runs and won 10 Gold Gloves and the 1980 NL MVP in his first season. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1995, his first year of eligibility.
Dodgers prospect Chili Davis had a breakout rookie campaign in 1979 after appearing on card #359. Davis went on to hit 274 home runs over his 18-year career playing for nine different teams. He was a two-time All-Star and helped the Minnesota Twins win the 1991 World Series.
The condition and grading of iconic rookie cards like Ozzie Smith, Mike Schmidt, and Chili Davis make their 1979 Topps cards among the most valuable in the entire set today. High-grade versions of their rookies can fetch thousands of dollars.
Some other notable rookies in the 1979 set included Cal Ripken Jr. (#519) of the Baltimore Orioles, Don Mattingly (#307) of the New York Yankees, and Tony Gwynn (#619) of the San Diego Padres. All three would have Hall of Fame careers.
The design of the 1979 Topps set remains a favorite of collectors today. Its classic look holds up remarkably well more than 40 years later. The photograph quality is also better than some 1970s issues. Combined with the star power and memorable rookie cards, it’s no wonder the 1979 Topps baseball card checklist endures as a premiere vintage release. Prices remain strong for high-quality common players and especially the rookies, making it a staple for collectors. The 1979 Topps baseball cards provided a great snapshot of the game at the dawn of a new decade.
