The 1979 Topps baseball card set was the eighteenth series of baseball card issues produced by the Topps Chewing Gum Company. The set totaled 660 cards and was issued in wax paper packs as well as rack packs. Some key statistics and facts about the 1979 Topps baseball card set include:
The card images were shot in 1978 and early 1979, including spring training photos. This was Topps’ standard practice of releasing cards depicting the previous season. Thus, the cards show players from the 1978 MLB season.
The design featured a white border around each card image with the team nameplate below in blue or red color-coded to the club. In the bottom left was the “Topps” logo and on the bottom right was the player’s name, position, and team.
The checklist included all 26 MLB teams from 1978. Notable rookies included Hall of Famer Wade Boggs for the Red Sox and Dave Stapleton for the Cubs.
The set included six short print cards that were harder to obtain – Robin Yount, Dave Parker, Phil Garner, Tony Pérez, Mike Schmidt, and Graig Nettles.
Key serial numbers included the #1 card of Nolan Ryan and the #660 checklist card concluding the set. Mike Schmidt’s image led off the Phillies section with card #489.
Several stars of the late 1970s are featured prominently like Schmidt, Ryan, Pete Rose, and Reggie Jackson. Future Hall of Famers abounded throughout the set.
Topps continued its tradition of including manager and owner cards mixed in randomly with the player cards. Billy Martin managed the A’s and George Steinbrenner owned the Yankees in 1978.
The design changed little from previous years. However, Topps added a photo of its Bowman Gum division mascot character – “Bazooka Joe” – on the reverse of card #660.
Now let’s break down some of the most valuable and notable cards from the 1979 set in more detail:
Nolan Ryan (card #1) – As the #1 card, this is one of the most iconic from the entire set. High grade copies in mint condition have sold for over $1,000 due to its coveted low serial number.
Robin Yount (card #103) – One of the six short prints, this Brewers star remains quite scarce. Near mint copies have sold for around $400 when found.
Dave Parker (card #197) – Another desired short print of the ” Cobra” in Pirates garb. Values range $150-300 depending on condition.
Phil Garner (card #254) – The A’s third baseman is the third scarcest short print. Near mint copies have crossed the $100 mark.
Tony Pérez (card #465) – The Expos first baseman short print remains tough to find. Mid $100 valuations are typical.
Mike Schmidt (card #489) – His Phillies card leads off their section and is the set’s fifth short print. Extremely high grade copies top $150-200.
Graig Nettles (card #514) – As the sixth and final short print, this Yankees third baseman can fetch $75-125 in excellent condition.
Ozzie Smith (card #556) – One of the best defensive shortstops ever made his MLB debut in 1978 with the Padres. High grade rookie cards sell for $50-75.
Rickey Henderson (card #622) – The future all-time stolen base king’s rookie card as an Oakland A’s outfielder. Near mint copies trade hands for $40-60.
The 1979 Topps baseball card set provides a wealth of playing and collecting opportunities even today. Future Hall of Famers and valuable rookie cards make it an iconic release from a golden era of the sport. Discovering high grade copies of the desirable short prints or stars with the coveted low serial numbers can bring fantastic financial returns for savvy collectors. It serves as a fantastic historical snapshot from a time of transition heading into a new decade of baseball.
