The 1998 Topps baseball card release is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the 1990s. While rookie cards of legends like Ken Griffey Jr. and Chipper Jones had already been issues by Topps, the 1998 set featured several young stars who were primed to make a huge impact on the game for years to come. As with any vintage release, some cards have stood the test of time more than others in terms of nostalgia, performance and monetary value. Here’s a look at the Top 10 cards from the 1998 Topps baseball release based on those criteria:
#10 – Brad Ausmus (#93)
At the time, Brad Ausmus was a respected veteran catcher who had been in the league since 89′. While not overly iconic on its own, Ausmus’ 98′ Topps card gets recognition on lists due to card collectors’ affinity for quality catching equipment featured on the card. Ausmus is shown in his Padres gear catching a pitch with his classic gear in sharp detail. For equipment enthusiasts, this more understated card stands out.
#9 – Tom Glavine (#143)
At 31 years old in 1998, Glavine was still posting stellar seasons for the Atlanta Braves and was on his way to becoming one of the best pitchers of his generation. Glavine’s 98′ Topps card is a beautiful shot of him winding up on the mound. Although not one of the flashier young star rookies, Glavine went on to have a Hall of Fame career and his early 90s Topps cards hold significant nostalgic value for Braves and card collectors alike.
#8 – Brad Penny (#610)
While he didn’t become the superstar his potential suggested, Brad Penny’s 1998 Topps rookie card certainly turned heads. Penny was a huge, hard-throwing righty coming out of a Michigan high school with a bright future ahead of him. The card depicts Penny mid-delivery, showcasing his power arm. Although he only had moderate MLB success, Penny’s rookie card remains popular with collectors interested in high-ceiling young pitching prospects from the late 90s.
#7 – Brian Giles (#373)
As Giles entered his 3rd full season in 1998, he was coming off a breakout 1997 campaign and was looking to cement himself as one the game’s top young outfielders. His 98′ Topps issue shows Giles swinging fiercely, featuring best-in-class action photography for the set. While not exactly a household name, Giles had several productive MLB seasons and his card resonates with collectors looking for elite on-field action shots from vintage 90s releases like 98′ Topps.
#6 – Richard Hidalgo (#709)
Coming off a strong rookie year where he hit 17 HR in just 96 games, Hidalgo’s future seemed incredibly bright heading into 1998. The raw power and athleticism he flashed gave fans reason to believe they were witnessing the birth of a true star. Hidalgo’s rookie card depicts this excitement perfectly by showing him unleashing a massive swing. While injuries hampered his career somewhat, Hidalgo’s cards that capture his prodigious raw talent remain quite popular.
#5 – Craig Biggio (#29)
Simply put, any Craig Biggio card from the late 90s Houston Astros era holds significant nostalgia and value. As the face of the franchise, Biggio was a perennial All-Star and offensive powerhouse. In 1998, he was in his prime at age 33 after three consecutive seasons with at least a .300 average and 90+ runs scored. His clean on-base posture pictured on his 1998 Topps issue is a reminder of Biggio’s elite all-around game. As a Houston icon and surefire Hall of Famer, any Biggio from this era will always be desirable.
#4 – Sammy Sosa (#223)
Coming off back-to-back 50+ HR seasons in 97-98 which helped save baseball, Sosa had become one of the game’s most thrilling power hitters. His iconic home run prowess paired with the chase of Roger Maris’s single season HR record in 98 added excitement. Sosa’s card depicts him in the midst of one of his mighty swings with intense back muscle definition on full display. As one the late 90s power heroes, Sosa’s cards captured the energy of the era perfectly.
#3 – Alex Rodriguez (#1)
Having been hailed as the greatest prospect of all-time, Rodriguez’s major league debut card held immense hype and has rightfully maintained elite status. At just 21/22 years old in 98, it was clear baseball had a brand new superstar on their hands. The card features A-Rod taking his lead off first with sheer athleticism oozing from every muscle. Considering his huge career and this set marking his arrival, this one’s always been highly coveted.
#2 – Mark McGwire (#220)
Perhaps no card better encapsulates the late 90s home run craze quite like McGwire’s 1998 Topps issue. By then, “Big Mac” had already broken the single season HR record and he was on his way to breaking it again in 98. This card perfectly honors that by showing McGwire in full follow-through, mid swing with mammoth biceps on display. McGwire was the face of MLB during this period and his cards demand top dollar because of it.
#1 – Ken Griffey Jr. (#1)
Simply put, Junior’s 1998 Topps card is one of the most valuable and desirable issues of all-time. At age 28/29 in 1998, Griffey was already a 10x All-Star, 10 Gold Gloves and was coming off back-to-back 40+ HR seasons. The card features Griffey in classic backwards hat and effortless left-handed swing form. As one of history’s most beloved players and the definitive 90s star, any Griffey issue from this era earns a place at the top. His cards will likely always remain universally popular items for collectors.
As illustrated, most of the 1998 Topps standouts either went on capture significant nostalgia due to huge MLB success/milestones, showcasing immense young talent or perfectly encapsulating iconic players/moments from that memorable late 90s era. While a few may have lost monetary value over time due to injuries or fluctuations, many remain highly collectible staples that embody the excitement and nostalgia evoked from that release. The 1998 Topps set holds a special place in card history.
