The 1985 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues from the 1980s. The design featured bright solid colored borders and large centered photos of the players. While not the most valuable set overall, it did feature several highly sought after rookie and star player cards that have stood the test of time. Let’s take a closer look at some of the true gems from the 1985 Topps set.
One of the most well-known and valuable rookie cards from 1985 is Dwight Gooden’s. Gooden, known as “Doctor K”, had an incredible rookie season in 1984 where he won both the Rookie of the Year award and the Cy Young award. His dominance and electric stuff made him an instant star. The #150 Gooden rookie perfectly captures his overpowering fastball and youthful exuberance on the mound. In top graded gem mint condition, his rookie now sells for well over $1000.
Another hugely valuable rookie is Bret Saberhagen’s #500 card. Like Gooden, Saberhagen enjoyed early success by winning the AL Cy Young award in his first full season of 1985. His unique three-quarters sidearm delivery is showcased on this iconic rookie issue. High graded Saberhagen rookies can reach $400-500 in the current market.
While not rookies, two of the set’s most coveted stars are #1 Mike Schmidt and #7 Ryne Sandberg. Schmidt was in the midst of his Hall of Fame career and his classic batting stance and swing are beautifully captured on his iconic first card in the set. Meanwhile, Sandberg was blossoming into a perennial all-star and his slick fielding skills are on full display on his sharp looking issue. Both of these star-studded cards can sell for $100-150 in top condition.
The 1985 set is also known for featuring several stars in their last issued Topps rookie cards before retiring. One of those is #91 Nolan Ryan, who was still in his prime with the Astros. His blazing fastball is captured perfectly on this final rookie card. In mint condition, it sells for $50-75. Another is #331 Mike Cuellar, who enjoyed success earlier in his career but was wrapping up with the Angels in 1985. His rookie is a key issue for Astros and Orioles collectors.
The 1985 set also featured several other notable star players like #4 Wade Boggs with the Red Sox, #18 Don Mattingly with the Yankees, #130 Kirby Puckett’s second year card with the Twins, and #633 Ozzie Smith’s with the Cardinals. All captured these future Hall of Famers in their primes and in high grade can reach $25-50 each.
The design also lent itself well to capturing action shots. Two of the most dramatic action photos from the set include #99 Andre Dawson’s leaping catch for the Cubs and #662 Willie McGee’s full extension diving catch for the Cardinals. Both remain fan favorites to this day.
While it didn’t have the true superstar rookie class of years past, the 1985 Topps set endures because of its timeless design and featuring many all-time great players either in their early careers or primes. The iconic rookie cards of Gooden, Saberhagen, Ryan, and others will ensure the 1985 set remains both nostalgic and financially valuable for collectors for years to come. The combination of star power, design aesthetic, and key rookie issues give the 1985 Topps set a well-deserved place among the most storied releases in the hobby’s history.
