Gil Hodges was an eight-time All-Star first baseman who played most of his 18-year career in the 1950s and 1960s for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers. He enjoyed great success and was a key member of several World Series championship teams. Hodges’ playing career came to an end in 1963, but he went on to manage the 1969 “Miracle Mets” to a shocking World Series victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Due to his excellence both on the field and in the dugout, Gil Hodges is remembered as one of the greatest players and managers in baseball history.
Unsurprisingly, Hodges’ career achievements and popularity have made his baseball cards highly sought after collectibles. On eBay, Gil Hodges cards from his playing days frequently fetch high prices, especially for rare, high-grade examples from his rookie season in 1947 up through the 1950s and early 1960s. One of the most iconic and valuable Hodges cards is the 1958 Topps #138, which captures the smooth-swinging first baseman mid-swing for the Dodgers. This classic card is a favorite of collectors due to its sharp photography and nostalgia for Hodges and those storied Brooklyn Dodgers teams.
The 1958 Topps set is considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing designs in baseball card history. Featuring bold colors and large photos, these cards really let the images shine. For the #138 Gil Hodges card, Topps photographer Art Spiegel took an action shot of Hodges mid-swing from the left side of the plate. With his follow-through captured perfectly and the ball leaving his bat, it’s easy to see why collectors love this card – it really captures the essence of Hodges as a hitter. The photo combined with the classic yellow, red, and blue Topps color scheme makes for an instantly recognizable and appealing design that remains a standout over 60 years later.
In high grades of mint or near-mint condition, the 1958 Topps #138 Gil Hodges has sold for thousands of dollars on eBay. Like most vintage cards, its value is heavily dependent on the state of preservation. Even well-centered examples in excellent (“EX”) condition can sell for $100-200. But mint copies in grades of MT-8 or higher have realized prices up to $1,000 or more at auction. The record sale on eBay was a true gem mint PSA 10 copy that sold for an incredible $4,500 back in 2016. Condition is absolutely critical for high-end Hodges collectors seeking a true trophy card to showcase.
While the mint PSA 10s command top dollar, there is still a strong market on eBay for lower-graded Hodges #138 cards. Even well-worn copies in fair or good condition often sell, as many collectors just want any example of this classic card to add to their collections. In grades of fair to very good, prices usually range between $20-75 depending on centering, edges, and overall appeal. For investors and flippers, buying raw lower-grade copies and hoping to upgrade even a few points with a professional grading company can yield good profits with patience.
Beyond just its aesthetics and Hodges’ playing career accomplishments, the 1958 Topps #138 also holds nostalgic significance for many collectors and fans. As a star player for the iconic Brooklyn Dodgers teams of the 1950s, Hodges came to symbolize an entire era of New York baseball before the franchise moved to Los Angeles after the 1957 season. Many lifelong Dodgers fans and collectors first became aware of Hodges and his talents through owning and enjoying this very Topps card as children in the late 1950s. Even sixty years later, it continues to stir fond memories of Ebbets Field, Sandy Koufax, Jackie Robinson, and Brooklyn’s “Boys of Summer.”
For dedicated Hodges collectors, finding high-quality examples of his other vintage cards can also prove expensive on eBay. His 1952 and 1953 Topps rookie cards, as well as various Bowman, Red Man, and Play Ball issues are also in high demand. Later career cards like those from 1959-1963 can usually be acquired for $10-50 in average condition, but premium examples still command four-figure prices. Even oddball issues and minor league cards featuring the young Hodges attract attention. The 1958 Topps #138 remains the true crown jewel – an icon of 1950s baseball, Brooklyn Dodgers nostalgia, and one of the most aesthetically perfect and valuable cards featuring this Hall of Fame slugger.
The eBay market for vintage Gil Hodges cards is driven by strong collector demand for one of baseball’s most beloved stars and winners. As a member of the cherished “Boys of Summer” Dodgers teams, his cards instantly stir nostalgia. But the 1958 Topps #138 stands out as the definitive Hodges collectible – a true work of photographic art that has only gained in significance and value since its original release over 60 years ago. Whether spending $20 or $4,500, any collector would be proud to own and display this iconic piece of sports card history highlighting a legend of America’s pastime.
