The Los Angeles Dodgers are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball, with a long history dating back to the late 1800s when they were known as the Brooklyn Dodgers. As one of the oldest teams, the Dodgers have seen many legendary players come through their organization over the decades. This rich history has led to some extremely valuable baseball cards featuring Dodgers players from years past.
Some of the most expensive and sought-after Dodgers cards worth significant money include rookie cards of all-time greats like Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale from the late 1950s and early 1960s. Koufax is widely considered one of the best left-handed pitchers ever, and his 1956 Topps rookie card in near-mint condition can fetch over $15,000. Drysdale was a dominant righty who partnered with Koufax to form a legendary pitching duo for the Dodgers. His 1956 Topps rookie card has sold for upwards of $10,000 in top condition as well.
Another Dodgers card holding huge value is the Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps #311 card featuring Mantle as a member of the Dodgers’ minor league affiliate in Newark. Though he was quickly traded to the Yankees, this rare card showing one of baseball’s icons in Dodger blue commands big money, with PSA 9 examples selling for over $100,000. Any card featuring one of the all-time greats like Mantle, even as a minor leaguer, will be in high demand from collectors.
From the 1960s, one of the most coveted Dodgers cards is the 1969 Topps Reggie Jackson rookie card. Jackson only played 33 games for the Dodgers in 1967 before being traded to the Athletics, but his explosive talent was evident even in that small sample size. In pristine condition, his rookie Topps card can sell for $15,000 or more. Another powerful hitter with a valuable Dodgers rookie is Ron Cey. His 1971 Topps issue changed hands for $7,500 in a PSA 9 grade a few years ago.
Moving into the 1970s, one of the most iconic Dodgers cards is the 1972 Topps Steve Garvey rookie card. Garvey was the heart and soul of the Dodgers for over a decade, winning an MVP award and being named an all-star six times. In top condition, his rookie card sells for $4,000-$5,000. Another valuable 1970s Dodgers rookie is Bill Russell. Though he only played parts of two seasons for LA, his 1968 Topps card is highly sought after and has sold for over $3,000 in mint condition.
The 1980s brought the emergence of Fernando Valenzuela, whose electric rookie season captured the imagination of baseball. His 1981 Topps Traded rookie card, showing “Fernandomania” in full effect, has sold for upwards of $2,000 in pristine condition. Another Dodgers star from that era with a valuable rookie card is Steve Sax. His 1982 Topps issue changed hands for over $1,000 recently. Mike Piazza also made his major league debut with the Dodgers in 1992, and though he was soon traded to the Marlins and then Mets, his 1992 Upper Deck rookie card still demands $1,000+ for a PSA 10 gem.
In the 1990s, collectors clamored for cards featuring Dodgers players like Eric Karros, Mike Piazza, Raúl Mondesí, and Hideo Nomo. Karros slugged over 200 homers for LA and his 1992 Leaf Rookie Card has sold for $800. Mondesí was a fan favorite known for his power and defense, and his 1995 Pinnacle Gold Label Autograph Rookie Card fetched $1,200. Nomo’s innovative style captivated baseball when he first came to the majors from Japan, and his 1995 Pinnacle Brand Autograph Rookie Card sold for $900.
Entering the 21st century, the Dodgers farm system continued to produce stars with valuable rookie cards like Adrián Beltré, Eric Gagné, and Clayton Kershaw. Beltré was a rookie sensation in 1998 and his Topps Chrome Refractor Rookie Card sold for $600. Gagné’s breakout season came in 2002 when he saved 55 games, and his 2002 Topps Traded Autograph Rookie Card brought in $500. Kershaw quickly emerged as one of the game’s most dominant pitchers, and even a decade into his career, his 2008 Topps Chrome Draft Pick Autograph Rookie Card was recently sold for $400.
For modern Dodgers cards, 2018 National League MVP Cody Bellinger has several popular rookies. His 2017 Topps Chrome Autograph Refractor Rookie Card sold for $300 last year. 2019 NL Rookie of the Year Gavin Lux has quickly become a fan favorite, and examples of his 2019 Topps Chrome Autograph Rookie Card have sold in the $200 range. Top pitching prospect Dustin May made his MLB debut in 2019 and has electric stuff, making his 2019 Topps Chrome Autograph Rookie Card a card to watch in the future.
As one of the most historic franchises in baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers have produced countless Hall of Famers, MVPs, and other all-time greats over decades of success. This illustrious history is reflected in the value and demand for vintage Dodgers cards featuring the team’s legendary players from the 1950s through 1980s. Even cards from modern stars continue gaining value as their careers progress. For serious baseball card collectors, high-grade Dodgers rookies will always be a wise long-term investment.
