In 1992, there were a number of superstar players who graced the classic baseball cards produced that year by Topps. The ’92 Topps set featured 762 cards and highlighted many of the game’s biggest names who were entering their prime or had already established themselves as living legends. While determining the “best” players is subjective, here are some of the most notable stars that baseball card collectors of the early 1990s loved to add to their collections.
Barry Bonds (card #1) was featured prominently on the very first card in the ’92 Topps set. As he entered his 8th MLB season, Bonds was already a 3-time All-Star and 2-time Gold Glover. In 1992, he would have perhaps his finest season to date, batting .311 with 34 home runs and 103 RBI for the Pittsburgh Pirates en route to winning the NL MVP award. Bonds fully established himself as one of the game’s premier sluggers and five-tool talents thanks to his blend of power, speed, defensive prowess and plate discipline.
Cal Ripken Jr. (card #50) was another perennial All-Star and force in the Baltimore Orioles lineup during this period. Entering his 12th season, Ripken had already strung together an iconic consecutive games played streak of nearly 2000 games still going. In 1992, Ripken batted .266 with 23 home runs and 103 RBI, displaying the consistency and production that would lead him to a Hall of Fame career. Ripken won the AL MVP award and symbolized grit, determination and durability for Baltimore baseball fans of the era.
Tom Glavine (card #75) had a breakout season for the Atlanta Braves in 1992, going 20-11 with a 2.76 ERA and his first of two Cy Young awards. Glavine proved to be the ace of a powerful Braves pitching staff that would win the National League pennant. The lefty starter dominated with pinpoint control and multiple pitches for years to come.
Dennis Eckersley (card #276) closed out games flawlessly for the Oakland A’s, converting 48 saves in 1992 en route to a record-breaking 51 saves and sixth career All-Star selection. “Eck” had reinvented himself into arguably the deadliest reliever in baseball by this point, showcasing his pinpoint location and late movement on his sinking fastball to retire batters. Eckersley’s dominance out of the bullpen made him a fan favorite for collector’s of A’s cards.
Roberto Alomar (card #277) was already considered the best second baseman in the game during the ’92 season with the Toronto Blue Jays. Alomar hit .295 with 11 home runs, 84 RBI and 25 stolen bases, further cementing his five-tool impact. He would go on to become the first player to win a Gold Glove award at second base for both the AL and NL in his career. Alomar may have been small in stature, but he was a supersized star and franchise cornerstone for Jays fans.
Ken Griffey Jr. (card #282) was well on his way to living up to the lofty expectations as the “kid” in 1992 with Cincinnati. His carefree smile and effortless left-handed swing that generated prodigious power launched him into superstardom. Griffey hit .290 with 22 homers at just 22 years of age and looked every bit the centerpiece for the Reds moving forward. Baseball card collectors in the early ’90s swooned over the potential of “Junior” to one day ascend to Mount Rushmore status among the all-time greats.
Frank Thomas (card #340) established himself as the most feared hitter in the American League during the 1992 season with the Chicago White Sox. “The Big Hurt” slugged .318 with 41 HR and 128 RBI, finishing 2nd in MVP voting and 3rd in home runs. At just 24 years old, Thomas looked every bit the dominant force capable of putting up huge statistics for years to come. His burly physique and prodigious power made him a fan favorite in Chicago and on baseball cards nationwide.
Greg Maddux (card #486) further cemented his status as the best pitcher in baseball in 1992 while leading the Atlanta Braves staff alongside Tom Glavine. Despite a somewhat disappointing 14-15 record, Maddux posted a sterling 2.18 ERA and tossed 14 complete games for a last place Cubs team. His unhittable changeup and expert command made “Mad Dog” must-have for collectors everywhere. He would become arguably the greatest control artist of all-time having reinvented himself from a hard thrower to a pitchability expert.
Rickey Henderson (card #532) was already approaching career milestones in stolen bases and runs scored with Oakland at age 33. But Henderson showed little signs of slowing down, swiping 66 bags and scoring 126 runs in 1992. Widely considered the greatest leadoff hitter and baserunner in history even then, Henderson played a huge role in the A’s repeat World Series title and remained one of the most exciting players in the game. No baseball card collection was complete without the charismatic “Man of Steal” included.
Those were just some of the biggest stars that 1992 Topps baseball cards highlighted at the time. Other notable players featured included Fred McGriff, Wade Boggs, Kirby Puckett, Tony Gwynn, Roger Clemens and more. The Topps set did an incredible job of capturing many of the icons and next generation talents that drove the popularity of baseball during the early 1990s. For collectors and fans alike, flipping through the ’92 Topps cards remains a true nostalgic thrill trip down memory lane.
