The 1970 baseball card season marked the transition from the classic post-war design era to the more colorful and photographed focused designs that would come to define the 1970s. While 1970s designs may not have the nostalgia and charm of the 1950s designs, several of the rookie and star cards from 1970 have proven to be incredibly valuable to collectors decades later. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable and desired 1970 baseball cards.
One of the biggest rookie cards of the 1970s is the Nolan Ryan rookie card. Produced by Topps, the Nolan Ryan card features a classic action photo of the hard throwing rookie pitcher for the New York Mets. At the time, rookie cards were not particularly rare since Topps produced millions of common cards each year. Nobody could have predicted that Nolan Ryan would go on to break numerous MLB records, including strikeouts, and become one of the most dominant and memorable pitchers of all-time. In gem mint condition, the 1970 Nolan Ryan rookie card can fetch over $25,000 and even well-worn near-mint copies sell for thousands. Its prominence as one of the best rookie cards ever issued has elevated the value significantly.
Another hugely valuable rookie card from 1970 is the Lou Brock rookie card produced by Topps. Like Ryan, nobody at the time could have foreseen that Lou Brock would slash his way to over 300 career stolen bases and help lead the St. Louis Cardinals to multiple pennants and two World Series championships. Brock remains one of the greatest leadoff hitters and base stealers in MLB history. In pristine gem mint condition, the 1970 Topps Lou Brock rookie card can sell for over $15,000. Even in well-loved near-mint condition copies still exchange hands for $3,000 or more due to Brock’s Hall of Fame playing career and the card’s sharp design featuring Brock rounding third base.
Two mammoth power hitters also had valuable rookie cards produced in 1970, though they were not quite the superstars Brock and Ryan became. The Johnny Bench rookie card featured the young Cincinnati Reds catcher swinging the bat. Bench would go on to have a Hall of Fame career highlighted by back-to-back MVP seasons in the Big Red Machine era, but he was still developing in 1970. High grade copies can be found for $2-3,000 today. Similarly, the Boog Powell rookie card from 1970 Topps shows the burly first baseman/outfielder in an Orioles uniform. Powell was a force in the Baltimore lineup that helped lead them to multiple pennants and a World Series title, though injuries slowed his production later on. Near-mint Boog Powell rookies can trade for $1,500 or more.
Another rookie card that has gained tremendous value over the years is the Thurman Munson rookie card from 1970 Topps. Munson emerged as the fiery leader and stalwart catcher for the legendary 1970s New York Yankees teams. He was named AL MVP in 1976 and shone on the big stages of three World Series titles. Tragically, Munson lost his life in a plane crash at the young age of 32 in 1979. The combination of his playing excellence and untimely death has turned what was once a common card into a true sports relic. Pristine mint graded copies of the 1970 Munson rookie now sell for over $12,000, while even well-loved graded examples still fetch $3,000+.
Moving beyond just rookies, some of the established stars of the 1970 season also had valuable cards produced. The Willie Mays card shows the 39-year old Say Hey Kid playing for the New York Mets in the twilight of his outstanding career. It’s one of the last iconic cards produced of one of the greatest players ever. High graded 1970 Mays cards can sell for over $3,000. Similarly, a Fine/Excelsior Hank Aaron card from the 1970 Topps set can bring in $2,000. Aaron was still producing at an MVP level for the Atlanta Braves as he closed in on Babe Ruth’s home run record.
Two American League pitchers who were dominating the era also had valuable 1970 cards. The Jim Palmer card depicts the Orioles ace and his smooth delivery. Palmer was on his way to 3 Cy Young Awards and more than 20 wins per season throughout the 1960s-70s. His 1970 card in top grades sells for over $1,500. Meanwhile, the 1970 Denny McLain card presents the flamboyant Tigers star pitcher who won 31 games and captured the AL MVP and Cy Young in 1968 before injuries derailed his career. A pristine graded McLain from 1970 can reach the $1,000 mark.
While rookie cards held more long term value potential, there were also a few common players from 1970 who had unusual spikes in popularity that increased demand for their lower print run cards decades later. The 1970 Topps cards of Dodger outfielder Wes Parker and Angels infielder Jim Fregosi are two examples. Parker became a cult figure among collectors who appreciated his slick fielding skills. Fregosi was a fan favorite in California. Near-mint 1970s of either player today can fetch over $500 due to scarcity and focused collector interest, despite no true Hall of Fame careers.
The 1970 baseball season produced several Rookie cards that went on to gain immense value like Nolan Ryan, Lou Brock and Thurman Munson. Stars continuing their dominance such as Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Jim Palmer also had desirable high end cards. While the vintage designs may differ sharply from modern parallels, collectors today still recognize the historic significance and investment holding power of the best 1970s baseball cards for the rookie bombers and offensive/pitching greats who defined the sport in that dynamic decade. Graded specimens in top condition will always be in high demand.
