The 1985 Topps baseball card set featured some legendary rookie cards that have gone on to become extremely valuable chase cards for collectors. The 1987 season saw the debut of future Hall of Famers such as Barry Larkin, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and John Smoltz. While not the most iconic rookie class ever, these players would go on to have stellar careers and their rookie cards remain a highlight of the 1985 Topps set to this day.
One of the most valuable and recognized rookie cards from 1985 is Barry Larkin’s card. As the shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds, Larkin was awarded the 1995 National League MVP award and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012. Larkin was a 12-time All-Star and won three Gold Glove Awards among numerous other accolades over his 19 year career spent entirely with the Reds. In near mint condition, Larkin’s 1985 Topps rookie card can fetch upwards of $500 today. While he may not have the name recognition of some contemporaries, Larkin was surely one of the best all-around players of his era at any position.
Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux both debuted in 1987 as well and their rookie cards from the 1985 Topps set are extremely significant in the hobby. Glavine and Maddux formed perhaps the best starting pitcher duo of all-time as teammates with the Atlanta Braves. Both are in the Hall of Fame, having won numerous Cy Young awards between them. Glavine’s rookie card in near mint condition can sell for around $200-300 depending on demand, while Maddux’s averages a bit higher between $300-500 due to his resume as a slightly better pitcher overall with more hardware. They were both workhorse starters who enjoyed long, successful careers mostly with the Braves organization.
Another important rookie card from the 1985 Topps set is Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz. Like Glavine and Maddux, Smoltz has been enshrined in the Hall of Fame, but his career took a much different path. In addition to being an excellent starter early on, Smoltz transitioned to a very successful career as a closer later in his career. This marked him as one of the few pitchers to achieve prominence as both a starter and closer. While not as heralded as a starter as Glavine and Maddux, Smoltz’s versatility adds to his legend in baseball. His rookie card also fetches a similar price to Glavine, hovering around $200-300.
In addition to these Hall of Fame starters, the 1985 Topps set introduced fans to other notable players who went on to have solid big league careers like Ozzie Guillen, Bret Saberhagen, and Bob Welch. Guillen played his entire career with the Chicago White Sox at shortstop, winning a World Series in 2005 as their manager. His defensive skill and fiery passion stood out. Saberhagen won two Cy Young awards as one of the best pitchers of the late 80s/early 90s for the Royals. Welch was a capable starter for numerous teams over nearly two decades in the majors. While less heralded than the aforementioned Braves arms, these players still made names for themselves in the game.
Collectors looking to add 1985 Topps rookie cards to their collections should note the traits affecting a card’s grading and value. Centering, corners and edges are especially important as even slight imperfections can downgrade a card’s condition. Of course, the bigger the name, the more demand and higher prices command. The 1985 Topps set introduced many future Hall of Famers, making it an iconic year and the rookie cards highly sought after by collectors. Even less heralded players can still attract interest from fans of their respective teams too. For dedicated collectors, a complete set including the star rookies would be a real prize to showcase. The 1985 Topps baseball cards hold an important place in the hobby.
The 1985 Topps baseball cards were significant for introducing the rookie cards of legends like Barry Larkin, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and John Smoltz. While demands and prices vary, these cards can fetch hundreds of dollars in top condition due to the players’ illustrious careers. The set also included notable debuts from All-Stars like Ozzie Guillen, Bret Saberhagen, and Bob Welch. For collectors, obtaining these valuable and memorable rookie introductions remains an attractive goal. The star power of this year’s rookies cemented the 1985 Topps set as one with lasting relevance and collectibility among hobbyists.
