Houston Astros Baseball Cards that Could be Worth Money
As one of Major League Baseball’s original expansion teams dating back to 1962, the Houston Astros have a long and storied history spanning over 60 years. During that time, countless Astros players have had their talents immortalized on baseball cards that were produced year after year by the major card manufacturers like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss. While some Astros cards from past eras hold little present day value, there are quite a few issues featuring Astros greats that have the potential to be worth a good amount of money today, especially in top grades. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable Houston Astros baseball cards collectors should be on the lookout for.
1962 Topps Jim Umbricht (#144)
The very first Astros card ever produced is one of the most historical and desirable issues for the franchise. Unfortunately, pitcher Jim Umbricht suffered a fatal heart attack in the Astrodome in early 1963 at just age 33, making his 1962 Topps rookie card quite rare today. High graded examples of this notorious card in Gem Mint condition have sold for over $20,000 at auction. Even well-centered near-mint copies still bring several thousand dollars.
1970 Topps Jim Wynn (#404) & Don Wilson (#444)
Jim Wynn and Don Wilson were two of the early stars that helped bring attention and wins to the young Astros franchise in the late 1960s. Their 1970 Topps rookie cards are among the most significant and valuable from the club’s early era. Wynn’s card in a PSA 10 Gem Mint grade is valued around $3,000, while a PSA 8 copy still fetches $500-800. Wilson’s rookie in top condition exceeds $2,000 as well. Both players’ rookie cards remain quite scarce in pristine condition 50+ years after issue.
1980 Topps Nolan Ryan (#180)
Although he’s more synonymous with the Angels and Rangers, fireballer Nolan Ryan spent 1974-1979 pitching in Houston and cementing his legendary status. His 1980 Topps card as an Astro is one of the more expensive issues from the franchise overall. A PSA 10 Gem Mint example in a team bag recently sold for over $11,000 online. Even well-centered near-mint counterparts still trade hands for $1,500-2,500 depending on the day. Ryan’s dominance and Hall of Fame career make this a must-have card for Astros collectors.
1992 Pinnacle Craig Biggio (#110)
Craig Biggio debuted with the Astros way back in 1988 and became the face of the franchise for years as its all-time leading hitter. His 1992 Pinnacle rookie card is one of the more popular and valuable issues from the early 1990s. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies have broken the $1,000 barrier several times. Meanwhile, PSA 8 near-mint versions routinely sell for $250-400. Biggio’s whole career was spent in Houston, making this a true “astros only” star player rookie to seek out.
1994 Upper Deck Ken Caminiti (#226)
Before winning NL MVP honors with the Padres in 1996, Ken Caminiti played five solid seasons in Houston from 1987-1991. His 1994 Upper Deck card was the first mainstream issue produced as he transitioned to a new team. High grade PSA 9-10 versions have reached $500 due to Caminiti’s eventual stardom and World Series rings. Even well-centered PSA 8 copies in Astros uniforms still attract $100-150.
1994 Upper Deck Jeff Bagwell (#337)
To hardcore Astros fans, Jeff Bagwell is indeed Mr. Astro as he spent his entire 15 year career in Houston. His electric 1994 rookie season was nicely encapsulated in his inaugural Upper Deck card issue which remain highly collected today. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples are valued around $650-800. Meanwhile, a PSA 9 near-mint copy goes for $250-350 given Bagwell’s elite player status and one-franchise career. This is undoubtedly one of the most desired 1990s Astros issues.
1995 Bowman’s Best Craig Biggio (#97)
Biggio’s superscript parallel issues from the mid-90s are also highly regarded, including this scarce 1995 Bowman’s Best refractive parallel. High graded PSA 10 copies of Biggio’s #97 card have changed hands for over $1,000 before. Even PSA 9 examples still attract $350-500 prices due to the refractor technology and star Astros position player featured. Finding high quality examples can be challenging but it’s considered a true Astros cardboard gem from the Junk Wax period.
2004 Topps Jeff Bagwell (#220)
Bagwell’s final Topps regular season card came in 2004 just before injury shortened his final season the following year. As one of the greatest Astros of all-time and hometown fan favorite, his 2004 issue remains a must-have for diehard collectors. A sharp PSA 10 sells for $150-250 routinely. Even off-centered PSA 8 copies still trade for $40-75 depending on demand. Bagwell’s 2004 issue serves as a nice bookend to his spectacular career spent entirely in an Astros uniform.
These are just some of the Houston Astros baseball cards from throughout the years that have the strongest chance of carrying significant collector value today, especially in pristine Gem Mint grades. Of course, there are likely undiscovered older issues featuring former Astros that could surprise as well with the right research. But focusing collection efforts on star players like Biggio, Bagwell, Ryan, Wynn and others who rose to fame primarily in Houston seems a wise strategy for assembling an Astros collection with long term invested value. With the franchise’s deep history since the 1960s, there’s no shortage of desirable vintage and modern cardboard to uncover.
