The 1970 baseball season marked the dawn of a new era in Major League Baseball. The pitching mound was lowered, the strike zone was redefined, and a slew of emerging superstars burst onto the scene looking to make their mark. This exciting time was also captured forever on small pieces of cardboard through baseball cards. Now half a century later, some of those 1970 issue cards have grown tremendously in value thanks to the accomplishments and popularity of the players featured. For collectors looking to profit from vintage cardboard, here are some of the most valuable 1970 baseball cards to seek out.
One of the true Holy Grails for collectors from any era is the 1970 rookie card of Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson, known by his nickname Mr. October for his postseason heroics. As a member of the Athletics dynasty led by manager Dick Williams, Jackson smashed over 300 career home runs and was a five-time World Series champion. His electric personality and clutch playoff performances etched his legend in baseball lore. Not surprisingly, the card of a future all-time great in his inaugural season is highly coveted. PSA 10 gem mint copies have sold for over $100,000 in recent years, while well-centered examples in lower grades still demand five figures.
Another immensely valuable Athletics rookie is the 1970 issue showing future 500 home run club member and three-time AL MVP Jose Canseco. As one of the first true five-tool players and pioneers of the steroid era, Canseco’s flamboyant style took baseball by storm. He helped power Oakland to a World Series title in 1989. High graded copies of his first card have also hit the six-figure price threshold, though most still remain in collector’s hands rather than consignment. Canseco’s combination of raw talent and magnetism for attention remain potent collectors 50 years on.
A rare card showcasing two future Hall of Fame pitchers is the 1970 San Francisco Giants team issue which features both Juan Marichal and Gaylord Perry. Marichal was already a five-time All-Star and Perry would go on to win over 300 games and capture three Cy Young Awards split between the Giants and Indians. As the premier arms on a contending club in that era before free agency, demand is enormous for this dual legends pair. Even well-worn copies will fetch thousands due its connection to these pitching icons. In pristine condition, a new six-figure valuation may not be far off considering its subject matter.
Another 1970 Dodgers rookie card that has soared in demand is that of future five-time All-Star and World Series MVP Steve Garvey. As the smiling face and stabilizing force at first base for Los Angeles’ dynasty run in the 1970s and early 80s, Garvey came to symbolize dependability and sportsmanship. His .294 career average, fielding acumen, and postseason heroics cemented his star status. Graded examples of his first card have eclipsed the $50,000 threshold as interest has continued to build in one of the most popular players of that golden era in Dodgertown.
While most attention is given to future superstars, sometimes unsung players can have valuable cards due to rarity factors. A good example is the 1970 Topps issue showing Mets pitcher Bobby Pfiel. An unremarkable career journeyman, only 105 copies of Pfiel’s card are thought to exist by grading services. The extreme scarcity has made it a coveted piece for completionists looking to own a true one-of-a-kind item. Recently a PSA 8 copy sold at auction for over $15,000, leaving no doubt that condition is not always a necessity when uniqueness is the driving force behind a card’s worth.
A hard-fought and pitching-dominated 1970 World Series that saw the Baltimore Orioles outlast the Cincinnati Reds helped raise the profile of several contributors to that Fall Classic. Chief among them was Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson, already a twelve-year veteran but still performing at an All-Star level for the O’s. Highly sought after by collectors are his 1970 Topps and Post cards, especially in high grades, which depict Robinson as a champion. Prices for his cardboard have soared past $10,000 and show no signs of slowing down as interest in one of the greatest fielders ever only continues to intensify.
While individual star cards receive the lion’s share of attention, sometimes a statistical oddity can spark collector fervor. Such is the case with the 1970 Topps card of Boston Red Sox legend Carl Yastrzemski, which sporting a record setting .326 batting average, 121 runs batted in and 21 home runs is considered the greatest baseball card ever produced statistically. Its narrative of Yaz’s huge 1970 season where he narrowly lost the AL Triple Crown makes it enormously collectible for enthusiasts of the game’s rich numbers and records. Even moderately graded versions command over $5,000 on today’s market.
The 1970 season was a launchpad for future legends like Reggie Jackson, Jose Canseco and Steve Garvey. It also highlighted established stars entering their prime like Brooks Robinson and Juan Marichal. For collectors, these dominant players and their rare or unique cardboard issues have grown tremendously sought after as investments. While the costs of these top 1970 cards may give some pause, for those with a passion for the memorabilia of America’s pastime, ownership of a genuine piece of its history is truly priceless.
