Pete Rose, born April 14, 1941 in Cincinnati, Ohio, is considered one of the greatest hitters in Major League Baseball history. Over his 24-year MLB career spent primarily with the Cincinnati Reds, Rose accomplished numerous hitting records that still stand today. Some of his most notable career achievements include accumulating more career hits (4,256) than any other player, winning three World Series championships with the Reds, and being named National League MVP in 1973.
While his on-field accomplishments cemented his legacy as a true hitting legend, Rose’s career and legacy have also been marred by controversy surrounding gambling allegations. In 1989, after a lengthy investigation, Rose accepted a permanent place on MLB’s ineligible list for betting on baseball games while playing for and managing the Reds, a violation of the league’s rules. This agreement with MLB commissioner A. Bartlett Giamatti banned Rose from participating in MLB for life and kept him out of the Hall of Fame. Rose has steadfastly denied ever betting on Reds’ games themselves, but admitted to betting on other teams during his time as a player-manager with the Reds from 1984-1989.
Regardless of the gambling controversy, Rose’s hitting prowess during his playing days made him a favorite among baseball card collectors. Some of his most coveted and valuable baseball cards today come from his early years breaking into the big leagues with the Reds and Phillies in the 1960s. Here’s a brief overview of some of Pete Rose’s most notable baseball cards from throughout his career:
1963 Topps #130 – Rose’s rookie card, issued during his second MLB season with the Reds in 1963. In raw near mint condition, high-grade examples of this card can fetch $1,000-$2,000 today.
1964 Topps #250 – One of Rose’s early Topps cards showing him in a Reds uniform. Considered a key card for any Pete Rose collection. Graded gems can sell for $500+.
1965 Topps #250 – Rose is pictured batting from the left side in this colorful issue from his breakout ’65 campaign. Values range from $150-300 depending on condition.
1968 Topps #250 – Rose is featured on the 1968 Topps set during his time with the Phillies. This was a transition year before his return to the Reds dynasty of the 1970s. Prices are $75-150.
1970 Topps #250 – Rose had one of his best offensive seasons in 1970, batting .322 with 21 HR and 112 RBI. This card reflects Rose in his prime with the Big Red Machine. Near mint copies trade hands for $200-400.
1972 Topps #250 – By 1972, Rose had established himself as one of baseball’s elite hitters. This issue shows him batting right-handed. Graded gems can reach $500-1,000.
1973 Topps #250 – Rose’s MVP season of 1973 is immortalized on this card. Highly sought after by collectors, pristine ’73s sell for $800-1,500.
1975 Topps #250 – Rose helped lead the Reds to the World Series title in 1975. This card from the championship season is a key piece for any Rose PC. $300-600 range.
1976 SSPC #44 – In addition to Topps, Rose had cards in other sets like SSPC. This ’76 features a rare action pose. Values are $150-300 based on condition.
1977 Topps #250 – One of Rose’s final flagship Topps cards before his playing career ended. Still widely available in lower grades for $50-100.
1984 Fleer Update #U-12 – Rose’s manager card shows him leading the Reds. Signifies his transition to the dugout. Can be acquired for $75-150.
In addition to his standard rookie and annual issue cards, Rose has also appeared on numerous oddball and insert cards over the years commemorating milestones, All-Star Games, and World Series championships. His mainstream rookie and annual issue cards from the 1960s-1980s with the Reds and Phillies remain the most historically significant and financially valuable in the hobby today. As one of baseball’s all-time hit kings, Pete Rose will always have a prominent place in the annals of the sport, both on the field and in the collecting world.
