Dennis Eckersley had a Hall of Fame career as both a starting pitcher and closer that spanned from 1975 to 1998. As a result, Eckersley has been featured prominently on many baseball cards over the years, providing collectors a look back at his impressive 24-year career spent primarily with the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, and Oakland Athletics.

One of Eckersley’s earliest baseball cards came in 1975 Topps, his rookie card. Sporting the familiar Indians uniform with its classic red script “Cleveland” across the front, the card shows a young Eckersley with long hair and mustache in the early days of his career as a starting pitcher. While not one of the more valuable rookie cards on the market, it remains an important piece of memorabilia for any Eckersley or Indians collector.

Eckersley would continue to be featured regularly in Topps sets through the late 1970s and early 1980s as a member of the Indians’ starting rotation. It was with the Red Sox in 1988 that Eckersley truly began to make his mark, transitioning to the closer role. His dominant season was highlighted by cards in 1988 Topps, 1988 Score, and 1988 Donruss, among others. The 1988 Topps card in particular stands out, showing Eckersley mid-windup with his trademark high leg kick and fierce competitive stare. This was the first card to truly capture Eckersley in his closer persona.

It was with the Athletics, though, where Eckersley had arguably his greatest success, winning the American League Cy Young and MVP awards in 1992 at the age of 36 after being traded to Oakland. Highlighting this late career renaissance were prominent cards in 1992 Topps, 1992 Stadium Club, 1992 Fleer, and 1992 Leaf. The 1992 Topps card remains one of Eckersley’s most iconic and valuable, with his Athletics uniform, thick mustache and beard, and the Cy Young award graphics drawing the eye of collectors.

Eckersley’s dominance continued well into his late 30s and early 40s, racking up saves season after season for the Athletics franchise. As a result, he was continuously featured in the early and mid-1990s on cards from the major brands like 1993 Upper Deck, 1994 Stadium Club, 1995 Collector’s Choice, and 1996 Leaf Limited. With each passing year, the cards captured Eckersley’s transformation from young fireballer to crafty veteran closer still getting the job done.

After leaving the Athletics following the 1996 season, Eckersley spent his final two seasons splitting time between the Red Sox and Cardinals bullpens. His appearances wound down, but he was still included in a number of 1997 and 1998 card releases by Topps, Fleer, and others as a respected veteran nearing retirement. One such card was 1997 Fleer Tradition Special Edition Gold #107, which showed Eckersley in a Red Sox uniform tipped in gold with a retro border, commemorating his outstanding career.

Since his retirement in 1998, Eckersley has continued to be featured on special retro and anniversary cards honoring his playing days. Examples include 2009 Topps Allen & Ginter World’s Greatest Pitchers portrait card and 2016 Topps Allen & Ginter Retired collection card. He has also autographed and memorabilia cards available through companies like Topps and Steiner Sports Memorabilia highlighting specific accomplishments like his 1992 Cy Young award season with Oakland.

Whether as a fireballing young starter or a crafty veteran closer, Dennis Eckersley left an indelible mark on the game over two decades in Major League Baseball. His impressive career is well represented through the many baseball cards issued since the 1970s by the major card companies. For collectors, Eckersley’s cards serve as a visual timeline and remembrance of one of the game’s most decorated and successful relief pitchers.