The 1970 baseball card season was one of the most iconic in the history of the hobby. Led by Hall of Famers like Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente, and Willie Mays still in their prime, the 1970 set featured some of the all-time greats of the sport on the verge of breaking major career records. For collectors looking to build a vintage collection or just reminisce about the stars of years past, 1970 remains one of the most sought after years in the hobby.
One of the biggest storylines of the 1970 season was Hank Aaron’s pursuit of Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record. Going into the 1970 season, Aaron sat at 649 career home runs, just 21 shy of breaking Ruth’s record of 714 that had stood since 1935. Aaron’s 1970 Topps card showed him in a Braves uniform, bat on his shoulder with a serious expression. This captured the pressure Aaron was facing but also his determination to cement his legacy as baseball’s new home run king. Aaron would go on to hit .270 with 37 home runs and 88 RBI in 1970, passing Ruth on April 8, 1974. His 1970 Topps card remains one of the most iconic in the hobby, a true piece of baseball history.
Another legendary slugger who had an amazing 1970 campaign was Roberto Clemente of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Having just come off winning the 1969 World Series MVP, Clemente hit .341 in 1970 to win his second batting title. His 1970 Topps card featured him in the Pirates road grey uniform, bat on his shoulder with his signature aggressive style. Tragically, Clemente would perish in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1973, making his 1970 Topps one of the last cards issued of this Pirates icon before his untimely passing.
Willie Mays was another living legend who was still producing at a high level for the San Francisco Giants in 1970 at the age of 39. Although past his peak, Mays hit .277 with 26 home runs and 77 RBI in 1970 to prove he still had something left in the tank. His 1970 Topps card showed him in the familiar Giants home whites, swinging away with his signature follow through. Mays’ illustrious 24-year career would come to an end after the 1973 season, making his 1970 card one fans look to for a reminder of “The Say Hey Kid” in the latter stages of his HOF career.
Two of the biggest young stars of 1970 were Johnny Bench of the Cincinnati Reds and Carl Yastrzemski of the Boston Red Sox. Bench exploded onto the scene by winning the NL Rookie of the Year and batting title with a .293 average to go along with 38 home runs and 148 RBI from the catcher position. His iconic 1970 Topps rookie card featured him in the classic Reds road grays, giving a serious stare that conveyed his intensity and competitive nature. Bench would go on to have a Hall of Fame career largely regarded as the best ever for a catcher.
Yastrzemski also had a monster 1970 season, leading the Red Sox to their first American League pennant in 21 years. Yaz hit a league-leading .329 with 44 doubles, 21 home runs and 105 RBI to capture his lone AL MVP award. His 1970 Topps card showed him from the left side in a Red Sox uniform, bat on his shoulder with his trademark crouched stance. “Yaz” was the heart and soul of those great Boston teams and his 1970 Topps remains a must-have for any Red Sox collector. He too would earn entry into the Hall of Fame, making his 1970 card an important piece of baseball history.
Two other young stars who had impressive rookie seasons in 1970 were Ted Simmons of the St. Louis Cardinals and Joe Rudi of the Oakland A’s. Simmons hit .293 with 13 home runs and 58 RBI in his first season, earning him 8th place in NL ROY voting. His 1970 Topps rookie card featured him in the classic Cardinals home whites giving a serious look. Simmons went on to have a 21-year career primarily with the Cardinals and Brewers, making his 1970 rookie one of the better vintage cards from that year’s set.
Rudi broke out with a .285 average, 15 home runs and 68 RBI in his first full season with the A’s dynasty. His 1970 Topps rookie card depicted him in the Kelly green A’s road uniform, bat on his shoulder with a look of determination. Rudi was a key part of the A’s 3 straight World Series title teams from 1972-1974, making his rookie card an important piece of Oakland baseball history from that era. Both Simmons and Rudi were solid players for many seasons, giving their 1970 rookie cards lasting appeal.
The 1970 Topps baseball card set featured many of the legends, rising stars and iconic players that made that era of baseball so memorable and popular. With Hall of Famers like Aaron, Clemente and Mays still in their primes, and young stars like Bench, Yastrzemski, Simmons and Rudi just beginning their careers, 1970 had something for fans both young and old. Whether collecting for investment purposes or just nostalgia, 1970 remains one of the most sought after years in the vintage baseball card market for good reason. The players and stories captured in that set truly define an amazing time in baseball history.
