The 1970s was a transformative decade for baseball cards. After Topps had dominated the baseball card market for decades, new competitors like Fleer and Donruss entered the scene in the late 1970s bringing new designs, photography styles and innovations to the collecting hobby. This created greater competition and led to some of the most creative and iconic baseball cards of all-time. Here are some of the best and most sought after 1970s baseball cards collectors love to this day:
1975 Topps Nolan Ryan (#165): Nolan Ryan’s iconic throwing motion was captured perfectly on his 1975 Topps card. Ryan is caught in full windup, with his right leg extended high and powerful right arm cocked back ready to unleash a blazing fastball. The action shot is considered one of the greatest baseball card photos ever. In gem mint condition, this Ryan rookie card can fetch thousands of dollars today.
1976 Topps Mike Schmidt (#640): Arguably the single greatest rookie card produced in the 1970s, Mike Schmidt’s imposing stance and 500 home run power is on full display. Schmidt went on to have a Hall of Fame career and this iconic rookie card is one of the most valuable from the decade. High grade versions can sell for over $10,000.
1978 Topps O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky (#61): While not a baseball card, the 1978 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky rookie is arguably the most famous hockey card ever made. It features “The Great One” as a member of the Indianapolis Racers club before he joined the NHL. High grade copies can sell for over $50,000, making it one of the priciest cards from the 1970s.
1979 Donruss Eddie Murray (#150): Eddie Murray’s smooth left-handed swing is captured perfectly on his 1979 Donruss rookie card. Murray went on to have a Hall of Fame career and this card, featuring crisp action photography, is one of the most desirable rookie cards from the late 1970s. Pristine copies can sell for thousands.
1974 Topps Hank Aaron (#1): As Hank Aaron was chasing Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record in 1974, Topps honored the Braves slugger with the coveted card #1 designation. The simple yet iconic design features Aaron in a Braves batting stance. High grade versions are a key piece in any serious baseball card collection from the decade.
1977 Topps George Brett (#581): George Brett was already a three-time batting champion when Topps captured his sweet swing on this 1977 card. Brett’s smooth stroke is immortalized on one of the most aesthetically pleasing cards of the decade. Pristine copies in a Mint 9 or Mint 10 grade can sell for over $1,000.
1973 Topps Johnny Bench (#70): Widely considered the greatest catcher of all-time, Johnny Bench’s imposing catcher’s stance is featured on his iconic 1973 Topps card. Bench won MVP awards in 1972 and 1973 and this card reminds fans why he was the best. High grade versions remain a key piece for vintage collectors.
1979 Donruss Cal Ripken Jr. (#481): Before he broke Lou Gehrig’s iconic streak, a young Cal Ripken Jr’s sweet swing was featured on his 1979 Donruss rookie card. Ripken went on to have one of the greatest careers in baseball history. Pristine copies of his rookie card can sell for thousands.
1978 Topps Dave Parker (#640): “The Cobra” was already a two-time All-Star when Topps captured his effortless left-handed swing on this 1978 release. Parker’s smooth stroke is perfectly framed on this aesthetically pleasing classic from the late 1970s. High grade versions remain a valuable commodity for collectors.
1972 Topps Johnny Bench (#1): As the reigning National League and World Series MVP, Topps honored Johnny Bench with the coveted #1 card in their 1972 set. Bench is featured in full catcher’s gear, foreshadowing his eventual Hall of Fame enshrinement. High grade copies remain a key piece of any serious vintage collection.
While players like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays and Hank Aaron had established legendary careers already, the 1970s was when a new generation of future Hall of Famers like Mike Schmidt, George Brett and Eddie Murray first entered the hobby as featured rookies. It was also a transformative decade where new competitors brought fresh photography styles that created some of the most iconic baseball cards ever made. The 1970s remains one of the most beloved decades for vintage collectors, featuring many desirable cards that hold up extremely well to this day.
