The 1999 Topps baseball card set was released at the tail end of one of the most exciting eras in baseball history. Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa had just completed their epic home run chase the previous season that saw McGwire break Roger Maris’ single season home run record. Baseball was as popular as ever and the 1999 Topps set captured many of the game’s biggest stars and memorable moments from that time period.
The design of the 1999 Topps cards featured a classic look that paid homage to sets from the 1970s and 1980s. The cards had a white border around the perimeter with the team logo prominently displayed at the top. Player photos took up most of the front of the card with stats and career highlights listed below. On the back, Topps provided an action shot of the player along with more in-depth stats and a short biography. The set totaled 792 cards and included base cards, rookie cards, stars, future Hall of Famers, and memorable inserts. Here’s a look at some of the best and most valuable cards from the 1999 Topps collection:
Ken Griffey Jr. (#1) – Widely considered one of the best all-around players of his generation, Griffey’s rookie card from the 1989 Upper Deck set is one of the most valuable trading cards ever printed. His 1999 Topps card pays tribute to his outstanding career up to that point playing for the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds. Highly sought after by collectors both for its subject and coveted low card number. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies have sold for over $1,000.
Chipper Jones (#2) – As the #2 overall pick in the 1990 draft, Jones was already well on his way to a Hall of Fame career by 1999 while starring for the Atlanta Braves. His imposing photo and stats made this one of the more visually striking rookie cards from the set. In high grade, it can fetch $300-$500 due to Jones’ legacy as one of the game’s all-time great third basemen.
Pedro Martinez (#3) – Coming off a season where he won the Cy Young Award and led the league in ERA, Martinez had established himself as the most dominant pitcher in baseball playing for the Boston Red Sox. His intimidating stare down at the camera on this card captures the fire and intensity he brought to the mound every fifth day. Highly coveted by collectors, especially in mint condition.
Ivan Rodriguez (#4) – “Pudge” Rodriguez was already a nine-time All-Star and winner of numerous Gold Gloves by 1999 as the premier catcher in the American League. He would go on to break the all-time record for putouts by a catcher and earn enshrinement in the Hall of Fame. His rookie card from this set is a key piece for any collector looking to build a complete Rodriguez collection.
Mark McGwire (#5) – Just a year after eclipsing Maris’ home run record, McGwire was at the peak of his powers as the most feared power hitter in the game playing for the St. Louis Cardinals. His iconic home run trot and mammoth blasts made him one of the most popular players in baseball during the late 90s. High demand has pushed PSA 10 copies of this card up near the $1,000 mark.
Sammy Sosa (#6) – As McGwire’s home run chasing foil in 1998, Sosa gave Chicago Cubs fans plenty to cheer about. He followed up his 66 home run season by belting 63 more dingers in 1999. His card captures the raw enthusiasm and exuberance that made him a fan favorite. Key card for any collector looking to document Sosa’s historic home run seasons.
Randy Johnson (#7) – The “Big Unit” was in the midst of one of the most dominant pitching stretches in MLB history with the Seattle Mariners in 1999. At 6-foot-10, he towered over hitters and struck out a jaw dropping 331 batters that season. His intimidating glare and massive stature made this card a standout in the set.
Greg Maddux (#8) – Arguably the best control pitcher of all-time, Maddux was a workhorse for the Atlanta Braves and won 4 consecutive Cy Young Awards from 1992-1995. By 1999, he had racked up over 200 career wins and was still performing at an elite level. A model of consistency on the field, his card is a key piece for any Braves or complete baseball collection.
Derek Jeter (#9) – As the shortstop and leader of the dynasty New York Yankees, Jeter was already a five-time All-Star and World Series champion by his sixth MLB season. His good looks, clutch hitting, and championship pedigree made him one of the most popular players in the game. A true “rookie” card as his first Topps issue of his MLB career.
Barry Bonds (#10) – In the midst of one of the most prolific offensive stretches in baseball history, Bonds was seemingly putting up MVP caliber numbers every season for the San Francisco Giants. He would go on to break the all-time home run record and his card from this era is a must-have for any collector looking to chronicle Bonds’ hallowed career.
The 1999 Topps set did an excellent job highlighting many of the game’s biggest stars and icons from that memorable late 90s era. Cards featuring players like Griffey, Jones, Martinez, Pudge, McGwire, Sosa, Johnson, Maddux, Jeter, and Bonds are still widely collected and hold significant value today. For capturing so much baseball history and talent in one release, 1999 Topps remains one of the most coveted and recognizable sets from the modern era.
