The 1970s and 1980s were a golden age for baseball card collecting. During this time, the hobby exploded in popularity thanks to the rise of star players like Nolan Ryan, George Brett, and Mike Schmidt. Topps and Topps alone dominated the baseball card market, producing memorable sets year after year. Let’s take a look at some of the best and most valuable baseball cards from this era.
1973 Topps #144 – Hank Aaron
Released just months after Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record, the 1973 Topps Hank Aaron card is one of the most iconic cards of all time. Aaron is depicted in a Braves uniform, mid-swing with the simple text “Home Run King” below his image. The Aaron rookie cards from the 1950s are exceedingly rare, making high-grade versions of this card very valuable. In near-mint to mint condition, #144 can fetch thousands of dollars.
1975 Topps #1 – George Brett
George Brett had one of the greatest careers of any third baseman in baseball history and his rookie card from 1975 is one of the most coveted from the 1970s. Brett was just starting to emerge as a star for the Royals in 1975 and his bright smiling face on the very first card in the set helped make it iconic. High-grade versions can sell for well over $1000 due to Brett’s Hall of Fame career and the card’s low print run.
1976 Topps #500 – Nolan Ryan
By 1976, Nolan Ryan was already well on his way to breaking pitching records but few could have predicted just how dominant he would become. His 1976 Topps card, with Ryan pictured mid-windup for the Angels, is one of the most iconic from the high-action photographer series of the 1970s. High-grade versions can fetch over $2000 due to Ryan’s hurler status and the card’s dramatic image.
1979 O-Pee-Chee #132 – Wayne Gretzky RC
While not a baseball card per se, the 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky rookie is arguably the most valuable hockey card ever produced. Gretzky would go on to rewrite the NHL record books and is still considered the greatest player ever. The bright blue and red design featuring a young “The Great One” in an Oilers uniform is instantly recognizable. High-grade versions can sell for well over $10,000.
1980 Topps Traded #T79 – Mike Schmidt
The 1980 Topps Traded set is one of the most coveted oddball issues in the hobby. Featuring traded and new players mid-season, the Mike Schmidt card is the true star. Schmidt is depicted in Phillies road gray, mid-swing with his signature follow through. He would go on to win the 1980 NL MVP and a near-mint copy can sell for over $1000 due to Schmidt’s Hall of Fame career and the set’s scarcity.
1981 Fleer #156 – Nolan Ryan
While not his first Fleer card, the 1981 issue is arguably Nolan Ryan’s most iconic. With his signature windup captured, fire seems to come from Ryan’s right arm. This dramatic image paired with Ryan’s dominance made the card a must-have in the early 80s. High-grade versions remain some of the most expensive Fleer cards ever, selling for thousands.
1982 Topps Traded #T74 – Cal Ripken Jr. RC
Cal Ripken Jr. would go on to break Lou Gehrig’s famed iron man streak, but his rookie card came in the 1982 Topps Traded set, not the standard issue. With Ripken in an Orioles cap and jersey at bat, it kicked off the journey of an all-time great. Near-mint to mint copies can sell for over $1000 due to Ripken’s career and the set’s rarity compared to the flagship.
1984 Fleer Update #U1 – Don Mattingly
Released as an update to the original 1984 Fleer set, the Don Mattingly rookie became one of the most iconic cards of the 1980s. With Mattingly in mid-swing wearing #23, it perfectly encapsulated the Yankees first baseman at the start of his stellar career. High-grade versions remain some of the most expensive Fleer cards ever due to Mattingly’s stardom, often selling for thousands.
1986 Topps Traded #T20 – Roger Clemens RC
While Clemens had previous rookie cards, the 1986 Topps Traded is the true RC for “Rocket.” With Clemens pictured in a Red Sox cap and jersey on the mound, it kicked off one of the greatest pitching careers ever. Near-mint to mint copies remain some of the most expensive 1986 cards due to Clemens’ Hall of Fame career and the set’s low print run.
The 1970s and 1980s were the golden age of baseball cards when the hobby exploded. Featuring legendary players like Aaron, Brett, Schmidt, and Gretzky, the best cards from this era have become true collectibles. High-grade versions of the rookies and iconic issues of stars like Ryan, Ripken, and Clemens can sell for thousands due to their subjects’ careers and the scarcity of perfectly preserved cards from this popular time period in the hobby.
