When it comes to collecting baseball cards, there are certain players that consistently hold their value and are considered some of the best investments in the hobby. While it’s impossible to predict the future, focusing on star players from the past who had incredible careers and made their mark on the game is a good strategy. In this article, we will explore some of the best baseball cards to collect if you’re looking to hold onto cards that will retain value over long periods of time or may potentially increase in worth.
One of the obvious choices at the top of any list would have to be cards featuring Babe Ruth. Widely considered the greatest baseball player of all time, Ruth dominated in the 1920s and 1930s during what is often referred to as the deadball era. His legendary home run totals still stand out nearly a century later. High-grade examples of his earliest baseball cards from the 1910s and 1920s can fetch six-figure prices at auction. Even more common versions in lower grades still trade for thousands. The 1914 Bison Creek Babe Ruth is one of the key vintage Ruth cards to pursue. Only a few high-grade examples are known to exist.
Staying in the vintage era, cards showing Ty Cobb are also incredibly desirable among collectors. As arguably the best player of the deadball period alongside Ruth, Cobb still holds numerous MLB records related to batting average and steals. Like Ruth, his earliest tobacco and candy cards can reach astronomical prices when high-quality copies surface. The 1909-11 T206 is the most iconic Ty Cobb card available. Even low-grade versions in the PSA 1-3 range will set you back at least $10,000. Other vintage Cobb cards to target include issues from American Caramel, Fatima, and Sweet Caporal.
Shifting to the post-WWII era, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card is arguably the single most valuable baseball card in existence when graded high enough. Widely considered the finest player of his generation, Mantle went on to have a Hall of Fame career with the Yankees. PSA 10 examples of his 1952 Topps rookie have sold for over $2 million, with PSA 9 copies still changing hands for six figures. The card’s combination of starring one of the game’s all-time greats and its iconic design make it the pinnacle that many collectors chase.
Another 1950s star with exceptionally valuable cards is Willie Mays. Like Mantle, Mays burst onto the scene and immediately established himself as a five-tool superstar with the Giants. His 1951 Bowman and 1952 Topps rookie cards are both highly sought after, with the Bowman holding slightly more cache due to its scarcity and iconic design showcasing Mays in the outfield. High-grade versions can bring in over $100,000 even today. Mays went on to have a Hall of Fame career and is still considered one of the greatest all-around players in MLB history.
Moving into the 1960s, cards of Hank Aaron hold tremendous value. As the one who shattered Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record, Aaron’s accomplishments are legendary. His Topps rookie from 1954 is widely available but still trades for thousands in top condition. Even more scarce and thus expensive are his earlier Bowman and Topps issues from the 1950s. Aaron continued raking hits and homers deep into the 1970s, securing his place among the all-time great sluggers. Any card showing “Hammerin’ Hank” has a good chance of retaining value.
The 1970s produced many future Hall of Famers as well. One of the best bets would be cards featuring George Brett. As a career Kansas City Royal, Brett was a perennial batting champion and one of the greatest third basemen in history. His Topps rookie from 1973 is very obtainable but still expensive in high grades. Brett was a true five-tool star who had longevity playing into the 1980s and 1990s. His early 1970s Topps and O-Pee-Chee issues hold great value.
Another 1970s star who remains a fan favorite today is Reggie Jackson. Known by his nickname “Mr. October” for his clutch postseason heroics, Jackson starred most notably for the Athletics and Yankees. His 1969 Topps rookie has steadily increased in price over the decades. Other early 1970s Jackson cards from Topps and O-Pee-Chee also hold their worth well. His legendary home run barrage in the 1977 World Series only added to his legend and the value of his vintage cards.
Moving into the 1980s, cards of Mike Schmidt are a wise investment. The longtime Phillies third baseman established himself as the greatest power hitter ever at the hot corner. Schmidt smashed 548 career home runs and won 10 Gold Gloves and 3 MVPs. His 1973 Topps rookie has become quite scarce and valuable in higher grades. Other 1970s and 1980s cards showing “Schmitty” in his Phillies uniform remain solid holds. Schmidt’s all-time home run record for third basemen ensures his cards will retain interest.
From the late 1980s through the 1990s, few players had careers as decorated as Ken Griffey Jr. Widely considered one of the most talented five-tool players ever, Griffey was a 13-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glover. His 1989 Upper Deck rookie card is the highest selling sports card in history when pristine copies change hands. Other early 1990s Griffey Jr. rookies and stars from brands like Topps Finest and Bowman Chrome are excellent long-term investments. Even after injuries derailed his career later on, Griffey will always be remembered as one of the game’s greats.
The 2000s produced many future Hall of Famers as well. One player whose cards have held tremendous value is Chipper Jones. The longtime Braves third baseman was an 8-time All-Star and MVP who spent his entire career in Atlanta. Jones’ 1993 Bowman’s Best Chrome refractor rookie is one of the key modern rookie cards to own. Other early 1990s Jones rookies as well as 2000s updates and parallels have increased exponentially in price. With the continued popularity of the Braves franchise, Jones cards are built to last.
When collecting baseball cards as long-term investments, focusing on the all-time great players who dominated on the field for decades is a strategy that has consistently paid dividends. Cards showing legends like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, George Brett, Mike Schmidt, Ken Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones and others will probably continue appreciating as their reputations remain cemented in baseball history for generations to come. By targeting their earliest and most iconic rookie cards along with noteworthy issues from their primes, serious collectors can feel confident their collections will retain value for years to come.
