The 1985 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the 1980s. While not the most sought after vintage set overall, it featured several young superstars and Hall of Famers that have become hugely popular with collectors in recent decades. The 585-card base set from 1985 contained many stars that would go on to have incredible careers and cement their status as legends of the game. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable rookie and star player cards from the 1985 Topps set that have stood the test of time.
One of the true crown jewels of the 1985 set is the rookie card of Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Joe Carter. Carter went on to have a 21-year MLB career, hitting 389 home runs and becoming a 3-time All-Star. He is best known for hitting a walk-off 3-run home run for the 1993 Blue Jays to clinch the World Series, one of the most iconic moments in baseball history. In high grade, Carter’s rookie card has sold for over $10,000, a true indicator of its popularity and significance. Another huge star rookie from 1985 is Oakland A’s pitcher Storm Davis. Davis won 157 games over his 15-year career and was named American League Comeback Player of the Year in 1988 after returning from injury. His rookie card also remains quite valuable for collectors.
Two other notable rookies from 1985 were New York Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden and Chicago Cubs third baseman Keith Moreland. Gooden, known as “Dr. K”, went on to win the 1984 National League Rookie of the Year award and the 1985 NL Cy Young award. He was one of the most dominant pitchers of the 1980s but struggled with injuries and substance abuse issues later in his career. Nonetheless, Gooden’s rookie card is a must-have for any vintage collection. Meanwhile, Moreland had a solid 13-year career and made the 1987 NL All-Star team, but his rookie card is especially sought after today perhaps due to his relative obscurity making it a tougher card to find in high grade.
In terms of established superstars, one of the true heavyweight cards from 1985 Topps is that of Boston Red Sox designated hitter and outfielder Jim Rice. An 8-time All-Star and the 1978 American League MVP, Rice put together a Hall of Fame career hitting over 300 home runs. His iconic card from the 1985 set, which captured him in the middle of his prime, has reached over $1,000 for high-grade examples. Another huge star on the Red Sox was pitcher Roger Clemens, who won the AL Cy Young award in 1984 and 1986. Clemens went on to win a record 7 Cy Youngs and is third all-time in career strikeouts, cementing his status as one of the greatest pitchers ever. His strong image and pitching motion really pop on his 1985 Topps card.
Two other superstar pitchers whose 1985 cards hold immense collector value today are Nolan Ryan and Orel Hershiser. Ryan, known as “The Ryan Express”, had one of the most decorated careers in baseball history with a record 5,714 strikeouts and seven no-hitters. His 1985 Topps issue portrays him during his later years with the Houston Astros, but still exudes his raw, intimidating talent on the mound. Meanwhile, Hershiser’s card came a few years before he would lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a World Series title in 1988 and set the all-time record for most consecutive scoreless innings pitched in a single season. Both of these future Hall of Fame hurlers are cornerstones for any serious vintage baseball card collection.
While not the most valuable set from the junk wax era overall, the 1985 Topps baseball issue contained rookie cards and portraits of players who went on to achieve immense fame and success. Keys like Joe Carter, Dwight Gooden, Jim Rice, Roger Clemens, Nolan Ryan and Orel Hershiser continue to captivate collectors decades later with their on-field accomplishments, iconic imagery, and status as legends of the national pastime. For those seeking investment-grade examples from the 1980s, or to simply build a collection highlighting the greats, 1985 Topps remains one of the most respected issues to target.
