The 1979 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues from the 1970s. It was the 18th series issued by Topps and contained 792 total cards. While not the most valuable set from a monetary standpoint, the 1979 Topps cards featured some huge stars and memorable rookie cards that remain popular with collectors to this day. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best cards from the 1979 Topps set.
One of the most sought after rookie cards from 1979 is #1, Cal Ripken Jr. of the Baltimore Orioles. Ripken would go on to have one of the greatest careers of any shortstop in baseball history, winning two MVP awards and establishing himself as the iron man of the game with his record consecutive games played streak. In near mint condition, the Cal Ripken rookie fetches prices well over $1000. Another highly valuable rookie is #234, Robin Yount of the Milwaukee Brewers. Yount was also a star for many years, winning MVP awards in 1982 and 1989. His rookie card can sell for $500+ in top shape.
Two other rookie cards that are highly collectible from the 1979 set are #234, Don Mattingly of the New York Yankees and #660, Ozzie Smith of the San Diego Padres. Mattingly became one of the game’s most feared hitters, winning an MVP in 1985 with the Yankees. He’s considered one of the best players never to win a World Series. Smith revolutionized the shortstop position with his dazzling defensive skills, winning 13 Gold Glove awards. Both their rookie cards can sell for well over $100.
Some of the biggest star cards from 1979 include #1, Pete Rose of the Cincinnati Reds. Rose was baseball’s all-time hits leader at the time and his card remains one of the most iconic in the set despite some controversy surrounding his gambling ban later in life. In top condition it can sell for over $500. #94, George Brett of the Kansas City Royals is another ultra-popular card, featuring one of the game’s best hitters in his prime. #94 regularly fetches $150-200. #225, Nolan Ryan of the California Angels shows the flamethrower in mid-windup. As one of the most intimidating pitchers ever, his card is a must-have for any collection.
Other star cards that were highly coveted in 1979 include #125, Mike Schmidt of the Philadelphia Phillies, one of the best power hitters of his era. #125 can sell for $150-200. #163, Reggie Jackson of the New York Yankees, one of the game’s biggest home run hitters and performers in the postseason spotlight. #163 often sells for $100-150. #237, Steve Garvey of the Los Angeles Dodgers, a perennial All-Star and fan favorite on one of baseball’s signature franchises. #237 usually sells in the $75-100 range.
Some other notable star cards include #110, Dave Winfield of the San Diego Padres, an athletic freak of nature and future Hall of Famer. #110 typically sells for $50-75. #160, Lou Brock of the St. Louis Cardinals, one of the game’s all-time stolen base leaders and a key member of the Cardinals’ 1960s-70s dynasty. #160 usually fetches $40-60. #200, Willie Stargell of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the leader of the “We Are Family” 1979 World Series champions. #200 regularly sells in the $30-50 range.
In terms of team cards, the 1979 Topps set featured some iconic issues as well. The #1 card was the Cincinnati Reds, featuring stars like Rose, Joe Morgan and Johnny Bench amongst others. As the defending World Series champs, this card remains highly popular. The #88 card showed the entire Los Angeles Dodgers roster, including Garvey, Ron Cey, Dusty Baker and others. And the #192 card pictured the Pittsburgh Pirates, with Stargell, Dave Parker and others after their 1979 title. These team cards can often sell in the $20-40 range depending on condition.
While it didn’t have the true rookie cards of superstars like Jeter, Griffey Jr., or Pujols that make other 1990s/2000s sets more valuable, the 1979 Topps baseball card set endures because it captured iconic players and teams from that late 1970s era. Featuring HOF talents like Ripken, Yount, Schmidt, Ryan, and more in their playing primes, these vintage cards remain a staple for collectors. For capturing the stars and stories of that time, the 1979 issue is undoubtedly one of the most memorable and collectible Topps sets ever produced.
