Dizzy Dean was one of the greatest pitchers of the 1930s and is still considered a baseball legend today. Born in 1910 in Lucas, Arkansas, Jay Hanna “Dizzy” Dean made his Major League debut in 1930 with the St. Louis Cardinals at just 20 years old. Over his career, which was cut short due to injury in 1937 at just age 32, Dean amassed 150 wins against 83 losses and had a career ERA of 3.02 over 8 seasons, all with the Cardinals. His incredible pitching performances in the 1930s made him one of the biggest stars in baseball and his charismatic personality and country drawl made him a fan favorite as well.

Due to his fame and success on the field in the 1930s, Dizzy Dean appeared in many baseball cards during his playing career as well as after his retirement. Some of the most notable and valuable Dizzy Dean baseball cards that collectors seek out today include:

1933 Goudey Baseball – One of Dizzy Dean’s earliest baseball cards from his early career with the Cardinals. Highly sought after by collectors. Graded gem mint 10 examples have sold for over $20,000. Even low-grade examples in Poor 1 condition still sell for hundreds of dollars.

1934 Goudey Baseball – Another classic early Dizzy Dean card. High grades still command premium prices in the thousands due to the rarity of well-centered and well-preserved examples from this 80+ year old set.

1934 Play Ball Baseball – This Dizzy Dean card was also issued during his breakout years in the mid-1930s. Considered quite scarce in high grades. An SGC 8.5 recently sold for over $1,500.

1935 Goudey Baseball – Perhaps the most iconic of all Dizzy Dean’s cards, featuring his famous windup pose. Even low-grade examples still attract bids in the $100-200 range. Gems have sold for well over $10,000.

1936 Diamond Stars Baseball – Highly colorful and graphic cards that were issued late in Dean’s career. Still quite valuable, with a PSA 8 recently selling for around $500.

1941 Play Ball – Issued after Dizzy Dean had retired, this card captured him at the peak of his fame and success. Can still fetch $100+ even in low grades due to his legendary status.

1952 Bowman Color – One of the first true “vintage” cards featuring color photography. Captured Dean a few years into his post-playing broadcasting career. Even well-worn low-grade examples still attract bids over $50.

1972 Topps – Part of Topps’ very first annual set issued after decades of not having baseball cards. Features a photo of Dean from the 1940s. Low-end copies still sell for $10-20.

In addition to his vintage cards from the 1930s and 1940s, Dizzy Dean has appeared in many modern reprint and commemorative sets over the past few decades as interest in the legends of early 20th century baseball has grown tremendously. Some notable modern Dizzy Dean cards include:

1987 Fleer Greats of the Game – Color reprint set featuring Dean in a Cardinals uniform. Can be acquired for $1-5 in low grades.

1992 Fleer Hall of Famers – Black and white reprint card. Common and affordable at under $1.

1998 Fleer Tradition – Color photo from Dean’s playing days. Low end copies sell for around $3-5.

2000 Fleer Tradition – Similar color action photo style card. Common and cheap, around 50 cents-1 dollar.

2005 Topps American Heritage – Color portrait card. Low end copies around 50 cents to $1.

2007 Topps Allen & Ginter – Mini card featuring Dean in a Cardinals uniform. Generally found for under $1.

2012 Topps Archives – High quality color reprint of Dean’s iconic 1935 Goudey card design. Low end copies $2-5 range.

2014 Topps Allen & Ginter – Mini card. Common and cheap, around 50 cents.

2017 Topps Now – Commemorative card marking the 100th anniversary of Dean’s MLB debut. Low end around $1-2.

For the serious Dizzy Dean card collector, finding high quality vintage examples from his playing days in the 1930s clearly presents the biggest challenge and will require the largest investment. But there are also many affordable modern reprints and commemoratives available that allow any fan or collector to own a piece of one of baseball’s all-time greats – the legendary Dizzy Dean. Whether spending $50 or $5,000, collecting Dizzy Dean cards is a fun way to celebrate and remember one of the sport’s true characters and icons from its early era.