Mariners Baseball Cards Worth Money

As with any professional sports franchise, some of the earliest Seattle Mariners baseball cards from the team’s inaugural season and following years have grown substantially in value over time. For collectors looking to potentially cash in, there are certain Mariners rookie cards, star players, and special edition inserts that can still fetch a pretty penny today if in near-mint or mint condition. Let’s take a look at some of the top Mariners baseball cards worth tracking down that could be worth money based on their current estimated market values.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie (1989 Upper Deck #1) – Considered one of the holy grails of Mariners cards and among the most valuable rookie cards of all-time, Griffey’s first Upper Deck issue remains highly sought after by collectors decades later. Often described as the perfect 10 of baseball cards due to its near-flawless design, picture, and subject matter capturing a young superstar at the dawn of his career. High grade copies in a PSA 10 Gem Mint slab have sold for over $100,000 in recent years. Even well-centered PSA 9 examples can fetch $5,000-$10,000.

Randy Johnson Rookie (1989 Bowman #498) – As one of the best left-handed pitchers ever, Randy Johnson’s rookie card understandably holds value as well. Though not in the same stratosphere as Junior’s, a PSA 10 “Johnson” rookie has been known to sell for $3,000-$5,000. Most PSA 9 copies sell in the $700-$1,200 range. Condition is extremely important as his rookie has plenty of print lines and centering issues.

Edgar Martinez (2000 Topps Gold Label #GL-EM) – Topps’ premium Gold Label insert set pays homage to some of baseball’s all-time great hitters. Edgar Martinez’s card from this coveted set in pristine condition can sell for over $1,000. His career .312 batting average and two batting titles make him one of the best pure hitters in Mariners history.

Ichiro Suzuki Rookie (2001 Bowman #497) – Ichiro exploded onto the MLB scene with a rookie record 262 hits in 2001 and went on to rack up over 3,000 career hits between Japan and America. His impressive rookie card peaked in value around $500-$600 PSA 10 in the years following his retirement but has since cooled off closer to the $300 range for top graded copies today. Still highly collectible as one of the premier Asian stars in baseball history.

Bret Boone (2001 Topps Home Run Derby #HRD-BB) – This flashy insert from 2001 Topps honoring Boone’s appearance in that year’s Home Run Derby event has become a widely sought after Mariners “hit” card despite Boone’s relatively short tenure in Seattle. High grades have sold for over $300 due to its novel design within a popular modern set.

Félix Hernández (2004 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks #BCP88) – The future “King Felix” first appeared in Bowman’s Draft Picks set from 2004 as one of baseball’s most acclaimed pitching prospects. While his Hall of Fame worthy career ended with a different team, Hernandez still holds cherished status with long-time Mariners fans. Pristine PSA 10 copies have reached up to $500. Most fetch $200-$300.

Adam Jones (2003 Bowman Draft Picks #BCP17) – Drafted by the Mariners 6th overall in 2003, Jones went on to become a five-time Gold Glover in the outfield for Baltimore where he spent most of his career. His Mariners draft pedigree makes this fairly scarce in high grades. PSA 10s around $150.

Kazuhiro Sasaki (1997 Bowman’s Best Refractors #BB-KS) – A popular Japanese reliever known as “The Hawk,” Sasaki saved over 100 games during his time in Seattle earning this coveted refractors card in 1997’s prized Bowman’s Best set. Considered the most valuable non-rookie Mariners refractor, it can reach $150 PSA 10.

Jamie Moyer (1986 Topps Traded #T-104) – Despite having his best years elsewhere, Moyer holds distinction as one of just six Mariners to pitch over 200 innings for the franchise before the turn of the century. This early traded issue shows promise at $50+ in top condition.

Any of these select Mariners cards – especially the rookies of Junior, Randy Johnson, Edgar Martinez, Ichiro or Felix Hernandez – could prove worthwhile MLB card investments if purchased graded very high and preserved long-term in their best possible condition. With the Mariners poised to finally break their 20-year playoff drought in the coming seasons, interest and values for icons from their past are likely to remain strong and stable among serious collectors.