Jose Luis Uribe was a solid major league infielder who played 12 seasons in the big leagues from 1969 to 1980. While he didn’t put up huge offensive numbers, Uribe was known as a reliable defender and hard worker. As a result, he never became a huge star but had a long, successful career playing for five different teams. Unsurprisingly for a good but not great player, Uribe doesn’t have many highly valuable baseball cards. There are a few from his early career that have attained higher prices due to their rarity and condition. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable Jose Uribe baseball cards from the 1970s.
1969 Topps Jose Uribe Rookie Card #375
Uribe’s rookie card is one of his most iconic and sought-after cards. The 1969 Topps set is considered one of the most popular and collectible vintage issues. Uribe had a solid debut season with the California Angels in 1969, batting .255 in 109 games. As a result, his rookie card gained popularity among Angels collectors. High grade copies in PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 condition have sold for over $1,000. Even well-centered near mint copies in the PSA 8-9 range can still fetch $150-300 depending on the market. The 1969 Topps design is clean and classic, making this an attractive rookie card for vintage collectors. Graded examples in top condition will hold the most long-term value.
1970 Topps Jose Uribe #490
Uribe’s second Topps card from 1970 is also a popular option for collectors. He posted career highs that season with a .277 average, 9 home runs, and 55 RBI split between the Angels and Houston Astros. In PSA 10 condition, copies of this card have reached $600-800 at auction. Near mint PSA 8s go for $100-150. It features a classic 1970s action photo and doubles as one of Uribe’s better statistical seasons encapsulated on a card. Availability is lower than his rookie, giving it a bit more scarcity value long-term. Condition is still king for attaining four-figure prices further down the road.
1973 Topps Traded Jose Uribe #23T
The 1973T set had much smaller print runs compared to the flagship issues. Uribe was by then a solid veteran having been traded to St. Louis prior to the 1973 season. This card features one of the most eye-catching vintage designs with its blue/brown borders. Population reports show very few high grade examples exist. In fact, PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 copies are practically unobtainable on the current market. Even PSA 9s rarely trade hands for less than $300 given how difficult high grade copies are to find. There just aren’t many of these in excellent shape around compared to other Uribe issues. Condition sensitive collectors love this scarcer trailed piece.
1974 Topps Jose Uribe #416
Uribe’s main ’74 Topps card marks his first season with the Cubs after being traded from St. Louis. While not quite as steeply graded as the 1973T, quality PSA/BGS 10 examples are still extremely rare. Recently a BGS 9.5 copy sold for $475, suggesting high grade copies could demand $1,000+ long-term as rarer modern graded baseball cards continue rising. Near mint raw copies or PSA 8’s will set collectors back $100-200 today. It features one of the more aesthetically pleasing ’70s Topps designs with its bold yellow and white borders. Availability is lower than other Uribe cards from the decade.
1975 Topps Jose Uribe #429
Uribe’s last card featuring a photo from his time with the Cubs. He posted another solid season at the plate in ’75 with a .267 average. Considered among Cubs collectors as one of his more iconic team cards. PSA 10 values have exceeded $300 while choice PSA 9 copies command $150-250 in today’s market. Demand comes from Chicago Cubs PC collectors looking to add this key vintage piece. Condition plays a big role in additional premiums, as always – but it remains one of his most popular Cubs issues over 45+ years later. Colorful retro design stands the test of time.
1976 SSPC Jose Uribe #222
In 1976, Uribe signed with the Montreal Expos and appeared in their team issue set produced that year by Select Sports Promotions Company. Population reports show these are quite rare in pristine condition compared to flagship issues like Topps. Perhaps the scarcest Uribe among Expos PC collectors. A PSA 10 recently sold for a whopping $925, underscoring its rarity and condition sensitivity among Expos buffs. Even in PSA 8-9 range, most trade in the $150-$300 tier. Excellent centering and eye appeal push values well above other Uribe cards of similar vintage. Demand is limited but intense among Expos fans looking to add this prized piece.
1977 Topps Jose Uribe #592
Marking Uribe’s final season in Montreal before moving on to his last stop with the New York Mets in 1978. Considered a nice encapsulation of his time as an Expo prior to free agency. Condition plays a huge role here – PSA/BGS 10s are nearly unheard of while high end 9s regularly sell above $300. Vibrant red foil borders make this one pleasing to the eye even in lower grades. Relatively tougher to locate in pristine condition compared to mainstream late ’70s Topps issues of other players. Collectors of all things Expos seek this out for both aesthetic and commemorative purposes.
1978 Topps Traded Jose Uribe #152T
Uribe’s first card after being dealt from Montreal to the Mets midway through the ’78 season. Not quite as rare or valuable as the 1973T issue, but still condition sensitive among Mets fans. BGS/PSA 9.5s have sold above $200 showing the demand for high quality examples among MetsPC collectors. A smart long term hold for condition conscious investors given its historical encapsulation of Uribe landing in New York. Iconic ’70s Traded design with vivid yellow borders maintain popularity even decades later. Scarcity compared to regular flagship cards.
While Jose Uribe didn’t achieve superstar status, he had a respectable career spanning over a decade in the big leagues. His success and longevity has secured demand for key vintage cards, especially relating to his playoff teams with the Cubs and Expos. Condition sensitive issues like the 1973T, 1976 SSPC, and high grade examples of his flagship issues from the 1970s hold the most value and rarity. For investors, high grade Uribe presents an opportunity within the realm of respected but not elite players from the vintage world. With care taken in securing pristine graded specimens, select Uribe baseball cards show promise for future appreciation as rarity and scarcity factors strengthen over the coming decades.
