The Minnesota Twins have a rich baseball history dating back to their inception as the original Washington Senators in 1901. Over decades of playing in the Twin Cities, many legendary Twins players have had their likenesses immortalized on baseball cards. Some of these older cards have grown exceedingly rare and valuable as the years have passed. For serious collectors, high-grade examples of certain vintage Twins cards can command thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.
Some of the most coveted and expensive vintage Twins cards include ones featuring Hall of Famers Harmon Killebrew and Rod Carew. Killebrew played first base and outfield for the Twins from 1954 to 1974 and was one of the premier power hitters of his era, smashing 573 home runs over his career. His 1954 Topps rookie card in near-mint to mint condition has sold for over $10,000. Another valuable Killebrew card is his 1965 Topps, which shows him batting left-handed and going after an inside pitch. Pristine examples of this card have sold for upwards of $4,000.
Rod Carew played second base for the Twins from 1967 to 1978 and was a seven-time batting champion, winning the AL batting title in six consecutive seasons from 1969-1975. Some of his highest valued cards include his 1967 Topps rookie card, which has sold for $8,000+ in top grades. His 1973 Topps card, which was part of a classic set with innovative design elements, can fetch $3,000 NM-MT. Carew also had several valuable cards issued during his 1970s batting title streak. His 1975 Topps and 1976 SSPC cards, showing his batting prowess and hitting abilities, have sold for $4,000 apiece in pristine condition.
Moving into the 1980s, two of the most expensive Twins cards are ones featuring hall of fame pitcher Bert Blyleven. Blyleven had a storied 22-year career pitching primarily for the Twins and Indians from 1970 to 1992, compiling 287 wins and over 3,700 strikeouts. His iconic 1970 Topps rookie card graded mint has sold for $12,000. Another valuable Blyleven is his 1971 Topps, which depicts him mid-windup and is widely considered one of the best baseball card photos ever. High graded specimens of this classic card have hit $7,000 at auction.
Beyond the hall of famers, several younger superstar Twins from the 80s and 90s also have prized cards. Kent Hrbek was a six-time All-Star first baseman for Minnesota from 1981 to 1994 who led the team to two World Series appearances. His 1981 Topps rookie card in top shape fetches $1,500. Kirby Puckett played center field for the Twins from 1984 to 1995 and led them to championship titles in 1987 and 1991. Near-mint 1987 & 1991 Fleer Update cards showing Puckett at the height of his success have sold for $3,000 each.
Another ultra-valuable Twins card is that of catcher/DH Joe Mauer from his rookie season of 2004. Mauer won the AL batting title in 2006 with a .347 average to become the first Twins position player ever to win the award. High-graded examples of his popular 2004 Topps rookie card have sold for $7,000. Randy Bush, who was a key pitcher for the 1987 World Series team, has a prized 1984 Fleer Update rookie card which in pristine condition realizes $3,000. And Torii Hunter, the charismatic center fielder for Minnesota from 1997 to 2007, has affordable high-grade rookies in 1999 Topps Traded and Bowman Chrome that can fetch $300-500 each.
While newer Twins stars like Miguel Sano and Byron Buxton don’t have the nostalgia or rarity of cards from decades past, prized low-serial numbered parallels and autographed cards of current players still retain significant collector value. For example, Sano’s 2013 Topps Chrome Blue Refractor #/99 has sold for $700, while a 2015 Bowman Chrome Red Refractor Auto 1/5 realized $3,000. Buxton cards also hold value, as his 2014 Bowman Chrome Red Refractor #/50 sold for $800 and a 2015 Topps Five Star Diamonds Auto Purple /10 hit $1,200.
In summary, Minnesota Twins baseball cards from the 1960s-1990s featuring stars like Killebrew, Carew, Blyleven, Hrbek and Puckett in top condition are easily among the most valuable and sought after in the hobby. With the ups and downs of on-field performance waxing nostalgia, cards from the franchise’s World Series eras and heroes of yesteryear continue appreciating over time and providing a historic connection for collectors to relive past success. Having graded examples of these all-time great Twins in a collection is a true sign of dedication to the rich tradition and legacy of America’s pastime in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
