Omar Moreno was an exciting switch-hitting outfielder who played in Major League Baseball from 1973 to 1986. While he wasn’t a power hitter by any means, Moreno excelled at getting on base and stealing bases at an elite level during his career. Moreno’s flashy style of play and baserunning antics made him a fan favorite for many years in both Pittsburgh and Montreal. Given his noteworthy on-field accomplishments and popularity with fans, it’s no surprise that Omar Moreno has a memorable collection of baseball cards from the 1970s and 1980s.
Moreno made his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1973 at the age of 21. While his rookie card from that season isn’t among the most valuable due to low production numbers, it remains a key piece in any Omar Moreno baseball card collection. The 1973 Topps Omar Moreno rookie card features a nice action shot of him batting from the left side. In the background, you can see Three Rivers Stadium and some fans in the stands. It’s a classic early 1970s Topps design that perfectly captures Moreno at the beginning of his big league career. Graded gem mint condition examples of his 1973 Topps rookie card can sell for upwards of $150.
In 1974, Moreno began to establish himself as an exciting young player with impressive speed and a penchant for getting on base. His breakout season helped make his 1974 Topps and Topps Traded cards much more desirable to collectors. The 1974 Moreno Topps card shows him running the bases with an intense expression on his face. Meanwhile, the rare 1974 Topps Traded card depicts him batting right-handed with an extreme follow through. Both of these mid-1970s Moreno issues are keystones of any collection focused on his playing career. Higher graded examples in the PSA 8 to PSA 10 range often sell in the $50-$100 range.
In 1975, Moreno took his game to new heights by leading the National League with 77 stolen bases. He proved that previous season was no fluke by posting a .311 batting average to go along with his elite baserunning skills. Not surprisingly, his 1975 Topps and Topps Traded cards from that magical campaign are among the most valuable in his entire series. The 1975 Topps card features a close-up action shot of Moreno sliding safely into second base. Meanwhile, the 1975 Topps Traded portrays him kicking off from first base on another steal attempt. Both cards beautifully capture the lightning quick style of play that made Moreno such an all-action player that year. Pristine PSA 10 examples of these 1975 issues frequently sell for $200 or more.
1976 was another excellent all-around season for Moreno as he hit .310 and led the NL with 77 runs scored to go along with 55 stolen bases. His performance that year is reflected in two all-star caliber baseball cards. The 1976 Topps card depicts him batting left-handed with an intense, focused expression. There’s also a rare action shot 1976 Topps Traded card showing Moreno stretching to steal another bag. Like the previous couple years’ issues, both the ’76 Topps and Traded cards remain highly coveted by collectors seeking to chronicle Moreno’s incredible mid-1970s peak. Higher quality specimens tend to sell within the $100-$150 range.
After being traded to the Montreal Expos during the 1977 season, Moreno’s popularity only grew as he became a fan favorite on a small-market team. His first Expos card in 1977 Topps looks ever so cool with him leaning back against the outfield wall in Montreal’s unique tricolor uniform. Meanwhile, his debut card in the Montreal organization comes in the scarce 1977 Topps Traded style showing intense base running action. Both are truly iconic relics of his transformative move to the Expos. Pristine PSA 10 copies can be worth over $250 for serious Moreno collectors.
Moreno had arguably his finest all-around campaign in 1978 when he led the NL with 80 stolen bases and a career-high .318 batting average as part of the “Expos Express” era in Montreal. His dazzling performance was aptly depicted on his 1978 Topps and Topps Traded issues, considered by many to be the crown jewels of his entire card series. The classic ’78 Topps shows him mid-swing from the left side with catcher’s gear in the background. There’s also his legendary swinging action pose from the right side on the coveted 1978 Topps Traded design. High grade specimens of these definitive 1978 cards frequently command prices upwards of $350 given how perfectly they capture Moreno’s magical 1978 season.
After a few more excellent years being one of the premier leadoff hitters and base stealers in baseball throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Moreno’s career slowed down some by the middle of the decade. Nevertheless, his many accomplishments up to that point made even his later career cards quite collectible. Issues like his 1983 Donruss, 1984 Fleer, and 1986 Topps provide a nice conclusion to chronicling all 14 seasons of Moreno’s memorable big league tenure. Even run-of-the-mill copies from his later playing days usually sell for $10-20 depending on condition.
In summary, Omar Moreno possesses an extensive and visually appealing collection of baseball cards befitting his remarkable career. From his early rookie efforts in Pittsburgh to his peak years with the Expos during the late 1970s, Moreno’s cards beautifully captured the electricity and excitement he brought to the ballpark on a daily basis. Whether assembling a complete career set or seeking iconic keystones from specific successful seasons, Omar Moreno cards will surely bring back fond memories for many baseball fans and provide enjoyment for collectors for years to come.
