Tag Archives: 1972

WHAT ARE THE MOST VALUABLE 1972 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The most valuable 1972 Topps baseball card is the Nolan Ryan card #536. This card is extremely rare in gem mint condition and has sold for over $50,000 in the past. Nolan Ryan was just starting to emerge as a pitching superstar in 1972 with the California Angels. He was still a few years away from breaking major strikeout records, but collectors recognized his huge talent even at this early stage of his career. Getting a Ryan rookie card in perfect centering, corners and edges is incredibly difficult and helps explain the astronomical prices this card can demand in the best of condition.

Another extremely valuable card from the 1972 set is the Johnny Bench card #500. Bench was already a 3-time All-Star and 2-time World Series champion at this point with the Cincinnati Reds. He won the National League MVP award in 1972 while batting .293 with 40 home runs and 125 RBI. Bench is considered by many to be the greatest catcher in MLB history, so his 1972 Topps rookie card holds a special significance for collectors. Like the Nolan Ryan, it must grade extremely well to have a chance at the $10,000+ price tag the top examples have achieved. Even well-centered copies in EX-MT condition trade in the $1,000+ range.

The 1972 Topps Thurman Munson rookie card #561 also demands big money, especially in top grades. Munson had just finished 2nd in AL ROY voting in 1971 while establishing himself as the Yankees’ starting catcher. He would go on to be a 7-time All-Star and 3-time Gold Glover over his stellar career. Tragically, Munson lost his life in a plane crash in 1979 at age 32. As a result, his rookie card has taken on greater significance over the years. Near-mint copies are $500-1000, with perfect examples rarely trading under $2500 and reaching as high as $5000 in auctions.

George Brett’s rookie card #591 also gains value due to his Hall of Fame career and his starring role on 1980s Kansas City Royals teams. Brett batted .282 with 19 home runs as a 21-year old for the Royals in 1972 to finish 5th in AL ROY voting. He went on to have a stellar 21-year career including a .305 lifetime average and over 3000 hits. Like Munson, demand for a pristine Brett rookie has only increased since he was inducted into Cooperstown. Near-mint copies bring $400-700, with mint copies reaching the $1000-1500 range or more.

The Hank Aaron #500 card holds iconic status and value due to his career home run record. Aaron passed Babe Ruth’s previous mark of 714 home runs in 1974 and finished with 755, a record that stood for over 30 years until Barry Bonds broke it in 2007. In 1972, Aaron was still slugging away for the Atlanta Braves at age 38, batting .279 with 27 home runs in his final 20/100 season. High-grade copies graded Mint 9 or Gem Mint 10 have sold for over $2000 before due to Aaron’s legendary home run milestone and significance in baseball history. Overall it’s one of the most historically valuable cards from the entire 1972 set.

It’s easy to see why the rookie and star cards of future Hall of Famers like Nolan Ryan, Johnny Bench, Thurman Munson, George Brett, and Hank Aaron hold premium value in the 1972 Topps set. As generations have passed and nostalgia has grown, demand has only increased for their flagship rookie cards, especially in pristine preserved condition under professional grading. With the exception of multi-million-dollar specimens like the T206 Honus Wagner, it would be tough to find five cards that may collectively be worth more from any other single baseball card set released.

HOW MANY CARDS ARE IN THE 1972 TOPPS BASEBALL SET

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The 1972 Topps set included cards for all 26 Major League Baseball teams that were active during the 1971 season. Each team’s section contained cards numbering from 1 to 23, showing individual players along with team cards and manager cards. Some of the notable rookies featured in the set included Bob Horner, Greg Luzinski, Dave Cash, Carlton Fisk, and Larry Hisle. In addition to cards of current major leaguers, the set also included “traded” cards to indicate players who had been traded to new teams since the previous season.

The standard issue cards in the 1972 Topps baseball set were issued in wax paper packs, with each pack containing 11 cards. Of the 660 total cards, 648 featured individual players while the remaining 12 cards spotlighted managers, league leaders, and World Series highlights. The card design featured a blue strip along the bottom portion of each card with the team logo and player name printed on it. On the front of each card was a large color photo of the featured player in action, while statistics and career highlights were printed on the back.

Some notable subsets and special cards included in the massive 660 card checklist were honorary veteran cards for retired players, an All-Star team subset, World Series cards highlighting the 1971 match-up between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Baltimore Orioles, and special cards acknowledging the careers of recently-retired legends like Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle. The 1972 set was also among the earliest to feature the relatively new design element of having a different colored border to distinguish rookie cards from established veterans.

Beyond just documenting stats and photos from the prior season, Topps sets from this era provided a detailed historical record of the evolution of Major League Baseball’s franchises, uniforms, and stadiums over time. For example, the 1972 set included cards showing the newer uniforms and logos for franchises like the Texas Rangers (who had moved from Washington D.C. after the 1971 season), as well as commemorating the final season for venues like Tiger Stadium in Detroit before they were replaced.

Upon its release in April of 1972, the massive 660 card set sold briskly as it allowed young collectors to accumulate photos and information on their favorite teams and players during the peak years of baseball card popularity in the post-World War II era. Even today, complete sets in excellent conditioned can fetch thousands of dollars on the collector’s market given the set’s massive size and its role in documenting a transitionary period for the league in the early 1970s. For historians and lifelong baseball fans, the 1972 Topps set remains one of the most iconic and coveted releases that captured a season in the long history of America’s pastime. It marked another example of Topps’ model of producing comprehensive, high-quality sets that still hold value and memories decades after first being assembled by children and teenagers with a few quarters to spend at the local convenience store.

The sprawling 660 card flagship set issued by Topps in 1972 to document the 1971 MLB season remains one of the largest and most historically significant baseball card releases of all-time. Through its exhaustive checklist that included every major league team and player, special cards highlighting notable achievements and retirements, and its capturing of the evolution of franchises and stadiums, the 1972 Topps set provides an incredible snapshot of America’s favorite sport during a distinct period amid the rapid growth and changing eras of Major League Baseball in the latter 20th century.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED HIGH NUMBERS IN 1972 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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In the early 1970s, the annual release of Topps baseball cards was still a major part of the hobby for many young baseball fans. Children would eagerly open packs of the new Topps cards, hoping to collect their favorite players or chase after elusive short printed or serial numbered cards. When it comes to the 1972 Topps set, the card numbers serve as an indicator of scarcity, with higher numbers representing more scarce or difficult to find cards within the set.

The 1972 Topps set contains 556 total cards, including base cards, multi-player cards, manager cards, and checklists. Cards were issued in sequential order from #1 to #556, with the lowest numbered cards generally being the easiest to obtain in packs or in the trading market. Back in 1972, many young collectors hoped to complete their set but may have fallen just short due to not being able to find some of the higher numbered cards. So in the original collecting context of 1972, the threshold of what constituted a “high number” would likely have been considered 400 or above.

Any card from the 1972 set with a number of 400 or higher today would be considered much more scarce and valuable compared to the lower numbered cards from the set. This is because fewer packs from 1972 have survived intact and unsearched over the past 50 years. The play period for these cards was also shorter before they entered long term storage in attics, basements, and collection boxes. Each subsequent year further thins the surviving poplulation of high numbered gems from the vintage 1972 set.

Some key data points help shed more light on why numbers 400 and above are notable as being scarce in the 1972 Topps set:

The checklist card is #555, meaning any card #556 would have been the last possible basic card in the set.

Multi-player cards like the team cards took up higher numbers like #547, #548, #549, leaving less room for true singles cards at the top of the numbering system.

Card production sheets from Topps at the time stated the intended population of cards #481-556 was much lower versus the early portions of the set. This was done deliberately by Topps to create scarcer “chase” cards.

Population census data compiled by tracking registraion and census programs over decades shows far fewer high numbered 1972 cards have been accounted for versus counterparts in the 100-300 range.

Pricing and demand in the vintage trading card market today overwhelmingly favors 1972 rookie and star player cards with numbers 399 and above versus their lower counterparts.

Anecdotal accounts from collectors who opened packs as children in the early 70s commonly note they never saw cards numbered 400 and up despite completing much of the lower numbered portions of the set.

So in summarizing why 400 and above carries significance for 1972 Topps scarcity – the original design of the set by Topps, shrinking card populations verified by decades of data, and demand trends prove the elusive high numbered vintage gems from the 1972 set have stood the test of time as the biggest challenges for completing a set from that classic era of the hobby. Cards like Nolan Ryan’s imposing #523 rookie remain iconic symbols of the ultimate chase at the top of the 1972 checklist almost 50 years later.

BEST 1972 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1972 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the company’s storied history. While it lacked some of the true star power of earlier decades, the ’72 Topps set featured several cards that have become highly sought after by collectors in the decades since. With 714 total cards in the base set, the 1972 Topps offering highlighted a transition period in the sport during a time of societal change in America. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout cards collectors love from this vintage release.

The most coveted card from the 1972 Topps set is generally considered to be the Nolan Ryan rookie card. As one of the greatest power pitchers of all-time, Ryan’s rookie is an extremely valuable piece of memorabilia. While he had debuted in 1966, Ryan’s inclusion in the 1972 Topps set marked his first appearance in the flagship Topps issue. Known for his 100 mph heat and record 5,714 career strikeouts, Ryan went on to have a Hall of Fame career. In high grade, mint condition examples of his 1972 Topps rookie card can fetch tens of thousands of dollars.

Another highly sought after card from ’72 Topps is Thurman Munson’s rookie. The Yankees catcher had a breakout 1971 season, batting .302 with 15 home runs and 79 RBI en route to being named American League Rookie of the Year. His inclusion in the ’72 set was thus timely. Sadly, Munson suffered an untimely death in a plane crash in 1979 at age 32. This adds to the nostalgia and demand for his rookie card today. High-grade Munson rookies have sold for over $10,000 in recent years.

Aside from rookie cards, the 1972 Topps set featured several other notable future Hall of Famers in their baseball card primes. One of the most iconic is card #1 – Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves. Having broken Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record just two years prior in ’74, Aaron remained one of the game’s biggest stars. His perfectly centered ’72 Topps card is a standout in the set. Other Hall of Fame greats well-represented include Johnny Bench, Reggie Jackson, and Tom Seaver.

The 1972 Topps set also marked the final cards for several legends wrapping up their careers. The most notable of these is arguably Willie Mays’ card showing him with the New York Mets. Having spent nearly two decades with the Giants, Mays finished his career in New York in 1973. His Mets card from ’72 Topps serves as a nice bookend to his legendary career. Other final cards include Hank Aaron’s brother Tommie with the Braves and Hoyt Wilhelm’s last card before retirement.

Beyond the star power of rookie cards and Hall of Famers, the 1972 Topps set featured several other unique and interesting parallel inserts that are favorites with collectors today. The most popular of these are the “3-D” cards produced using a lenticular printing process that creates a three-dimensional or holographic effect. Only 78 of these special parallel cards were produced, making each one an ultra-rare chase item today. Other fun parallel subsets include team-colored bordered cards and “fielding” cards highlighting defensive plays.

While it may lack the true star power of the 1960s, the 1972 Topps baseball card set remains a highly collectible vintage issue prized by hobbyists. Headlined by the legendary rookie cards of Nolan Ryan and Thurman Munson, the set also features baseball icons like Hank Aaron, Johnny Bench, and Reggie Jackson in their primes. Parallel inserts like the rare “3-D” cards add to the excitement of the release. For both nostalgia and investment potential, the 1972 Topps cards, especially the standouts profiled here, will likely remain hugely popular with collectors for decades to come.

1972 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUES

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The 1972 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable issues from the 1970s. While it may lack the star power and historical significance of some earlier years, strong production numbers and design qualities have made the ’72s a favorite of collectors even decades later. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout rookie cards, stars of the era, and oddball variations that can significantly impact values within the set.

One of the biggest names from the ’72 set is future Hall of Famer Johnny Bench, coming off his second straight National League MVP award at the time of printing. High grades of his familiar smiling face card can earn thousands. Another Reds star of that period, pitching ace Don Gullett, also has value potential in higher grades despite his short career due to injury. Gullett’s card typically sells for $50-100 in EX-MT condition.

Rookie cards are always a focus for collectors looking to capitalize, and 1972 had a strong draft class. One of the most coveted is Chicago White Sox outfielder Wilbur Wood, who made his debut that year after years in the minors. Wood went on to become a knuckleball specialist and 20-game winner, making his rookie card quite valuable in top condition – recently selling for over $500 in Gem Mint. Minnesota Twins teammates Rod Carew and Bert Blyleven also had big rookie years in 1972. High grade examples of their cards can go for $300-500 each.

Perhaps the biggest star of the ’72s is Oakland Athletics pitcher Vida Blue, coming off his incredible 1971 season where he won the AL MVP and Cy Young at age 21. Blue’s card is routinely one of the most expensive from the set, with PSA/BGS 9s reaching well into the four-figure range. Likewise, Nolan Ryan’s fifth Topps issue as a player sees strong prices due to his pitching prowess and Hall of Fame career. Typical values are $150-300 for Ryan cards in top condition.

There were also several notable variations and oddballs that can spike values. The front-image switch cards were printed with inadvertent photo swaps of Steve Blass and George Scott early in production. Finding an example with the error ups the price point significantly. Meanwhile, the annual test/photo variation cards also appear, such as Don Money with a partial chest script versus the standard full body shot. Lower print run items like these can reach hundreds or more.

Condition, of course, is paramount when assigning value to any vintage release. But interestingly, 1972 Topps has seen prices hold up fairly well even in poorer grades compared to other years. Cards that grade EX-MT can usually be acquired for $5-15 in most cases, providing an affordable entry point. Demand remains high for pristine GEM MINT 10 examples to holders or for grading consideration.

While the 1972 Topps set may lack the true high-end star power of decades past, there remains plenty to appreciate both visually through the design and historically through star players like Bench, Carew and Blue making their early card appearances. Strong production numbers ensure availability at all levels, but key rookie cards, variations and impeccable condition examples continue to push the ceiling higher over the long run of collecting demand for this classic 1970s issue. Thanks to these factors, 1972 Topps maintains its standing as one of the most beloved and affordable investments in the entire vintage spectrum.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1972 LIST

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The 1972 Topps baseball card set was the 21st series issued by Topps and featured cards of players from the American League and National League. Some key facts and highlights about the set:

Size: 660 total cards in the set. This includes 652 player and manager cards as well as 8 team cards.

Design: The design features a white border around the player photo with their team logo and colors in the bottom corner. The team logo also appears on the left side of the card. Player names and positions are printed in bold black text below the photo.

Rookies of note: Future Hall of Famer Robin Yount of the Milwaukee Brewers is featured in the set with card #234. Other top rookies included Ron Cey of the Dodgers (card #109), George Foster of the Reds (card #206), Don Money of the Brewers (card #234), and Bill Madlock of the Giants (card #412).

Notable veteran players: Stars depicted include Hank Aaron (card #1), Johnny Bench (card #11), Willie Mays (card #18), Roberto Clemente (card #27), Pete Rose (card #29), Willie Stargell (card #36), Tom Seaver (card #41), Rod Carew (card #45), and Nolan Ryan (card #56).

Serial numbers: The serial numbers on the fronts of the cards run from 1 to 660. The backs contain career statistics through the 1971 season.

Checklist: In addition to the player cards, the 1972 checklist includes cards for all 20 MLB teams at the time as well as the manager cards. Some of the managers featured include Walter Alston (#500), Leo Durocher (#511), Dick Williams (#553), and Earl Weaver (#554).

Variations: There are no true parallel sets in the 1972 issue. There are a few notable variations. Errors occurred in the photos on the Roberto Clemente (#27) and Orlando Cepeda (#28) cards, resulting in sticker or reprint versions. The Reggie Jackson (#352) card lists his team as the Kansas City A’s instead of the Oakland A’s.

Design quirks: Due to space constraints, the career records on the backs of some tall pitchers like Sonny Siebert (#103) are scrunched together. And Dave McNally’s (#224) head is noticeably cut off at the top of his card photo.

Rarity factors: High number cards starting around #550 tend to be scarcer in higher grades due to poorer centering quality control on late production run cards. Hall of Fame players are always in higher demand. And error/variation cards carry premiums.

Production notes: The 1972 set was printed by Bowman Gum/Topps and distributed through wax paper pack cigarettes, gum, and candy. Like earlier Topps issues of the 1950s/60s, the cards were mass produced but had no real collation/sorting process, leading to seemingly random distribution.

Cultural impact: While not quite as iconic or valuable as some previous decade’s sets, the 1972 Topps cards documented the careers of stars from that era and remain popular with collectors today. The cards provide a snapshot into the MLB player ranks and uniform designs of that period.

Price guide values: In top-graded PSA/BGS 10 condition, common Hall of Fame cards range from $50-300 depending on the player. Top rookies can reach $50-100. But most readily attainable cards in played/good condition sell for $1-5. The Nolan Ryan rookie PSA 9 just sold for $6,480 on eBay in January 2022.

The 1972 Topps baseball card set was the flagship issue that year. It captured the MLB players and teams of that season in the classic black-bordered Topps design. While not considered one of the most valuable sets, it remains popular with collectors due to its star players, rookie stars, and historical documentation of 50s/60s/70s baseball.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS 1972

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The 1972 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the hobby’s history. While it lacks the true vintage aura of decades prior, the ’72 Topps set ushered in a new modern era for the baseball card industry. It also features several of the most expensive and coveted rookie cards ever released. While the sheer condition and state of preservation factor heavily into a card’s worth, here are some of the most valuable 1972 Topps baseball cards based purely on the player, accomplishment, and significance at the time of release:

Ryan/Koufax Dual Mini (#91): This odd-man-out mini card features Nolan Ryan and Sandy Koufax. Though not truly a “rookie,” its scarcity and subject matter make it one of the most desireable 1972 cards. High grade PSA 10 examples have sold for over $20,000 in recent years.

Mike Schmidt (#582): Arguably the finest third baseman of all-time, Schmidt’s true rookie card started his Hall of Fame journey. High-end PSA 10 copies now sell in the $10,000 range or more due to his legendary career arc.

George Brett (#640): Another third sacker who would become a “Hit King,” Brett was just starting his stellar tenure with the Royals in ’72. High-grade versions fetch up to $8,000.

Catfish Hunter (#288): “Catfish” was already an established ace but had yet to join the Yankees dynasty. Mint PSA 10s command $2,000+.

Nolan Ryan (#526): Ryan’s Astros rookie card is a true Holy Grail. An immaculate PSA 10 specimen recently sold for an astounding $127,000, though most grade a notch or two lower and sell in the $1,500-$4,000 range depending on condition.

Dave Kingman (#433): “King Kong’s” early Mets tenure started here. PSA 10s sell for $700-1,500.

Jim Palmer (#557): The Hall of Fame Orioles hurler makes his cardboard bow. High grades bring $500-800 still.

Bruce Sutter (#677): Some feel the Cardinals rookie is undervalued. Nearly flawless Gem Mint copies approach $1,000.

Rickey Henderson (#547): “Man of Steal’s” Athletics debut. Pristine grades demand $600-1,000.

Johnny Bench (#540): Already an NL MVP and multiple time All-Star, Bench’s value remains robust at $400-600.

Steve Garvey (#544): Garvey became the quintessential SoCal superstar. PSA 10s earn $300-500.

That covers some of the most valuable stars and rookie cards from the 1972 Topps MLB set, which regularly sees strong prices at auction due to the high-caliber talent featured. Of course, condition is king—while the above cards command huge sums in pristine PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, well-worn low-grade copies are available much more reasonably. Top hitters like Schmidt and Brett consistently perform well, as do elite hurlers like Ryan, Palmer, and Sutter. But even role players and backups from this acclaimed issue can carry nostalgia and value too. The ‘72 Topps set launch a new collecting renaissance and its top rookies remain hugely important pieces for vintage enthusiasts and Hall of Fame completists.

1972 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS AUCTION PRICES

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1972 Topps Baseball Cards Auction Prices – What to Expect in Today’s Market

The 1972 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the vintage trading card era. The designs and photography from this set remain fresh and nostalgic nearly 50 years later. As the values of vintage cards continue to climb, 1972 Topps cards are some of the most sought after and command strong prices in today’s auction market. Understanding recent sales data and demand factors can give collectors a realistic view of what to expect when buying, selling, or consigning 1972 cards on the modern secondary market.

Of all the high-value rookies from the 1972 set, none command prices like a mint condition rookie card of George Brett. Often considered the linchpin card of the entire set, a PSA 10 graded Brett rookie in Gem Mint condition recently sold for a staggering $102,000 at auction. Even raw, ungraded examples in excellent centered near-mint to mint condition have brought over $15,000 at Goldin Auctions and other major auction houses. Thurman Munson rookie cards have also followed suit, with a PSA 10 selling for $23,340 and raw NM/MT copies making $3,000-$5,000.

Future Hall of Famers like Rollie Fingers, Willie McCovey, and Fergie Jenkins all debuted in the 1972 set as well. Their rookies have seen tremendous increases, with PSA 10 Fingers and McCovey rookies now valued at $5,000-$7,000 each. Even solid near-mint grade examples can bring $500-800 raw. Fergie Jenkins rookie cards have more availability, but demand remains strong with a PSA 10 valued at $1,500-2000 and NM copies selling for $200-$350 depending on centering and eye appeal.

Beyond the all-star rookie cards, the 1972 set features iconic photography and design elements that are catnip to collectors. Stars of the era like Pete Rose, Hank Aaron, and Nolan Ryan can sell strong across all grade levels. A nicely centered PSA 8 Rose, for instance, brought $555 recently. Near-mint Aaron and Ryan cards routinely sell for $100-150. The iconic stars drive collector interest in completing high-grade sets as well.

Completing a PSA/CAC recognized 1972 Topps set with all cards grading a strong near-mint 7 or higher would require an auction budget well into the five figures today. Individual high-numbered common cards still hold value, with PSA 8 examples bringing $5-$15 depending on the player featured. Lower-numbered short-prints from the back of the set spike significantly higher. A PSA 9 #601 Tom Griffin just sold for $435, while a PSA 8 #629 Al Raffo popped for $245. Condition-sensitive short-prints remain very collectible and command premium auction value.

Beyond the standouts and stars, demand across the entire 1972 issue remains vibrant thanks to the timeless designs and photographic style capturing the era. Sets in complete but played M-NM condition are valued between $1,800 to $2,500, while exceptionally well-kept near-complete raw sets have topped $5,000. Even incomplete “team” collections located the common high-numbers hold intrinsic value.

1972 Topps cards were mass-produced like issues of the post-war bubble era before, but nostalgia and the iconic rookie class have lifted this set head and shoulders above others of its time. Auction trends prove the demand exceeds availability 50 years later. For condition-sensitive examples of the stars and key short-prints, premiums will continue to be paid by dedicated collectors. The 1972 Topps cards look poised to maintain their lofty values for years to come as a true benchmark of the vintage trading card revolution.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS FROM 1972

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The 1972 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues from the early 1970s. Issued during a time of transition in Major League Baseball, the ’72 Topps cards highlighted many star players and rookie standouts from that period.

Topps had been the exclusive producer of baseball cards sold in packs since 1951. Their cards were printed on a thin, cardboard stock and contained vibrant color photographs. For the 1972 set, Topps used photos primarily taken during the 1971 season, since spring training and early season games had already begun by the time production needed to begin on the new cards.

Some notable features of the 1972 Topps set include:

Size: The standard card size was 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, with 690 total cards in the base set.

Design: The simple yet eye-catching design featured a solid color background with a thick white or gray border around each photo. “Topps” appeared prominently at the top, with the player’s name and team name below the image.

Rookies: Notable rookie cards included Jon Matlack (Mets), Bob Welch (Dodgers), Ron Cey (Dodgers), Garry Maddox (Phillies), and Don Sutton (Dodgers). Future Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers also had his rookie card in the set despite having debuted in 1968.

Player Moves: The aftermath of the 1968 expansion meant many players switched teams in 1971-72. Willie McCovey, Billy Williams, and Tommie Agee were among those with new uniforms in the ’72 set after trades.

Checklists: For the first time, Topps inserted checklists (cards #651-660) to help collectors keep track of their progress. These remain highly sought after today.

Managers: All 26 big league skippers received their own cards for just the second time, including icons Sparky Anderson, Dick Williams, and Earl Weaver.

Teams & uniforms: The relatively new Montreal Expos, San Diego Padres, and Kansas City Royals were featured along with updated duds for franchises like the Angels and Indians.

Upon its release, the 1972 Topps set was an instant hit among the millions of young baseball card collectors in America. Its photos captured the sport during a period of athleticism, personality, and cultural impact. Stars like Hank Aaron, Johnny Bench, and Tom Seaver seemed larger than life in their colorful cards.

Problems soon emerged that threatened to undermine Topps’ monopoly. Counterfeiters began illegally reproducing cards at a dizzying rate. More concerning was the entrance of rival brand Fleer, which debuted the first “modern” design with gumless cards in 1964. Led by renowned set designer David Allen, Fleer signed star players to exclusive contracts for its competitive issues.

In 1971, Topps filed an antitrust lawsuit against the NFL Players Association, arguing they had the right to sign players to exclusive licensing deals. The case made its way to the Supreme Court, which eventually ruled against Topps in 1977. Meanwhile, former Topps employee Allen had launched his own ALLEN & GINTER brand in 1887, directly challenging Topps’ baseball trading card supremacy.

By 1972, the competition was heating up. Later that year, Topps released its inaugural non-sport “Wacky Packages” parody sticker set aimed at younger children. Whether to diversify or gain pricing power over baseball cards is unclear, but it reflected Topps’ acknowledgement that baseball cards alone could no longer support the company.

The ’72 set endures as a watershed moment when the “Golden Age” of Topps’ monopoly began yielding to marketplace pressures. Its photos preserve a snapshot of the national pastime at a time when cultural shifts, court decisions, and new competitors started to alter the baseball card industry’s foundation. Over the decades, collectors have cherished these iconic ’72s for their historical significance, aesthetic charm, and connection to careers of beloved players from an bygone era in American sports.

The 1972 Topps baseball card set stands out for both its on-field content highlighting the sport in transition and its larger context within the evolution of the trading card industry during post-expansion years. While competitions have come and gone, Topps has managed to maintain relevance as baseball’s leading card maker thanks to enhancements like licensed logos and memories tied to childhood collections of cards like these from 1972.

BASEBALL’s FAMOUS FEATS CARDS 1972

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In 1972, Topps released its most iconic baseball card set yet, featuring some of the most impressive baseball feats ever achieved on individual cards. Known as the “Famous Feats” subset, these 11 cards commemorated record-breaking performances and milestone accomplishments. At a time when baseball card sets typically only included a player’s picture and stats from the previous season, the Famous Feats cards took things to another level by dedicating entire trading cards to single amazing plays, games, or seasons.

The cards covered feats from the 19th century up to the early 1970s. Each card featured a dramatic photo related to the feat as well as descriptive text detailing what made it so remarkable. These cards captured the essence of why these historic baseball moments are still discussed today. For collectors and fans of the time, the Famous Feats cards brought these legendary performances to life and celebrated the incredible athletic achievements of some of baseball’s greatest stars.

Perhaps the most famous card of the set was #1, honoring Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak of 1941. That season, DiMaggio hit safely in 56 consecutive games, a record that still stands today. The card featured a photo of DiMaggio batting and text that read: “In 1941, Joe DiMaggio set a record that may stand forever by getting at least one base hit in 56 consecutive major league games.”

Another eye-popping feat was card #2, commemorating Mickey Mantle’s 500-foot home run in 1953. While playing for the Yankees at Griffith Stadium in Washington D.C., Mantle launched a ball completely out of the stadium, a feat estimated to have traveled over 500 feet. The card showed Mantle rounding the bases with the caption: “In 1953, Mickey Mantle of the New York Yankees hit one of the longest home runs in history, a shot estimated at over 500 feet, out of old Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C.”

Nolan Ryan’s record 383 strikeouts in a single season in 1973 was the subject of card #3. Ryan, then with the California Angels, dominated hitters that year and broke Sandy Koufax’s previous record of 382 Ks. The card featured Ryan mid-windup and the text highlighted how he “shattered the modern major league record with 383 strikeouts.”

Card #4 paid tribute to Roger Maris’ 61 home runs in 1961, breaking Babe Ruth’s longstanding single season record of 60. The photo showed Maris rounding the bases after homer #61 with a caption celebrating how he “broke Babe Ruth’s 37-year-old record by hitting 61 home runs in 1961.” This was one of baseball’s most hallowed records at the time.

Other remarkable feats chronicled in the set included Ty Cobb’s 1910 season where he batted .385 (#5), Cy Young’s 511 career wins (#6), Nap Lajoie’s .426 batting average in 1901 (#7), Josh Gibson’s estimated 800 career home runs in the Negro Leagues (#8), Honus Wagner’s .331 career batting average (#9), Cap Anson’s 3,435 career hits (#10), and Cy Young’s perfect game in 1904 (#11).

The Famous Feats cards were a trailblazing concept that brought to life baseball’s most astonishing single-game and career accomplishments. They celebrated iconic players, records, and milestones in a visually compelling way. The set was a huge hit with collectors, showcasing why these feats were so remarkable and cementing them as some of the most incredible performances in baseball history. Even today, the Famous Feats cards from 1972 remain a highly coveted and valuable subset that any serious baseball card collector seeks to obtain. They were baseball cards unlike anything seen before, immortalizing the sport’s most outstanding individual achievements in a way that has endured for generations of fans.