Jack Aker was an American right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Kansas City/Oakland Athletics, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, and New York Yankees between 1963 and 1974. As one of the premier relief pitchers of his era, Aker found great success in his role and represented the American League as an All-Star on three occasions. Due to his importance and popularity during his playing days, Aker’s baseball cards from the 1960s and early 70s remain highly coveted by collectors today.
Aker made his MLB debut with the Athletics in 1963 at the age of 24, appearing in 15 games and posting a 2-1 record and 2.57 ERA in his rookie season. While he did not have any major starring roles in his early career, Aker established himself as a dependable long relief arm out of the bullpen. He continued to build up his resume with KC over the next few seasons before becoming a full-time reliever in 1966. That year marked Aker’s breakout, as he led the AL with 41 relief appearances while compiling a 9-3 record and 1.65 ERA in 89 innings pitched. His dominant performance earned him his first All-Star selection and AL Fireman of the Year Award.
Aker’s emergence as one of baseball’s preeminent stoppers made him one of the most sought-after players on the trading block. In November 1967, he was surprisingly dealt to the Dodgers in a six-player trade. Moving to the powerhouse Dodgers gave Aker the opportunity to pitch for perennial contenders while significantly growing his national exposure and fame. He remained one of the top relievers in baseball over the next few years, continuing to average over 70 innings pitched per season with ERAs in the low-to-mid 2.00s. Aker’s iconic 1968 Topps and 1969 Topps cards from his Dodgers tenure are among the most valuable of his entire collection today.
After the 1970 season, Aker was traded again, this time to the Atlanta Braves. He enjoyed another excellent campaign in 1971 with a 2.67 ERA in 86 innings as the Braves closer. The following year, Aker achieved the highest honor of his career by being selected to the National League All-Star team. His 1972 Topps card featuring his Braves uniform is a highly recognizable relic from that period. Atlanta dealt Aker during the 1973 season, sending him to the Bronx to play for the Yankees’ pitching-rich staff. He only pitched in 13 games for New York before retiring at the end of that year at the age of 36.
Over his 12-year MLB career, Aker compiled a 91-80 record with a 2.73 ERA and 87 saves in 851 appearances out of the bullpen. He led the American League in games pitched twice and saves once while ranking among the top relievers in innings pitched several times. Aker’s three All-Star selections, pair of Fireman of the Year awards, and durable late-inning presence made him one of the first true relieving specialists of the modern era. As one of the sport’s early relief aces, Aker played a big role in shaping how bullpen usage has evolved.
Given his status as a premier reliever during the lucrative 1960s-early 70s cardboard boom, Aker’s baseball cards are highly regarded by collectors today. His 1965, 1966, 1967, and 1968 Topps Athletics issues as well as his Dodgers cards ranging from 1968-1970 are among the highest valued of any in his collecting portfolio. Especially rare and sought-after are any Aker cards that remain in pristine gem mint condition. Additionally prized are the 1972 Topps Braves card depicting his lone All-Star season and 1973 Yankees card showing his brief New York tenure. Beyond Topps, the 1966 Leaf and 1969 Kellogg’s cards featuring Aker also hold collector value. Signed or autograph versions exponentially increase his already substantial card prices.
Overall, Jack Aker left an indelible mark on his era as one of baseball’s pioneering relief specialists. Though he never achieved individual accolades like the Cy Young Award, Aker’s excellence out of the bullpen was a major factor in the Athletics, Dodgers and Braves success during the 1960s-early 70s. His athletic, durable playing style translated well to baseball cards that are prized by collectors more than 50 years later. With his iconic uniforms from several famous franchises and accomplishments highlighted on classic cardboard, Aker remains one of the most collectible pitchers from his generation in the bustling hobby of vintage sports cards.