Dan Driessen was a versatile major league first baseman and third baseman who played in the big leagues from 1973-1987, spending the bulk of his career with the Cincinnati Reds. While never a true superstar, Driessen had a long, productive career and made four All-Star teams. His versatility and ability to play multiple positions well made him a valuable role player for Cincinnati’s “Big Red Machine” teams of the 1970s.
Given his lengthy career and role on some very good Reds teams, Driessen has a decent selection of baseball cards from the 1970s and early 1980s. Some of the more notable and valuable Dan Driessen baseball cards include:
1973 Topps #501 – Driessen’s rookie card features a headshot of the young third baseman in a Reds uniform. It’s a fairly basic early 1970s Topps design. Population reports indicate it’s not terribly scarce, but rookie cards are always desirable for any player. Lightly graded examples in the $10-20 range are common on the secondary market.
1975 Topps #573 – This card captures Driessen batting from the left side during the 1974 season, his first full year in the majors. It shows him starting to establish himself in the Reds lineup. Population is moderate and values range $5-15 depending on condition.
1976 Topps #507 – One of Driessen’s better action shots, this card shows him fielding a ground ball at third base. It was issued during Driessen’s first All-Star season of 1976 when he hit .281 and played solid defense all over the infield for Cincinnati. Lightly played copies trade in the $8-15 range.
1977 Topps #488 – This card depicts Driessen swinging from the right side during the 1976 season. It was produced as Driessen was becoming a reliable utility player and platoon bat for the Reds. Population is high but well-centered, high grade examples can approach $20.
1978 Topps #463 – Another action shot, this time showing Driessen’s smooth left-handed swing. Issued as he was helping the Reds to another division title and a playoff berth. Moderate pop and values around $5-10 depending on condition.
1979 Topps #608 – Driessen is featured batting right-handed in this card from his age 30 season. He hit a career-high .293 that year in a utility/platoon role. Common card in the $3-7 range.
1980 Topps #470 – This is arguably Driessen’s best card photographically. It captures him perfectly squared around and swinging from the left side with excellent detail and action. Issued during his second All-Star campaign of 1980 when he hit .297 part-time for Cincinnati. Lightly played copies $10-15.
1981 Topps #542 – Driessen shown from the left batting cage during the strike-shortened 1981 season, his 10th year in the league. Population is higher for this design but examples $5-10.
1982 Donruss #80 – A nice close-up headshot portrait from Driessen’s final season with the Reds before moving to Toronto. Population is moderate and values $3-8 depending on condition.
1983 Donruss #212 – Driessen’s first card as a Blue Jay. Shows him batting right-handed in the powder blue Toronto road uniform. Scarcer than his Reds issues but still obtainable for $5-10.
1984 Donruss #199 – Final active season card, depicts Driessen taking a full right-handed swing for the Jays. Lightly played copies $3-7.
1985 Donruss Record Breakers #RB6 – Not truly his final card issued, this “record breakers” card honors Driessen playing in his 1,000th career game in 1984 with Toronto. Population is low for this obscure subset and values have been rising to $15-25 over the past few years.
While not a true star player, Dan Driessen had a long and productive career that saw him play a key role on some very good Cincinnati Reds clubs in the 1970s and early 80s. As such, he has a respectable selection of available vintage baseball cards spanning his 15-year career. Condition is always key, but for most issues collectors can find affordable copies of this versatile player’s cards without breaking the bank. His rookie and better action shots from the mid-1970s are generally the most desirable and valuable in the Driessen collection.