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MOST VALUABLE KEITH HERNANDEZ BASEBALL CARDS

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Keith Hernandez had a distinguished career playing Major League Baseball from 1974-1990 for the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets. During his time in the MLB, Hernandez was known for his excellent fielding ability earning himself 11 Gold Glove Awards and five All-Star selections. He helped lead the Mets to a World Series championship in 1986. Hernandez’s success and longevity in baseball have made some of his trading cards highly valuable collectibles today. Here is a closer look at some of the most valuable and desirable Keith Hernandez baseball cards on the market.

1977 Topps Keith Hernandez Rookie Card #479 – Hernandez’s rookie card from his 1977 Topps set is one of the key cards for any collector of the former Mets star. In gem mint condition graded a PSA 10, this Hernandez rookie has sold for over $4,000 at auction. Even in raw near mint to mint condition, valuable examples can fetch $500 or more. The 1977 Topps set is one of the most iconic issues in the hobby and Hernandez’s debut card remains highly sought after by collectors both as an important rookie and for the acclaim he achieved throughout his career.

1986 Fleer Update #U-24 Keith Hernandez Gold Glove Award Leaders – Fleer released this fun insert card in 1986 highlighting Hernandez’s excellence in the field by that point in his career. It calls out his run as one of baseball’s top glove men, having won five consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1978-1982. Only 1,500 copies of thiscard were printed, making it quite scarce and valuable for advanced Hernandez collectors. Top PSA 10 examples have sold for over $2,000. Even well-centered near mint copies in a lower grade can be worth a few hundred dollars.

1986 Topps Traded Keith Hernandez #T-79 – Hernandez was dealt from the Cardinals to the Mets during the 1985-1986 offseason. Topps captured the big trade with this special “Traded” subset included in the 1986 Topps set. The traded cards have long been some of the most popular and cherished in the modern era. Pristine PSA 10 Hernandez traded examples have reached almost $4,000 at auction. Raw copies in mint condition typically trade hands for $300-600 depending on centering and edges. This remains one of the definitive Hernandez cards for any all-star collection.

1991 Donruss Elite Series #42 Keith Hernandez – This premium 1991 Donruss issue featured dramatic black and white photography of major MLB stars. Hernandez’s superb defensive skills are on full display in the action shot used on this card. Very low print runs make 1991 Donruss Elite particularly valuable and sought after. High graded Hernandez examples in this elite parallel set have sold for over $1,500. Even raw near mint copies can be quite valuable at $300-500. This iconic ‘90s card captures Hernandez late in his career excelling as a fielder.

There are a few other notable high-end Keith Hernandez cards as well that often attract big prices amongst elite collectors. His 1979 and 1980 O-Pee-Chee cards are quite scarce in top condition and have reached over $1,000 each. Rare test prints or errors of his mainstream rookie and other early cards can exponentially increase in value. For example, a one-of-one 1985 Donruss Hobbies test issue sold for well over $10,000 in recent years.

In summary, Keith Hernandez enjoyed immense baseball success that translated well to the collecting hobby. His rookie card and noteworthy career accomplishments like gold gloves are highlighted in some of the costliest issues centered on the former Met. With a long and consistent major league tenure, Hernandez developed a large and devoted collector base over the decades. His best vintage and premium cards remain highly valuable commodities for knowledgeable investors and significant collections alike. With the lasting popularity of the sport and players from his generation, top Hernandez cards can be regarded as sound long term collectible assets.

KEITH HERNANDEZ BASEBALL CARDS

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Keith Hernandez is considered one of the greatest defensive first basemen in baseball history and his skill and longevity at the position spanning from 1974-1990 made him one of the most collectible players through baseball cards. Hernandez established himself as a star player in the 1970s with the St. Louis Cardinals before being traded to the New York Mets, where he would help lead the team to a World Series title in 1986 in one of his most memorable seasons captured on baseball cards.

While Hernandez made his major league debut in 1974 with the St. Louis Cardinals, one of his first notable baseball cards comes from 1975 when he appears on the Topps card #140. In only his second major league season, Hernandez is shown in a Cardinals road grey uniform glaring intensely towards the camera in a pose that exemplified his gritty playing style. The card captured Hernandez at the beginning of what would become a 14-year major league career defined by his defensive excellence at first base.

Through the late 1970s, Hernandez established himself as an All-Star caliber player and defensive standout for the Cardinals. Some of his most valuable baseball cards come from this early peak in his career, including his 1977 Topps card #162 that shows him in the iconic Cardinals home white uniform. Highlighting his prowess with the leather, the reverse of the card boasts he lead NL first basemen in fielding percentage in 1976 and 1977. Hernandez’s 1978 Topps card #242 further emphasizes his defense, mentioning he had committed only 3 errors that season at first base through the first 113 games.

After nine seasons with the Cardinals, Hernandez was surprisingly traded to the New York Mets in 1983 at age 31. While doubters wondered if he was past his prime, Hernandez responded by helping lead the Mets to a World Series title in 1986, cementing his place in Mets lore. His 1983 Mets debut season is captured on cards like the classic Topps Traded #3T card that depicts him in the unique Mets pinstripe road jersey. Hernandez established himself as a fan favorite on the Mets and his playoff heroics increased the value of his cards from 1984-1986.

Hernandez sparked memorable postseason moments for the Mets captured forever on his legendary 1986 baseball cards after the team’s championship. His 1986 Topps Traded #18T card highlights his 2-run single in game 6 of the 1986 World Series that helped power the Mets to the title. Meanwhile, the reverse of his 1986 Topps #644 card boasts that he led all NL first basemen in fielding for the 2nd time in his career. Arguably his most desirable card, the 1986 Fleer Update #U9 commemorates Hernandez as a World Series champion and features striking photography of him in action at first base that exemplifies why he was considered a premier defensive player.

Following the Mets’ championship, Hernandez continued his stellar play into his late 30s. His defensive prowess and consistency are emphasized on 1988 Topps Traded #48T, mentioning he committed only 4 errors that season. One of Hernandez’s final notable baseball cards comes from his final season in 1990 at age 38 with the Cleveland Indians on the 1990 Topps #798 card. It serves as a testament to his incredible longevity at first base into his late career.

In retirement, Hernandez has remained a beloved figure in Mets history for his steady leadership and clutch performances that helped lead the franchise to its last World Series title in 1986. The enduring legacy he established in New York has kept his classic 1980s Mets cards among the most popular and valuable in the organization’s history. As one of the best defensive first basemen in baseball history across 15 major league seasons, Keith Hernandez paved an incredible career immortalized forever through the photography and stats highlighted eternally on his historic baseball cards.

KEITH LECLAIR BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE ON COMC

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Keith LeClair was a left-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from 1988-1995. While he had a relatively short major league career, LeClair had some strong seasons and developed a following among baseball card collectors. As a result, LeClair cards can still be found on the collectibles market today, including on the popular online marketplace COMC (Cardboard Connection).

Let’s take a deeper look at Keith LeClair’s playing career and the various baseball cards featuring him that enthusiasts look to acquire from COMC and elsewhere. LeClair was born in 1963 in Sanford, Maine. He was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 6th round of the 1984 MLB Draft out of the University of Southern Maine. LeClair made his big league debut with Houston in 1988 at age 25. He spent his first 3 seasons splitting time between the Astros and their Triple-A affiliate.

LeClair showed promise in 1990 when he made 22 starts for Houston, posting a 3.79 ERA over 124.1 innings pitched. This breakout season led to plenty of collectors seeking out his 1990 baseball cards. Top options include a rookie card from Fleer and Donruss, as well as cards from Score and Upper Deck. Plenty of LeClair 1990 rookies can still be found on COMC in penny sleeve protectors for $1-2 each. In mint condition, prices climb into the $5-10 range, reflecting the demand for affordable rookie cards from the junk wax era.

After two more seasons with Houston, LeClair was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in December 1992. He enjoyed the best years of his career in Philadelphia from 1993-1995. In 1993, LeClair made 26 starts and logged 155 innings while recording a career-low 3.51 ERA. His performance that year increased interest in his 1993 baseball cards. Popular issues include Donruss Studio, Fleer Ultra, Finest Refractor, and Topps. LeClair’s 1993 Donruss Studio card in particular has gained collector interest in recent years. Mint condition copies routinely sell for $15-25 on COMC.

LeClair followed up his strong ’93 campaign with another solid season in 1994. He started 33 games and threw 200 innings while posting a 3.80 ERA. Collectors seeking his 1994 Phillies cards have several iconic designs to choose from, such as Topps, Fleer, Pinnacle, and Upper Deck SP Authentic. LeClair also received additional card issues that year focusing on his success with Philadelphia. These include special Philadelphia-themed sets like Stadium Club Phillies and SP Premier Phillies. LeClair’s 1994 Topps card usually trades hands on COMC for $3-5, while premium parallels like SP Authentic and especially rare autographed versions command far higher prices.

Regrettably, arm injuries cut short LeClair’s career. He made only 6 starts in 1995 before undergoing season-ending surgery. This soured what had been LeClair’s best years in the big leagues. His final MLB season was represented well in 1995 sets like Donruss Preferred, Pinnacle, and Upper Deck SP. But production was cut short, making mint LeClair cards from ’95 harder to locate. On the secondary market, well-centred 1995 Donruss Preferreds in slap grades sell for $8-12.

After rehabbing throughout 1996, LeClair attempted a comeback in 1997 with the Red Sox Triple-A team. Arm problems resurfaced and he was released that May, effectively ending his playing career at age 34. In parts of 8 MLB seasons between 1988-1995, LeClair amassed a career record of 33-37 with a 4.19 ERA over 107 games started and 617.2 innings pitched.

While LeClair never achieved stardom, collectors still seek out his baseball cards decades later. He resonated with many collectors as an underdog lefty who enjoyed career-best seasons in Philadelphia. Complete rookie card sets are attainable for budget-minded collectors on COMC. Meanwhile, premium parallels and autographed memorabilia attract higher-end enthusiasts. LeClair autograph signings have also allowed newer card productions over the years by companies like Topps, Upper Deck and Leaf.

For those scouring COMC, the best Keith LeClair baseball cards to pursue are generally from his breakout years of 1990-1995. Demand is highest for rookie issues, Philadelphia Phillies cards showing LeClair at his competitive peak in 1993-1994, and rare autographed memorabilia. Overall condition is paramount, as is finding affordable graded copies where applicable. By combining LeClair’s compelling story with the availability of his cards across multiple decades, collectors continue to keep his playing career and cardboard contributions alive decades after his retirement from baseball.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS KEITH HERNANDEZ

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set featured some of the biggest names in the game, including Keith Hernandez’s recognizable mugshot on card number 226. Hernandez was a veteran star first baseman for the New York Mets coming off a World Series championship in 1986. His card captured him in the midst of another stellar season that would help propel the Mets back to the postseason.

By 1987, Hernandez had established himself as one of the premier defensive first basemen in baseball history. He had already won four Gold Glove Awards and would go on to win two more before his career was over. Hernandez took as much pride in his defense as he did his offense, constantly studying opposing hitters so he knew exactly where to position himself for each pitcher-batter matchup. His strong and accurate arm was also a valuable asset for turning double plays.

At the plate, Hernandez was a talented hitter who could spray line drives to all fields. Though he lacked traditional power, he had a keen eye at the plate which led to a career .296 batting average. In 1987, the 33-year-old Hernandez batted .297 with 7 home runs and 54 RBI for the Mets. He remained a reliable run producer at the top of their lineup.

Hernandez was also renowned for his obsessive-compulsive behavior both on and off the field. He was legendary for controlling every aspect of his equipment from his uniform to his batting gloves. His pre-game rituals were meticulously planned out. Hernandez even admittedly double- and triple-checked situations in his mind during games to ensure he had not missed any detail. While some found his quirks amusing or off-putting, it was clear Hernandez’s preparation and attention to detail contributed greatly to his sustained excellence over a 15-year MLB career.

The 1987 season marked Hernandez’s fifth year with the Mets after beginning his career with the St. Louis Cardinals. By this point, he had emerged as a veteran team leader both through his words and example. Dubbed “Captain Keith” by fans and media, Hernandez helped set the tone for a hard-working, detail-oriented Mets clubhouse culture. His fellow players looked up to and respected him enormously.

That 1987 Mets team was loaded with stars, including slugging first baseman/outfielder Darryl Strawberry, ace pitchers Dwight Gooden and David Cone, and future Hall of Famer Gary Carter behind the plate. Managed by the beloved Davey Johnson, New York stormed to a 100-60 record, easily winning the National League East division title. Hernandez played in all 160 games and batted third in the lineup, contributing mightily to the team’s offensive consistency.

In the NLCS against the Cardinals, Hernandez exploded at the plate. He went 10-for-19 with 2 doubles, driving in 4 runs as the Mets won the series three games to none. His multidimensional contributions—both with the leather and lumber—were critical to defeating an equally talented St. Louis squad. Hernandez was named NLCS MVP for his heroic performance.

The Mets then faced the powerhouse Minnesota Twins in the 1987 World Series. In a dramatic seven-game series, Hernandez recorded multiple clutch hits and made several standout defensive plays. In one of the signature moments, he dove for a tricky bouncing ground ball in Game 6 with two outs in the ninth inning and no-hopped an off-balance throw from his backside that barely nipped Kent Hrbek at first base to keep the Mets’ rally and season alive. They would go on to win that game and clinch the championship the following night.

Hernandez’s 1987 Topps card perfectly encapsulated his reputation as a crafty, consummate professional at the height of his fame with the Mets dynasty. The photo shows him in a batting stance, bat up and back as he peers intensely at the camera through his trademark aviator sunglasses. His no-nonsense expression radiated Hernandez’s take-no-prisoners approach to the game. The card captured not just an individual player’s likeness, but also an era and identity for an iconic New York franchise in the midst of a golden age.

For collectors and fans of 80s baseball, Keith Hernandez’s 1987 Topps card remains one of the most memorable and respected in the set. It serves as a tribute to a leader, a champion, and one of the sport’s all-time greatest defensive first basemen. Hernandez went on to have several more productive seasons before retiring in 1990. His superb play and “take charge” personality as the Mets’ Captain helped cement his legacy as one of the franchise’s most beloved stars.