Eddie Mathews was a legendary third baseman who played for the Boston/Milwaukee Braves and Houston Astros from 1952 to 1968. Known as one of the greatest power hitters of his era, Mathews smashed 512 career home runs and drove in over 1,500 runs. His prolific play at the hot corner generated huge popularity among baseball card collectors during his playing days and after. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most noteworthy and valuable Eddie Mathews baseball cards from over the years.

One of the earliest and most iconic Mathews baseball cards comes from his rookie season of 1952 with the Boston Braves. Sporting a clean-shaven young Mathews in a Braves uniform, the 1952 Topps #71 Eddie Mathews rookie card established him as a star player for collectors to follow. While production numbers for early Topps issues were massive, high grades of the Mathews rookie still fetch thousands due to his legacy. Another standout from his early years is the 1954 Topps #277 card, showing off Mathews’ powerful swing.

Mathews’ dominant play in the late 1950s made him one of the most prominent third basemen in the game. This popularity is reflected in highly sought after cards from this prime of his career. The 1957 Topps #379 card depicts Mathews mid-swing and is a favorite of collectors. High grade versions can sell for over $1,000. Also coveted is the 1959 Topps #500 card, which pictures Mathews crouched at third base. This iconic pose and the late 50s production period combine to make it a pricey collectible.

In addition to his mainstream Topps issues, Mathews has several notable oddball cards that intrigue collectors. The 1954 Bowman color card shows off Mathews’ intense focus at the plate. Only produced for one year, these early Bowman cards are a true rarity. Mathews also has a prized card from the 1960 Leaf set. With a colorful action photo and unique design, these underproduced non-Topps issues attract dedicated collectors. Later in the decade, the 1966 Topps #531 card presents a more mature Mathews in a classic straight-on portrait that endures as a fan favorite.

Mathews’ playing career extended into the 1960s as he became one of the elder statesmen on the Braves and later Astros. His 1961 Topps #139 card from Milwaukee is a solid issue from this period. Another standout is the 1968 Topps #500 card, his last in the regular Topps set before retirement. Picturing Mathews in an Astros uniform, it serves as a full-circle look back on his Hall of Fame tenure. After leaving the field, Mathews remained a respected figure in baseball lore.

In the decades since his playing days, Mathews cards have grown in demand among enthusiasts looking to own pieces of baseball history. While his early 1950s rookie cards set the standard for value due to rarity, all stages of Mathews’ career command interest. Whether it’s his iconic mid-swing poses from the late 50s or his later portraits as a veteran, Eddie Mathews cards resonate with collectors thanks to his legend as one of baseball’s all-time great sluggers. For fans of the golden era of the game, owning high-quality Mathews cardboard is a thrill and an investment in the enduring legacy of a true diamond great.