The 1985 Topps baseball card series was one of the most intriguing sets of the late 1980s. Featuring familiar stars and soon-to-be legends, the ’85 Topps set had no shortage of coveted and valuable rookie cards. With 792 total cards in the base set and memorable moments captured on cardboard, let’s take a look at the top 10 1985 Topps baseball cards based on their significance, rarity, and collector demand.
Ozzie Smith (#250) – Known as the “Wizard” for his spectacular defense at shortstop, Ozzie Smith was already a six-time Gold Glover when featured on this ’85 Topps card. While not one of his early rookie cards, Smith’s smooth fielding style and clownish antics made him a fan favorite. His .966 career fielding percentage is the best of all time for any position. High-grade examples of this Smith card still fetch over $100 due to his icon status in the game.
Dave Stieb (#347) – As one of the set’s most obscure rookie cards, Stieb’s ’85 Topps issue remains a major key card for collectors trying to complete the full 792-card roster. The Canadian-born lefty pitcher made his MLB debut in 1985 but only appeared in 9 total games over two seasons. With just a handful believed to exist in Gem Mint condition, ungraded examples can sell for $300-500 depending on centering and corners. Condition is critical to its significant rarity and demand.
Mark McGwire (#355) – Though not his true rookie card (that came in the 1984 Donruss set), McGwire’s first Topps issue came in 1985. Arguably the set’s most iconic image is “Big Mac” casually leaning against the dugout railing, foreshadowing the massive home run numbers to come. One of the premier power hitters of the 1990s, McGwire smashed 583 career home runs. High-grade versions remain a solid $200+ investment grade card due to his star power.
Barry Bonds (#397) – Another future Hall of Famer, Bonds’ rookie card came neatly packaged in the 1985 flagship Topps set. Already showing off his smooth left-handed swing, the toolsy young outfielder was just getting started on what became a record-setting 22-year career. Bonds went on to smash 762 career home runs and won a record seven NL MVP awards. Even well-centered, non-graded examples still pull in $150+ on the secondary market.condition is always key in assessing true collectible and investment value.
Donruss Rookies – While not Topps cards themselves, the accompanying Checklists listing the rookie classes from rival brands like Donruss, Fleer, and Grandstand were highly sought after items in the ’80s. The Donruss Rookies checklist (#593) takes the number 6 spot, as it name checks rookie issues of McGwire, Bonds, and others featured elsewhere on this list before their true Topps rookie debut. High demand exists for pristine examples graded Gem Mint, which can sell upwards of $400 each.
Gregg Jefferies (#244) – One of the premier prospects of the mid-1980s, Mets infielder Gregg Jefferies was considered a can’t-miss prospect with impressive plate discipline and power potential. While injuries plagued his career, Jefferies remained an “almost was” for collectors of his rookie card generation. Pristine high-grade copies still trade hands north of $300 due to his blue-chip status back in the day. Condition is critical, as always, with centering a particular challenge on this Jefferies issue.
Dwight Gooden (#93) – “Doc” Gooden burst onto the scene in 1984 taking the NL by storm, and 1985 saw him cement his superstar status by gracing the cover of the Topps baseball card set. One of the most famous cards of the 1980s, the close-up picture of Gooden in his Mets jersey evokes memories of his dominant rookie season. High-end copies in the coveted PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 grade easily clear $1,000. Even well-centered raw near-mint examples trade between $300-$500 depending on corner and edge wear.
Roger Clemens (#547) – Many consider Clemens’ lone season with the 1985 Boston Red Sox to be his true rookie year, despite being featured in previous minor league sets. His first Topps issue shows an intense glare and that signature exaggerated follow-through. “The Rocket” would go on to win a record 7 Cy Young Awards and pitch until age 43. High grades bring $500+ due to his iconic status as perhaps the greatest pitcher of all time. Even heavily played raw copies bring upwards of $100.
Kirby Puckett (#34) – As a hometown hero in Minnesota, Puckett quickly became a fan favorite after breaking into the bigs in 1984. His 1985 Topps issue shows Kirby flashing his trademark grin in the on-deck circle. Puckett amassed over 3,000 hits in just over 10,000 career at-bats, won six Gold Gloves, and two World Series titles before his untimely death in 2006. Near-pristine grades worth $1,000+, but common grades also highly collectible north of $150 due to his enduring popularity.
Don Mattingly (#417) – There may be no more iconic baseball card from the entire 1980s than “Donnie Baseball’s” rookie issue in the 1985 Topps set. Arguably the greatest pure hitter of his era, Mattingly’s sweet left-handed swing carried the Yankees for over a decade. Copies in pristine “black label” PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 condition have been known to sell for upwards of $5,000 due to his enduring New York fan connections. Even well-centered near-mint copies still demand over $300 on the current market.
The 1985 Topps baseball card set brilliantly captured the talents of future Hall of Famers like Mattingly, Gooden, McGwire, Bonds, and others on the verge of superstardom. From obscure rookie keys to iconic superstar issues, the investment-grade cards from this premier release remain fan and collector favorites decades later. Condition, as always, is paramount – but sheer nostalgia ensures many of these classic cardboard cutouts from 1985 will retain appeal and value for years to come.
