The 1982 Topps baseball card set was released at the start of the 1982 Major League Baseball season. It featured cards for all 26 MLB teams from 1981, as well as current and former star players. While not quite as iconic or valuable as some other years, the ’82 Topps set featured many memorable and historically significant cards. Here’s a look at the top 25 cards from the 1982 Topps baseball set ranked based on their historical importance, player significance, and current collector value:

#1 Cal Ripken Jr.: This is widely considered one of the most important rookie cards ever issued. Cal Ripken Jr. went on to have one of the most decorated careers of any shortstop in MLB history. His consecutive games played streak of 2,632 games is simply unmatched. This card regularly sells for well over $100 today and is a cornerstone of any serious collection.

#610 Ozzie Smith: Considered one of the greatest defensive shortstops ever, Ozzie Smith was already an established star by 1982. This card captures him during his early years with the San Diego Padres. It’s a key cog in any Padres or ’80s collection due to Smith’s Hall of Fame career and significance.

#97 Rod Carew: One of the greatest contact hitters ever, Rod Carew won 7 batting titles over his 19-year career. The 1982 Topps card pictures Carew during one of his seasons with the Minnesota Twins, where he helped lead them to division titles. This card often trades hands for $50-100 given Carew’s iconic status.

#636 Joe DiMaggio: Though retired for over 15 years by 1982, Joe DiMaggio remained one of the most renowned players in baseball history. His famous 56-game hitting streak is still one of the most revered records in sports. Any DiMaggio card holds value due to his lasting legacy as “the Yankee Clipper.”

#13 Pete Rose: Arguably the greatest hitter without a place in the Hall of Fame, Pete Rose’s 1982 Topps card shows him during the tail end of his stellar 24-year career. It’s a must-have for any Rose collectors due to his controversial career achievements still being debated today.

#88 Nolan Ryan: Possibly the greatest power pitcher ever, Nolan Ryan was already approaching his record 7 no-hitters in 1982. This card encapsulates Ryan in his prime with the Houston Astros, making it a big draw for players from that era. In mint condition, it often fetches $75-150 nowadays.

#610 Willie Stargell: As the leader of the “We Are Family” 1979 Pirates, Willie Stargell left behind a remarkable legacy. This ’82 issue pictures him in the twilight of his Hall of Fame career still with the Bucs. It remains highly valuable for fans and collectors of 70s/80s Pittsburgh baseball.

#89 Mike Schmidt: Arguably the greatest third baseman in MLB history, Mike Schmidt slugged his way to the 1982 Topps set during his playing days with the Philadelphia Phillies. He won the MVP that season and went on to accumulate the most home runs ever for a third baseman.

#1 Steve Carlton: One of the greatest lefty pitchers ever, Steve Carlton won 4 Cy Young awards during his career, including 1972. The ’82 issue provides a key glimpse of Carlton during his later years still competing at a high level with the Phillies. A stellar pick for Philly collectors.

#660 Reggie Jackson: Dubbed “Mr. October” for his clutch postseason heroics, Reggie Jackson smashed 563 career home runs over his stellar career. This card commemorates one of baseball’s biggest stars and home run hitters who played for both the A’s and Yankees dynasty teams.

#660 Goose Gossage: An intimidating fireballer who saved 284 games, Goose Gossage embodied the fearsome late-inning reliever role. This card shows him during his heyday with the New York Yankees, making it a must for fans and collectors of 1970s/80s Bronx baseball.

#660 Johnny Bench: Widely hailed as the greatest catcher in MLB history, Johnny Bench was a 14-time All-Star and won 10 Gold Gloves over his career primarily with the Big Red Machine Cincinnati Reds. Any card featuring this legendary player holds considerable value.

#1 Fernando Valenzuela: One of the most dominant rookies ever, Fernando Valenzuela stormed onto the scene in 1981 by winning Rookie of the Year and the NL Cy Young award. His 1982 rookie card became one of the most coveted and valuable of the 1980s selling now for $300-500 graded.

#660 Eddie Murray: A surefire Hall of Famer and one of the top offensive third basemen ever, Eddie Murray clubbed 504 home runs and drove in over 1,900 runs in his 23-year career. Any card from his playing days with the Orioles, Dodgers, and Indians is highly sought after.

#630 Dave Winfield: A 12-time All-Star outfielder, Dave Winfield smacked 465 career dingers and drove in over 1,800 runs while excelling for six teams from 1973-1995. His ’82 card highlights him during his years providing big stats for the champion 1981 San Diego Padres.

#1 Darryl Strawberry: One of the greatest pure hitters of the 1980s, Darryl Strawberry launched 335 HR in his 17 years. His superb rookie card captured him at the start of his stellar Mets career and is an affordable pick for those just starting a PC.

#660 Keith Hernandez: As the leading hitter and captain of the 1982 World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals, Keith Hernandez earned his place among the stars of the day. His Topps issue commemorated an impressive career spent primarily with the Cardinals and Mets.

#660 Rich Gossage: Known as “Goose” like his Hall of Fame contemporary, Rich “Goose” Gossage was arguably the most feared reliever of the late 1970s and 1980s. He saved over 300 games playing for Pittsburgh, Chicago, San Diego, and the 1980 World Series Yankees.

#630 Andre Dawson: Nicknamed “The Hawk,” Andre Dawson flew around the outfield making highlight reel catches in Montreal and Chicago throughout the 1980s. He took home MVP honors in 1987 while hitting over 400 career home runs, making his cards hold appeal.

#660 George Brett: As the face of the Kansas City Royals dynasty, George Brett bashed 317 homers while hitting .305 for his career largely spent in KC. He exemplified leadership and clutch hitting, making his ’82 issue a must-have.

#630 Lonnie Smith: One of the fastest players in the game for over a decade, Lonnie Smith stole bases (453) effectively for several teams like St. Louis, Kansas City, and Atlanta. Fans of those clubs prize his cards from the 1980s.

#1 Tim Raines: Though his skills were often overshadowed by contemporaries, “Rock” Raines amassed 808 steals and was a key part of the Expos and later White Sox. His rookie card portends the Hall of Fame talent he would display for years.

#660 Don Baylor: A consistent .260 hitter with 338 homers, Don Baylor made six All-Star teams while playing for five franchises through 1987. He shined brightest leading the 1979 American League in hitting (.325),RBI (139), and total bases (363).

#660 Bob Horner: One of the all-time great sluggers from the state of Georgia, Bob Horner slugged 205 home runs and delivered RBIs consistently during his productive 1980s career primarily with the Braves. His ’82 issue remains popular with fans of Atlanta baseball.

#630 Tony Armas: Though injuries stunted his potential, Tony Armas was one of baseball’s top young power bats in the early 1980s. He smashed 97 homers by age 24 for the Boston Red Sox. Fans of the vibrant Sox teams back then still fondly remember his rookie years.

While not the most iconic or valuable set ever released, the 1982 Topps baseball card collection provided a who’s who of stars from the late 1970s and early 1980s. From rookies to veterans, hitters and pitchers, each of these 25 cards capture notable players and performances enshrined in baseball history. Collectors still enjoy finding these gems from the past to reminisce about the greats of the game.