The 1970 baseball season produced some of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards in the hobby’s history. It was a crossover year that bridged the transition from the classic post-war era designs to the more photography-driven styles that would come to define the 1970s. While the 1969 Topps set is generally considered the pinnacle vintage issue in terms of overall completeness and design quality, the 1970 set stands out for featuring some of the most historically significant players and rookie cards in the game. Let’s take a look at some of the top cards from the 1970 Topps set that continue to captivate collectors decades later.
Perhaps the most famous and coveted card from the set is the Reggie Jackson rookie card. As a member of the Oakland Athletics at the time, Jackson had a promising rookie season in 1969 but had yet to emerge as the superstar slugger he would become. The 1970 rookie card captured Jackson in the beginning stages of his Hall of Fame career and is one of the iconic cards that helped cement his legacy in the hobby. High grade copies in near mint to mint condition regularly sell for thousands of dollars. Another notable rookie from 1970 was Ted Simmons of the St. Louis Cardinals. As a catcher, Simmons had a long and productive career that saw him inducted into the Hall of Fame. His rookie card from this set is also highly valuable in top grades.
Two of the biggest stars of the 1970 season and beyond also had defining cards in the 1970 Topps set – Johnny Bench and Nolan Ryan. Bench captured his second NL MVP award in 1970 while cementing his status as the best all-around catcher in baseball. His card from this set is one of the most iconic in the hobby. Meanwhile, Nolan Ryan was still in his early years with the California/California Angels but was already showing signs of the dominance he would demonstrate for decades. Both Bench and Ryan cards retain significant collector interest and command high prices.
The premier pitchers of the 1960s were also featured prominently in the 1970 Topps set. Two of the most coveted cards are those of Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale of the Los Angeles Dodgers. By 1970, Koufax had already retired after years of shoulder issues cut short his incredible career. His card serves as one of the last depictions of the lefty on the diamond. Meanwhile, Drysdale remained an Ace on the Dodgers staff and his card captured him during his playing days. High grade versions of these cards often trade hands for thousands.
The 1970 Topps set also marked the beginning of a new dynasty on the mound – the Oakland A’s “Swingin’ A’s” led by Vida Blue. As a rookie in 1969, Blue went 8-4 with a 1.82 ERA and took home AL Rookie of the Year and AL Cy Young honors. His flashy rookie card from the 1970 issue highlights his long dreadlocks and aggressive delivery on the mound. It’s among the most visually appealing and desirable cards from the set in high grade.
The dominance of the Baltimore Orioles also shone through with definitive cards of future Hall of Famers like Brooks Robinson, Jim Palmer, and Frank Robinson in the 1970 set. For collectors, high grade copies of these stars in the classic O’s uniform remain highly sought after pieces from the vintage era. Ultimately, the 1970 Topps set stands out for presenting key rookie cards, final cards of legends, and encapsulating superstars amid their primes. Nearly 50 years later, it continues to be a cornerstone release for vintage collectors around the world.
The 1970 Topps baseball card set offered collectors a cross-section of the biggest names and emerging talents from that memorable season. Rookie cards like Reggie Jackson and Ted Simmons, final cards like Koufax, and definitive issues highlighting the greats like Bench, Ryan, and the Baltimore Orioles make it one of the most historically resonant vintage sets. Graded high quality examples of these stars command significant collector interest and will undoubtedly retain their place as prized possessions in collections for generations to come. The 1970 set serves as a bridge between eras and highlighted many players who have shaped the game and hobby permanently.
