VINTAGE BASEBALL
Yogi Berra
1958 Topps #370
PSA Grade: VG-EX 4
Anchored by a good amount of Hall of Fame names and the rookie card for Roger Maris, 1958 Topps Baseball is a popular vintage option. However, a multitude of variations and a larger checklist can make for a tough set to complete. The set features a robust 494 cards, which are portrayed using a somewhat progressive and unconventional design. Showcasing a vibrant color background and a die-cut player image in a posed profile, the design was not nearly as revered upon release. With oversized letters spelling out the player's name along the top of the card, the bottom portion contains a contrasting text area that holds the position and team name. The card backs revert to a compact statistical byline that includes previous year and career numbers. In addition to the customary write-up and biographical information, the 1958 Topps Baseball card backs contain a large area for a Topps cartoon. Among the set's many sought-after options are rookie cards of Roger Maris and Orlando Cepeda, as well as veteran cards of Stan Musial, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Al Kaline, Roberto Clemente and Hank Aaron.
Yogi Berra was an 18-time All-Star and won 10 World Series as a player -more than any other player in MLB history. Berra had a career batting average of .285, while hitting 358 home runs and 1,430 runs batted in. He is one of only six players to win the American League Most Valuable Player Award three times. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest catchers in baseball history, and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.
Mickey Mantle
1969 Topps #500
Last Name in Yellow
CGC Grade: Good 2
For 1969, Topps beat their record for set size, this time putting out 664 different cards. Topps went with more of a traditional design, with photographs taking up most of the front of the card and a crisp white border around it. The team name stayed as large block letters. The players name and position were placed in a colorful circle. The backs the cards really stand out, as they are a peach color. The stats and biography pop with a white background. The set is loaded with Hall of Famers and produced the rookie card of Reggie Jackson. Many cards have variations with the players first and last name; they were printed in yellow and white. White is much rarer, and can command a large premium. Of Note, 1969 contained the first cards of four new expansion teams; the Montreal Expos, Kansas City Royals, San Diego Padres, and Seattle Pilots.
Key Hall of Famers to chase were Roberto Clemente, Johnny Bench, Hank Aaron, Pete Rose, Willie Mays, Nolan Ryan and the Mickey Mantle found here. 1969 Topps Baseball is best known for Mr. October's rookie card. While the Reggie Jackson card is the clear favorite, the vintage set is also notable for Rollie Fingers' rookie and the final active issue for Mickey Mantle. Mantle played his entire MLB career (1951–1968) with the Yankees, primarily as a center fielder. Mantle is regarded by many as being one of the best players and sluggers of all time. He was an American League MVP three times and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.
David Cone #114
1998 Metal Universe
Autographed
PSA Grade: Authentic
After spending time in the outer reaches of space, 1998 Metal Universe Baseball brings its foil ways a lot close to home. It’s still wild like all of the most memorable Metal Universe sets are. But, by design, it’s more down to earth. The 220-card base set is down 30 from 1997. It’s heavy on veterans with only a couple of Rookie Cards. Even then, it has been a while since collectors were clamoring for Dave Dellucci RCs. Superstars like Ken Griffey Jr., Derek Jeter and Cal Ripken Jr. anchor the set instead. The design forgoes the etched foil, a defining feature from the earlier releases, for a more traditional flat foil. But that doesn’t mean card-boredom. Not in the least. Players are cast against earthly backgrounds ranging from cityscapes to country sides. It’s a regional take that’s filled with striking iconography.
Baseball card collectors (and 9/11 researchers) seem to be somewhat unaware of how incredible the 1998 Metal of David Cone really is. Many are surprised to never have seen the photo of him pitching, in front of the World Trade Center two towers. In addition, this card has been hand-signed by Cone. A third-round draft pick of the Kansas City Royals in the 1981 MLB draft, Cone made his MLB debut in 1986 and continued playing until 2003, pitching for five different teams. Cone batted left-handed and threw right-handed. In the final game of the 1991 regular season, Cone struck out 19 batters, tied for second-most ever in a game. Renowned for his split-finger fastball, Cone won the 1994 American League Cy Young Award, and was a five-time All-Star leading the major leagues in strikeouts each season from 1990-1992. Cone pitched the sixteenth perfect game in baseball history in 1999. He was a a member of five World Series championship teams: 1992 with the Toronto Blue Jays and 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000 with the New York Yankees.
Derek Jeter Rookie Card
1996 Fleer #184
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
The 1996 Fleer baseball set consists of 600 standard-size cards issued in one series. Borderless fronts are matte-finished and have full-color action shots with the player's name, team and position stamped in gold foil. Backs contain a biography and career stats on the top and a full-color head shot with a 1995 synopsis on the bottom. The matte finish on the cards was designed so collectors could have an easier surface for cards to be autographed. Rookie Cards in this set include Matt Lawton and Mike Sweeney. A Cal Ripken promo was distributed to dealers and hobby media to preview the set, since then, other than the Cal Ripken Promo card, the #184 Derek Jeter has been the second-highest key card in the set. The matte finish on the cards was chosen to give collectors an easier surface for the cards to get autographed; unfortunately, the rough surface made sorting the cards rather difficult in the end resulting in many low grades.
Jeter spent his entire 20-year MLB career with the New York Yankees, and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2020. The Yankees drafted Jeter out of high school in 1992, and he debuted in the major leagues at age 20 in 1995. The following year he became the Yankee’s starting shortstop, won the Rookie of the Year Award, and helped the team win the 1996 World Series over the Atlanta Braves.
Mike Schmidt / Ron Cey/ John Hilton
1973 Topps #615
Rookie Third Basemen
CGC Grade: Excellent 5
Led by the rookie card for Mike Schmidt, 1973 Topps Baseball goes the simple route with design, especially in comparison to the previous year. Slightly less common than other 1970s releases, '73 Topps relies on large player photos. 1973 Topps Baseball consists of 660 cards. This represents a 127-card decrease from the 1972. It also has the distinction of being the smallest Topps baseball card set of the 1970s and the last vintage Topps set to be released in a multiple series format. Also of note, is that 1973 Topps marks the last active baseball card appearance for Willie Mays.
While the Hall of Fame rookie card for Mike Schmidt's rookie card is the clear highlight of the checklist, several other players make their cardboard debut in 1973 Topps Baseball. This includes rookie cards for Goose Gossage, Bob Boone and Dwight Evans. Cards from the final series (#529-660) are often times more difficult to find than those of previous series. Interest and values for the final series are also helped by the inclusion of the Mike Schmidt rookie card. Coincidentally, Schmidt shares the card with Ron Cey, another popular player. However, Cey's rookie card is found in 1972 Topps.
Alex Rodriguez #340
1994 Flair Rookie Card
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
1994 Flair was a new super-premium brand. The thick glossy finish and thick card stock weren't common in the hobby at the time. Combine those with the gold-foil nameplate and gorgeous dual-photo card fronts and you have a very memorable set that still stands out today. The 1994 Alex Rodriguez rookie card is from Series 2. Other than Chan Ho Park, A-Road was certainly the notable rookie card to chase. Other important MLB sluggers included Cal Ripken, Mark McGwire, Mike Piazza and Barry Bonds.
Rodriguez began his professional baseball career as one of the sport's most highly touted prospects, and is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. The Mariners selected Rodriguez first overall in the 1993 MLB draft, and he debuted in the major leagues the following year at the age of 18. A-Road is a 14-time All-Star, winning three American League MVP awards, 10 Silver Slugger Awards and two Gold Glove Awards. Rodriguez is also the career record holder for grand slams. He twice broke the record for the largest sports contract ever signed.
Barry Bonds
1987 Topps
#320 Rookie Card
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
It's easy to rag on 1987 Topps Baseball. One could likely build a cardboard city with all of the cases, wax boxes and monster boxes filled with unwanted leftovers. That said, it also has one of the most instantly recognizable designs of all-time. Among the notable rookies are Barry Bonds, Barry Larkin and Rafael Palmeiro. It's worth noting that Bonds was also in the 1986 Topps Traded Baseball box set. Others, spotted in 1987, include Mark McGwire, Jose Canseco and Don Mattingly too.
The 1987 Topps Barry Bonds #320 card, despite being advertised as an error card, is more accurately described as a misprint, and a minor one at that. While it may not command thousands of dollars as some listings suggest, it still holds value, especially as it represents the rookie card of one of baseball's greatest players. Barry Bonds is ranked first in career Wins Above Replacement among all major league position players, and second behind only Babe Ruth.
Ken Griffey Jr. #548
1989 Fleer
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
The thrill of pulling a Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card was one of the defining moments for a generation of collectors. He’s a genuine icon, sitting in the top tier of baseball’s legends and influencers. His rise to fame also came at a time when the hobby was hitting its mainstream high. It starts with the 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card, which remains a part of ’80s pop culture but there’s also the Fleer.
This might be the only 1989 set with a Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card where it’s not the most talked about card. We can thank Billy Ripken’s error card bat for that.
Randy Jackson #25
1989 Upper Deck
Star Rookie
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
Randy Johnson played his first season as a rookie for the Montreal Expos. The most valuable RC is the 1989 O-Pee-Chee #186, followed closely by the 1989 Topps #647, the 1989 Donruss #42 and this star rookie from Upper Deck. As one of the most intimidating and dominant pitchers of all time, Johnson won over 300 games in his illustrious career. He had the second-most career strikeouts of any pitcher, ever, and one of the best pitchers to get their career started in the 1980s.
In 1989, Upper Deck shook up the baseball collecting world with the release of their inaugural release. With crisp white stock, sharp photography, and holograms, it revolutionized the card industry. While the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card gets a lot of attention from that set, this Randy Johnson is arguably the second-most desirable in the set. The rookie cards of Craig Biggio and John Smoltz would round out the Hall of Fame rookie cards in the set.
C.C. Sabathia
1999 Finest, Autograph
#294 Rookie Card
Beckett Grade: Authentic
The 300-card Finest set (produced by Topps) featured color-action player photos printed on 27 pt. card stock using Chromium technology. The backs carry player information. The set includes the following subsets: Gems (101-120), Sensations (121-130) Rookies (131-150/277-299), Sterling (251-265) and Gamers (266-276). Card number 300 is a special Hank Aaron/Mark McGwire tribute. Cards numbered from 101 through 150 and 251 through 300 were short printed and seeded at a rate of one per hobby, one per retail and two per Home Team Advantage pack. Notable Rookie Cards also included Pat Burrell, Sean Burroughs, Nick Johnson, Austin Kearns, Corey Patterson and Alfonso Soriano
CC Sabathia had been one of baseball's best pitchers for well over a decade. Although he's a Cy Young winner and World Series champion, CC Sabathia cards still remain somewhat overlooked. Much like his career, Sabathia's cards have shared the spotlight with other players. First, it was Alfonso Soriano, who was huge, and more recently it was Josh Hamilton. And while Hamilton and Soriano are still popular in the hobby, neither have been nearly as consistent as Sabathia. He made his major league debut with the Cleveland Indians in 2001 and placed second in the 2001 AL Rookie of the Year voting behind 2001 AL MVP Ichiro Suzuki. Sabathia played the first seven and a half seasons of his career with the Indians, with whom he won the 2007 Cy Young Award. Rookies are one of three short print subsets in 1999 Topps Finest Series 2. Sticking with the trend of the brand from the late 90s, cards came with a clear film protector. While there isn't a huge premium placed on cards with or without the protector, it was not advised that you try to remove them now as it's fairly easy to damage the corner when you're trying to take it off.
Sammy Sosa #17
1990 Upper Deck
Star Rookie
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
From the day they first released their debut set in 1989, Upper Deck was known for its quality sports cards. The card stock was top-notch and the photography was superior. The anti-counterfeit holograms on the reverse sides seemed like something from the future. Sosa's rookie card exhibits all of those trademark features as the young slugger sits in the dugout with a huge smile on his face. As young collectors wanted to see the "Star Rookie" symbol in the lower left, this card still resonates with collectors’ sense of excitement today. Similar to the Donruss set (which had a lot of star rookies in its’ checklist), Larry Walker was the only rookie in this set to make it to the Hall of Fame. Frank Thomas was also surprisingly absent from this set, too. Overall, this Sammy Sosa rookie card is solid, but it could've been much better had Upper Deck shown him in an action pose.
Sosa made his major league debut on June 16, 1989, with the Texas Rangers, wearing #17 and leading off as the starting left fielder. He actually hit his first career home run off Roger Clemens. He would play 18 seasons, primarily with the Chicago Cubs, after playing for both the Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox. Sosa joined the Cubs in 1992 and became regarded as one of the game's best hitters. Sosa hit his 400th home run in his 1,354th game and his 5,273rd at-bat, reaching this milestone quicker than any player in National League history. He is one of nine players in MLB history to hit 600 career home runs.
Mariano Rivera #58
1999 Bowman Chrome
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
Since its release, 1999 Bowman Chrome Baseball has been regarded as one of the best sets ever from a rookie card standpoint. When it first came out, Pat Burrell and Alfonso Soriano represented the next-big-things for the game. Since then, other key rookie cards to emerge from the set are C.C. Sabathia, Carl Crawford and Josh Hamilton. The set was released in two series, each with 220 cards. Busting wax today, Series 2 is much more desirable as it has almost all of the key rookies. The set again paralleled the 1999 Bowman set and was printed on chromium 18-pt. stock. Series Two was produced smaller quantities that the first. Contrary to the 1998 design, the facsimile of the player's signature from their original Topps contract was on the right side for this year.
Rivera played 19 seasons for the New York Yankees, from 1995 to 2013. He spent most of his career as a relief pitcher, and served as the Yankee’s closer for 17 seasons. A 13-time All-Star, and five-time World Series champion, he is MLB’s career leader in saves and games finished. Mariano Rivera won five American League Relief Man Awards, and three Delivery Man of the Year Awards. He also finished in the top three in voting for the AL Cy Young Award four times. In 2019, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. He is the only player to ever be elected unanimously by the Baseball Writers’ Association of American.
Joe Girardi #776
1989 Upper Deck
PSA Grade: Authentic Auto
Rookie Card
Many sets have claimed to be game-changers. 1989 Upper Deck Baseball actually did change the card game. Boasting high-quality card stock, anti-counterfeiting holograms and a then-unheard-of $1.00 per pack price tag, the set ushered in a new era for baseball cards and the rest of the hobby. The 800-card 1989 Upper Deck Baseball set has two series. Low Number Series includes the first 700 cards. High Number Series covers the final 100 cards, which were released later in the season. However, High Series packs had cards from both sets.
Girardi won three World Series with the Yankees in the 1990s, and served as the catcher for both Dwight Gooden’s no-hitter and David Cone’s perfect game. He would become the Yankee’s bench coach in 2005, but a year later he managed the Florida Marlins and was named the National League Manager of the Year. He then went to manage the Yankees from 2008 to 2017, winning the 2009 World Series over the Phillies.
Mark McGwire #366
1987 Topps
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
This is probably McGwire’s second most popular rookie card. The 1987 Topps issue was the first time the company featured McGwire in an Oakland Athletics uniform and a card that many kids of that era chased feverishly.
Illustrated on card #75 is the base version of the card featuring Kobe Bryant. The shooting guard would spend his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Regarded as one of the Mark McGwire goes down in history as one of the game’s most-feared power hitters of all-time. He famously broke Roger Maris’s single season home run record in 1998 when he went on to rack up 70 dingers. He played 16 seasons in the big leagues between the Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals. Accomplishments include: the 1987 American League Rookie of The Year, a 12-time All-Star, a 2-time World Series Champion and 3-time Silver Slugger. players of all time, Bryant won five NBA championships, and was an 18-time All-Star, a 15-time member of the All-NBA Team, a 12-time member of the All-Defensive Team, the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), and a two-time NBA Finals MVP. Bryant also led the NBA in scoring twice, and ranks fourth on the league's all-time regular season scoring and all-time postseason scoring lists.
Willie Mays
1968 Topps #50
CGC Grade: EX+ 5.5
Some sets are memorable for their design. Others gain prominence for their Rookie Cards and other checklist gems. 1968 Topps Baseball achieves both. Its’ burlap borders seem like an unlikely choice, and yet they work. Led by key rookie cards for Nolan Ryan and Johnny Bench, the 1968 Topps Baseball checklist is loaded. While the '68 design earns a mixed reaction from the hobby, and many view it as one of the weaker vintage options from Topps, interest remains very strong. 1968 Topps Baseball features a small decrease in the size of the checklist from the previous year, dipping down to 598 cards. Measuring the standard card size, the set is filled with superstars, future Hall of Fame players and one of the most pursued rookie cards of the post-war era.
Willie Mays baseball cards are always among the keys to any set in which he was included, since he was arguably one of the top five best baseball players who ever played. He could hit, field, and run at incredible levels that are rarely seen by themselves, let alone all in one package of a single player. Willie Mays is shown hoisting a pair of bats over one should and staring off to the left. Mays' offensive production had started to dip during the season before, but he was still playing at a high enough level in 1968 to earn his 15th All-Star appearance...in a row.
Bobby Jones #148
1998 Metal Universe
CGC Grade: NM-MT 8
1998 Metal Universe was a 220-card single-series set produced by Fleer/Skybox and released in the summer of 1998. Unlike previous years where card backgrounds revolved around space and fantasy comic book designs, the 1998 set design shifted to focus primarily on environmental backgrounds from the state/city that the player represented; however, some players still had space-themed backgrounds. All cards are printed on etched foil and were highly susceptible to chipping along the edges and were marked as "condition sensitive" by Beckett, just like the 1996 and 1997 sets. Being the face of Fleer/Skybox, Alex Rodriguez once again was the featured frontman for this product, just as he was for other Fleer/Skybox products released that year. There were no notable Rookie Cards in this set. Among the base set, there’s the #148 card of Bobby Jones. A pitcher for the Mets, this card depicts Jones in front of the Statue of Liberty and also features the Twin Towers standing in the background of the card!
Jones was selected by the Mets with the 36th pick in the first round of the 1991 amateur draft. He was a compensatory pick the Mets received when Darryl Strawberry left the team as a free agent. Bobby Jones made his MLB debut on August 14th, 1993, at against the Phillies, where he picked up the win allowing only one run over six innings. His MLB career would span from 1993 until 2002. The 1997 season was a breakout year for Jones. He raced out to an early 10–2 record by June, and appeared in his first and only All-Star Game. He pitched the 8th inning for the National League, and highlighted his effort with strikeouts of Ken Griffey Jr. and Mark McGwire.