It’s the 40th anniversary of the legendary 1985 set of Topps baseball cards in 2025. What makes this set so noteworthy is the several rookie cards that defined the collection.
This launched the cardboard careers of future legends and contains one of the most fascinating errors in card collecting history. Bob D’Angelo of Sports Collector’s Daily recently talked about five rookies from this set, as well as one bizarre oddity. Let’s get into it.
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Looking Back at Legendary 1985 Topps Baseball Cards
The Fantastic Five: Rookie Cards That Defined a Generation
The 1985 Topps set gave us some of the most valuable rookie cards of the modern era. These weren’t just great players—they were transformative talents who changed how we viewed the game.
Kirby Puckett’s rookie card (#536) captured the Hall of Famer before he became Minnesota’s beloved hero by leading the Twins to two World Series championships. His .318 career average and 10 All-Star selections make this card a must-have for serious collectors. In PSA 10 condition, these typically command $800-900.
Dwight Gooden (#620) continued to explode onto the scene with one of the most dominant pitching seasons ever in 1985, going 24-4 with a microscopic 1.53 ERA to win the Cy Young Award after winning Rookie of the Year honors in ’84. While personal struggles ultimately limited Doc’s ceiling on the mound, his rookie card remains a snapshot of what might have been if fate had dealt a different hand.
Roger Clemens (#181) would become “The Rocket,” compiling 354 wins and 4,672 strikeouts across 24 seasons. His seven Cy Young Awards still stand as an MLB record, though PED allegations have kept him from Cooperstown.
Mark McGwire’s debut (#401) appears in the Olympic team subset and shows the future home run king before he broke Roger Maris’ single-season record. Like Clemens, PED controversies have complicated his legacy, but his rookie cars in good condition is still a noteworthy item.
Eric Davis (#627) rounds out our fantastic five. He combined incredible speed with power during his peak with Cincinnati from 1987-90. Though injuries derailed what could have been a Hall of Fame trajectory, Davis still finished with 282 homers and remains a fan favorite.
The Mistaken Identity: Gary Pettis and the Brother Mix-Up
Here’s where things get weird. Card #497 supposedly features Gary Pettis, a talented outfielder who won five Gold Gloves during his 11-year career. But look closely—that’s actually his 14-year-old brother Lynn wearing Gary’s uniform!
The mix-up happened during a Family Day at an Angels home game when photographer Owen C. Shaw mistakenly snapped Lynn instead of Gary. According to Pettis in a 2018 interview, Lynn was just hanging around the dugout when someone asked to take his picture. Neither brother realized it would become Gary’s official Topps card, which is hilarious.
Topps printed the card anyway, creating one of baseball card collecting’s most memorable oddities. Gary rarely signs this card, knowing collectors are likely trying to sell it as a curiosity. Cards featuring Lynn’s signature, however, are highly sought after.
Legacy on the Diamond: The Hall of Famer and the Rising Star
Of all the rookies featured in the 1985 set, Puckett had perhaps the most beloved career. His infectious smile and clutch performances endeared him to fans beyond Minnesota. His legendary Game 6 home run in the 1991 World Series remains one of baseball’s most iconic moments. Glaucoma cut his career short after the 1995 season, but his legacy as one of baseball’s most complete outfielders is secure in Cooperstown.
Meanwhile, Gooden’s 1985 season remains one of the greatest pitching performances of the modern era. At just 20 years old, Doc dominated hitters with a fastball-curveball combination that seemed unhittable. His 1.53 ERA that year is still the second-lowest by any pitcher since the mound was lowered in 1969.
The Set That Keeps on Giving
Forty years later, the 1985 Topps set continues to get the attention of collectors. Beyond the rookies mentioned here, the set contains legends like Cal Ripken Jr., Nolan Ryan, and Pete Rose, plus interesting subsets including All-Stars and Record Breakers.
Complete sets in near-mint condition can still be found for under $75—a remarkable value considering the iconic cards inside. Whether you’re chasing the rookie cards or hunting down the famous Pettis error, this 792-card collection represents one of the most significant sets of the 1980s.
What’s your favorite card from the 1985 Topps set? Drop a comment below and let me know.
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