Should Mount Rushmore of Baseball Cards Include These 4 Collectibles?

The “best of” debates when it comes to anything sports-related never gets on. And that includes baseball cards! Which four cards would be on your Mount Rushmore, thought?

Abram King of SI.com made some tough choices to put together his own Mount Rushmore of iconic baseball cards. It’s an eclectic mix of vintage and modern cards that he chose, as he considered a mixture of historical significance, cultural impact, market value, rarity, player legacy, and design aesthetics.

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King’s Mount Rushmore of Baseball Cards

The four below cards earned their place on King’s baseball card Mount Rushmore:

1. T-206 Honus Wagner (1909) – The holy grail of baseball cards, with only 50-60 known copies existing and a record sale of $7.25 million
2. 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 – The most valuable sports card ever sold ($12.6 million in 2022)
3. 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Mike Trout Autograph Superfractor – Modern collecting’s crown jewel, sold for $3.84 million
4. 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie – The iconic card that revolutionized the modern collecting era

King’s honorable mentions that just missed the cut include:

• 1948 Leaf Jackie Robinson
• 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth (all versions)
• 1955 Topps Roberto Clemente
• 1909 T206 Ty Cobb
• 1969 Topps Reggie Jackson

But do these selections truly represent the Mount Rushmore of cardboard treasures? Let’s dive into each pick and explore what made these players such iconic players. And since you’re reading this here, that means we’re going to talk about home runs.

The T-206 Wagner: Baseball’s First Power-Hitting Shortstop

The T-206 Honus Wagner might be the most recognizable card in existence, with only 50-60 copies known to exist and a record sale of $7.25 million in 2022. But beyond the card’s rarity, Wagner himself was a revolutionary hitter at his position.

Although he played in the dead-ball era when home runs were scarce, Wagner’s 101 career homers might not sound impressive until you consider the context. He was a shortstop playing in cavernous ballparks during an era when the baseball itself was less lively. In 1908, he led the National League with 10 homers, showing that even before the live-ball era, Wagner could drive the ball with authority that few shortstops of his time could match.

This is also remarkable considering how heavy his bat was — it weighed nearly 40 hours. That’s like swinging a dumbbell compared to today’s bats, which can typically weigh between 31 and 33 ounces.

1952 Topps Mantle: The Switch-Hitting Slugger

The most valuable sports card ever sold, the ’52 Mantle represents what very well could be the greatest switch-hitter in baseball history. While his career total of 536 home runs remains impressive today, it’s worth remembering that injuries robbed him of what could have been even more ridiculous numbers.

Mantle’s power was the stuff of legend – he once hit a ball that was measured at 565 feet, a mammoth shot off the Senators’ Chuck Stobbs in 1953 that cleared Griffith Stadium’s left field wall. It was this homer that sportswriter Red Smith dubbed “The Tape Measure Shot,” introducing a phrase that’s used countless times every season.

What’s particularly fascinating about Mantle’s power was its efficiency – he averaged a home run every 15.11 at-bats, a rate that ranked among the best in history when he retired.

Trout’s Superfractor: Modern Power with Vintage Consistency

The 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Mike Trout Autograph Superfractor (sold for $3.84 million) represents not just modern card collecting, but also a player who bridges the gap between the sluggers of yesterday and the analytics-driven approach of today.

Trout’s power numbers – over 380 homers and counting – have been accumulated despite playing home games at Angel Stadium, historically known as a pitcher-friendly park. His consistency is perhaps the most impressive part – from 2012-19, Trout never hit fewer than 27 home runs in a season when playing at least 140 games.

What sets Trout apart from many modern sluggers is his all-around game. While most power hitters can be one-dimensional, he’s combined his home run prowess with speed, defense, and exceptional plate discipline (when healthy) – making him a true five-tool player whose card deserves Mount Rushmore consideration. I mean, we do need to have someone from this century included, right?

Griffey’s Rookie: The Sweetest Swing in Baseball

The 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie card might be the most accessible on this Mount Rushmore (PSA 10 examples sell for “only” around $2,600), but The Kid’s impact on the game was priceless.

Griffey’s 630 career homers (currently seventh all-time) came with a swing so beautiful that it’s still used as the gold standard for left-handed hitters. What’s often forgotten is how quickly he reached the 400-homer mark. He did it in his 1,886th game, which was faster than all but six players in history.

Most impressively, Griffey accomplished this in an era when many contemporaries were later connected to performance-enhancing substances.

My Take: A Mount Rushmore Worth Debating

It’s hard to argue with King’s selections here. They balance historical significance, market value, and player legacy incredibly well. However, the beauty of these discussions is that there’s no definitive answer. The Ruth omission will surely raise eyebrows among traditional collectors, while others might argue for modern rarities like the 2011 Mike Trout Update Cognac Diamond parallel.

What’s your take? Drop a comment below with four picks for your own Mount Rushmore of Baseball Cards – I’d love to see what combinations you come up with!

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