The 1970s were a golden era for baseball card collecting. It was when the hobby was driven more by passion than by profit.
Sports Illustrated’s Jason Schwartz recently shed light on the most iconic 1970s Topps baseball cards for serious collectors, in his opinion. Unlike today’s insert-heavy marketplace, there was straightforward collecting in the ’70s. The biggest thrills came from pulling your favorite players or completing sets with friends.
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The 5 ‘Essential’ 1970s Topps Baseball Cards
The following five cards define collecting in the 1970s, per Schwartz:
1971 Topps Thurman Munson: This action shot showcases early Topps excellence when it comes to photography. Having an A’s player actively sliding into home for a play at the plate is an added bonus.
1974 Topps Hank Aaron: Released just weeks before Aaron passed Babe Ruth on the all-time home run list, this was essentially baseball’s first “moment card.” However, it captured the anticipation of the right-hander setting a new record, instead of celebrating it.
1975 Topps George Brett: This was the only Hall of Fame rookie card to crack Schwartz’s list of “essential” cards. The fact that it’s one of the game’s best third basemen ever certainly helps.
1976 Topps Johnny Bench: Speaking of a player who’s regarded as one of the best at their position, it’s only fitting to have this iconic Johnny Bench card included here.
1978 Topps Reggie Jackson: Is there anything better than getting a glimpse of Reggie Jackson in his Yankee pinstripes? Well, this is better because it came right after his legendary postseason performance.
George Brett: The Rookie Card That Ruled Them All
The 1975 Topps George Brett card is the decade’s premier rookie card, which is certainly saying something when you consider the competition. While Hall of Famers like Carlton Fisk, Mike Schmidt, and Gary Carter debuted on multi-player rookie cards, Brett’s solo appearance gave him a clear advantage.
Brett’s 21-year career with the Kansas City Royals produced a .305 lifetime batting average, 3,154 hits, 317 home runs, 1,596 RBI, and 1,583 runs scored. He was a 13-time All-Star, three-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and he also won the batting title three times.
The left-handed hitting machine took home the 1980 American League MVP Award, which included him flirting with that magical .400 batting average. Brett eventually finished his year slashing .390/.454/.664 with 24 homers, 33 doubles, 118 RBI, and 87 runs scored in just 117 games played. Brett’s legacy was rounded out in 1985 when KC won the World Series.
This card’s popularity reflects not just Brett’s on-field excellence, but also the clean, classic design that made 1970s Topps baseball cards so appealing.
Reggie Jackson: Mr. October’s Perfect Cardboard Moment
Schwartz describes the 1978 Topps Reggie Jackson as potentially “the most beautiful piece of 2.5″ x 3.5″ cardboard ever created.” The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, too.
This card hit the market following Jackson’s legendary playoff run in the Bronx, which included a three-homer performance in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series. That helped him earn the “Mr. October” nickname that has continued to follow him decades later. His 563 career home runs ranked sixth all-time at his retirement, while his .357 average and 10 homers in the Fall Classic shows he loved playing when the spotlight was the brightest.
Jackson is caught at his peak on this piece of cardboard, complete with him donning those iconic Yankees pinstripes. The visual elements of this card (a crisp photo, the classic uniform, and perfect framing) just make it even better.
The Legacy of 1970s Baseball Card Collecting
The 1970s established collecting traditions that modern hobbyists can barely imagine. Cards were traded for snacks, stored in shoeboxes, and valued for how much joy they brought collectors rather than investment potential. This approach created an authentic connection between fans and players that went beyond money.
There was a perfect storm of factors that also helped make this decade in hobby history special. Topps held the monopoly, producing consistent quality with improving photos and designs. The player pool also featured an incredible number of future Hall of Famers entering their primes.
But most importantly, the cards were accessible. Every kid could afford packs. Today’s market may have more variety and higher-end options, but it can’t replicate the enthusiasm that drove 1970s collecting culture and produced awesome pieces of baseball history, like the above five cards we’re still talking about approximately 50 years later.
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9 responses to “5 Must-Have 1970s Topps Baseball Cards For Serious Collectors”
Yeah I love the 1970 era probably one of my favorite times as a colloter I still love the hobby today but so much has changed its turn into a money thing and not the love of the game and the sport that we all become to love I would rather have a 1970 card than any of these cards today no they might not be All about the money but just the love of the game thanks for this article always love reading what you have to say
I appreciate you reading and sharing your opinion! The cards from this era just felt different.
I enjoy reading your articles. I’m a collector and a supplier of Alot of people across the US. I have a personal Collection and a valuable baseball card football card and basketball card collection. I take pride in collecting and what I sell across the US hopefully one day I’ll be known even further. You show insight for people like myself. Thank you for your articles.
Thanks for reading, Jason!
An Era that began the card searches of today. It started the build up in the late 80’s and early 90’s. The sports excitement followed an Era of lost interest, shaped by the Vietnam War. 🇻🇳. But, by the end of the 80’s, overproduction of cards plummeted their values. The 70’s cards have created a bump up in value for exceptional players. Those were in the 60’s too. I remember watching Clemente and Mays Duke it out in Pittsburgh. Lovely acrobatic skills of the players. The 70’s players broke multiple records and they emerged strong after the 60’s set the tone and pace of great excitement on the fields of play.
I’m jealous you got to see Mays and Clemente go head-to-head — that’s so cool!
The game was so different back then also…starting pitchers used to actually pitch complete games…lol…and quite a. Bit of them too…bullpen compartmentalize the later innings now as teams protect the arms of their investments and managers play the match ups…with no DH in the National league bunting runners over was a huge part of the game..and Ricky Henderson always stole over 100 bases in the 80s..then Vince Coleman wud join him..still my favorite sport…and this is the best time of the year…MLB playoffs starting soon and NHL rt around corner and NFL n college football r in full swing as well as soccer around the world..duznt get any better then this
No yount rookie? Or Schmidt ? But you include a 1978 Topps card of Reggie Jackson? Horrible list. What’s better than seeing Reggie Jackson in a Yankees uniform? How about in an A’s uniform where he won 3 titles?
Reggie right after that ‘77 title run was something else. Also, I didn’t make the list.