1973 Topps - Basic

The 660-card 1973 Topps baseball set, while not the most visually appealing issue of the decade, has a few desirable components. First, all great sets seem to have one or two cards that help define the issue. In this case, Mike Schmidt's rookie card takes center stage. This classic three-player card not only includes the greatest 3rd baseman in baseball history, but it also features the popular Los Angeles Dodger Ron Cey. Another interesting aspect to this set is all-time leader subset featuring Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Ty Cobb to name a few. In fact, the very first card in the set is an all-time home run leader card (not part of the subset mentioned above) featuring Ruth, Aaron, and Mays. Willie Mays and Roberto Clemente are both featured in the set. This is important to note because it would be the last time either legend would have a card produced during their playing days. Early cards of Reggie Jackson, Nolan Ryan, and Carlton Fisk are also notable additions as well as the tough high number series (529-600). The reverse of the cards feature a black border so beware of chipping along the edges in addition to the poor centering overall. This set is one of the more affordable Topps issues from the decade. To read an in-depth article, click here.