Fans of the New York Yankees have an endless list of legends to collect. From Babe Ruth to Mickey Mantle, and Derek Jeter to Aaron Judge, fans can’t go wrong with adding any of those names to their collections. Now, especially with vintage cards of Yankees Hall of Famers, prices can be exorbitant. Don’t break the bank if you can’t afford.
HobbyListings has put together a list of the top-ten Yankees cards. Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!
The List: Best New York Yankees Cards For Fans To Collect
1. 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth (#53, #144, #149, #181)
Babe Ruth’s cards from the 1933 Goudey set are iconic. Ruth, known as “The Sultan of Swat,” revolutionized baseball with his power, cranking out 714 home runs during his career. His impact on the game and the Yankees’ dynasty in the 1920s and early 1930s is immeasurable.
2. 1933 Goudey Lou Gehrig (#92, #160)
Lou Gehrig’s cards from the 1933 Goudey set are highly sought after. Gehrig, “The Iron Horse,” was known for his durability and prowess at the plate, playing 2,130 consecutive games and contributing immensely to the Yankees’ success.
3. 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle (#311)
Mickey Mantle’s 1952 Topps card is one of the most famous and valuable in the hobby. Mantle, a switch-hitting center fielder, was a three-time MVP and a key figure in the Yankees’ dominance during the 1950s and early 1960s. Since a Mantle ’52 Topps can be a tad bit pricey, his Topps cards from the 1960s are much more affordable.
4. 1939 Play Ball Joe DiMaggio Rookie Card (#26)
Considered one of his rookie cards, Joe DiMaggio’s 1939 Play Ball is a must-have have for any Yankees collection. DiMaggio, known as “The Yankee Clipper,” was a three-time MVP and a symbol of excellence. He also holds the record for all-time hit streak at 56 games.
5. 1993 SP Foil Derek Jeter Rookie Card (#279)
Derek Jeter’s rookie card from the 1993 SP set is a highly coveted piece. Jeter, who spent his entire 20-year career with the Yankees, was a five-time World Series champion and renowned for his leadership and clutch hitting.
6. 1992 Bowman Mariano Rivera Rookie Card (#302)
Mariano Rivera’s rookie card is a must-have, representing the greatest closer in baseball history. Known for his cut fastball, Rivera was a key part of the Yankees’ late 1990s and early 2000s success, including five World Series titles.
7. 1948 Bowman Yogi Berra Rookie Card (#6)
Yogi Berra’s rookie card from the 1948 Bowman set captures the early career of one of the best catchers in baseball history. A three-time MVP, Berra was known for his hitting, catching skills, and memorable quips.
8. 1968 Topps Reggie Jackson Rookie Card (#260)
Reggie Jackson became known as Mr. October during his time with the Yankees, thanks to his legendary three-home run performance in the 1977 World Series. Jackson was a key figure in the Yankees’ late 1970s success. Even though his rookie card features him with the Oakland Athletics, it’s still a must-have for Yankees fans.
9. 1984 Donruss Don Mattingly Rookie Card (#248)
“Donnie Baseball” was a favorite among Yankees fans since day one. He only made the playoffs once while with the Yanks but never won a World Series.
10. 2017 Topps Chrome Aaron Judge Autograph Rookie Card (#RAAJ)
A five-time All-Star, Aaron Judge set an American League home-run record with 62 bombs in 2022, overcoming former Yankee Roger Maris. Judge also won the AL MVP award the same year.
History of the New York Yankees
The New York Yankees have a storied history that includes legendary players, record-breaking achievements, and an unparalleled number of championships. Let’s explore the rich tapestry of the Yankees’ storied past.
The Early Years
- Established in 1903: Originally known as the Baltimore Orioles, the franchise moved to New York in 1903, becoming the Highlanders before adopting the Yankees name in 1913.
- Babe Ruth’s 1920 Arrival: The acquisition of Babe Ruth from the Boston Red Sox marked the beginning of the Yankees’ rise to dominance. Ruth became a baseball icon, setting numerous home run records and helping the Yankees to their first World Series title in 1923.
The Golden Age
- Murderers’ Row: The late 1920s saw the Yankees’ lineup, known as “Murderers’ Row,” dominate baseball, culminating in a World Series victory in 1927. Key players included Ruth, Gehrig, and Earle Combs.
- Joe DiMaggio Era: Following Ruth and Gehrig, DiMaggio became the face of the Yankees in the late 1930s and 1940s. His 56-game hitting streak in 1941 remains one of the most revered records in baseball.
The Mickey Mantle Era
- 1950s to 1960s: Mickey Mantle, a switch-hitting center fielder, led the Yankees during this era, capturing several MVP awards and World Series titles. Mantle became a cultural icon and is remembered as one of the greatest players in baseball history.
The Modern Era
- Reggie Jackson and the Late 1970s: Known as “Mr. October” for his clutch hitting in the postseason, Jackson helped lead the Yankees to two consecutive World Series titles in 1977 and 1978.
- The Derek Jeter Era: Jeter, who debuted in 1995, became the heart of the Yankees for two decades, leading them to five World Series championships and earning a reputation for his leadership and clutch performances.
- Mariano Rivera: Widely regarded as the greatest closer in baseball history, Rivera’s dominance in the late innings was crucial to the Yankees’ success in the late 1990s and 2000s.
- Aaron Judge: Since debuting in 2017, Judge has become one of the most feared and dominant sluggers in the game. He won the AL MVP award in 2022 after setting an AL home-run record with 62 bombs.
The Yankees Today
- A New Chapter: The modern Yankees continue to be a perennial playoff contender, with a focus on developing young talent – like Anthony Volpe and Jasson Dominguez.