One of the hottest baseball cards in the hobby today is Paul Skenes’ first Bowman card. The rookie pitcher phenom’s 2023 Bowman Draft Autograph is a must-have for any Pittsburgh Pirates fan — but it’s not the only Pirates card to add to your collection.
HobbyListings has put together the top eight best baseball cards for every Pirates fan’s collection. Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!
The List: Best Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Cards
1. 1955 Topps Roberto Clemente Rookie Card (#164)
Roberto Clemente would end up becoming a baseball legend. Known for his exceptional hitting and fielding, Clemente spent his entire 18-year career with the Pirates, amassing 3,000 hits and winning two World Series. His humanitarian efforts and tragic death in a plane crash while aiding Nicaragua have immortalized him as a beloved figure in baseball history.
2. 1909-1911 T206 Honus Wagner
If you have a few million dollars lying around, do we have the perfect card for you! The T206 Honus Wagner card is one of the most famous and valuable baseball cards in existence. Wagner, one of the greatest shortstops in baseball history, was a key figure in the Pirates’ early success, including a World Series win in 1909.
3. 1963 Topps Willie Stargell Rookie Card (#553)
Willie Stargell’s rookie card is special for Pirates fans as it marks the beginning of a career that saw him become one of the most beloved players in team history. A powerful hitter, Stargell led the Pirates to two World Series titles and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988.
4. 1986 Topps Traded Tiffany Barry Bonds Rookie Card (#11T)
Barry Bonds is one of the most talented (and controversial) players in baseball history. With the Pirates, Bonds was a two-time MVP and a key figure in the team’s late 1980s and early 1990s success.
5. 1948 Leaf Ralph Kiner Rookie Card (#91)
Ralph Kiner was one of the premier power hitters of the late 1940s and early 1950s. Kiner led the NL in home runs for seven consecutive seasons with the Pirates.
6. 2005 Topps Update Andrew McCutchen Rookie Card (#US328)
Andrew McCutchen was the face of the Pirates for much of the 2010s. A five-time All-Star and the 2013 NL MVP, McCutchen helped lead the Pirates to three consecutive playoff appearances from 2013 to 2015.
7. 1957 Topps Bill Mazeroski Rookie Card (#24)
Bill Mazeroski one of the most famous moments in World Series history — his walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series against the vaunted New York Yankees. Mazeroski is also considered one of the greatest defensive second basemen ever.
8. 1974 Topps Dave Parker Rookie Card (#252)
Dave Parker’s rookie card is a favorite among Pirates fans. Known as “The Cobra,” Parker was a key player for the Pirates in the 1970s, winning two batting titles and the 1978 NL MVP.
History of the Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates, one of the oldest and most storied franchises in Major League Baseball, have a history replete with legendary players, dramatic moments, and significant achievements. Let’s delve into the Pirates’ storied past.
Early Beginnings and World Series Success
- Established in 1887: The Pirates have been a part of professional baseball since the late 19th century. They were one of the founding members of the National League.
- 1909 World Series Champions: Led by Honus Wagner, one of the greatest shortstops in baseball history, the Pirates captured their first World Series title, defeating the Detroit Tigers.
The 1960s and 1970s: A Golden Era
- 1960 World Series: The 1960 World Series is famous for Bill Mazeroski’s walk-off home run in Game 7, leading the Pirates to a dramatic victory over the New York Yankees.
- Roberto Clemente: A key figure in the Pirates’ history, Clemente was known for his hitting prowess, exceptional arm, and humanitarian efforts. He tragically died in a plane crash in 1972 while aiding earthquake victims in Nicaragua.
- Willie Stargell: Another iconic player, Stargell led the team both on and off the field, culminating in a World Series win in 1979. The team, known as “The We Are Family Pirates,” was famous for its camaraderie and resilience.
Key Players Through the Decades
- Honus Wagner: Playing from 1897 to 1917, Wagner was a batting champion and one of the first five inductees into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
- Ralph Kiner: A power hitter in the late 1940s and early 1950s, Kiner led the National League in home runs for seven consecutive seasons.
- Barry Bonds: Before achieving fame with the San Francisco Giants, Bonds was a standout player for the Pirates in the late 1980s and early 1990s, winning two MVP awards with the team.
- Andrew McCutchen: A more recent star, McCutchen was the face of the franchise in the 2010s, leading the Pirates to three consecutive playoff appearances.
Recent History and Modern Era
- Playoff Appearances: The Pirates ended a 20-year playoff drought in 2013, marking a resurgence for the franchise.
- A Focus on Development: In recent years, the Pirates have been focused on developing young talent, aiming to build a competitive team and return to their former glory.