The 1970s were filled with MLB legends like Bench, Carew, Morgan, and Jackson, whose greatness is reflected in their card prices. But what about the next tier? Players with stellar careers and championships who remain underappreciated? I first published this list before the hobby boom; while some prices have climbed since, these cards still offer relative bargains today. Here are 11 overlooked stars and their baseball cards from the decade.
Sal Bando
Often overshadowed by teammates like Reggie Jackson and Vida Blue, Bando was a four-time All-Star and key part of the A’s dynasty. His 1971 Topps #285 is tough in high grade; PSA 8s fetch close to $70 today.
Larry Bowa
Bowa was a five-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove shortstop, and swiped 20-plus bases in seven seasons. His 1970 Topps rookie, just $40 in PSA 8 condition a few years ago, now sells for around $120; perhaps not so underappreciated anymore!
Dave Concepcion
Considered by many the best shortstop of the 1970s, Concepcion was a nine-time All-Star and five-time Gold Glove winner. His 1973 Topps high-number card once sold for under $75 in PSA 9 but now goes for closer to $150; one of just a few cards on this original list that have gone up significantly in price, but that may be more to do with high-grade set collecting than the player.
Larry Hisle
The 1977 NL RBI leader and 3rd in MVP voding in ’78, Hisle also holds the distinction of being the first DH in major league history (spring training, 1973). His 1979 Topps card, once worth less than grading fees in PSA 8, now sells for $30–40.
Hal McRae
McRae batted .300 six times. His 1971 OPC #177, much tougher than the regular Topps issue, still trades around just $40–50 in PSA 8.
Don Money
A four-time All-Star, Money also set a record in 1974 with 86 straight errorless games at third base. Despite the popularity of the 1975 Topps set, his PSA 8 sells for only about $25.
Ben Oglivie
Oglivie led the AL with 41 home runs in 1980. His 1972 Topps rookie, a sharp three-player card, has climbed in value; PSA 8s now sell for a little over $100.
Amos Otis
A five-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner, Otis twice hit .300 and swiped 52 bases in 1971. His 1971 Topps Coin is a quirky, affordable collectible, with PSA 8s around $40.
Willie Randolph
One of the most patient hitters of his era, Randolph drew 1,243 career walks against just 675 strikeouts, all while playing solid defense. His 1976 Topps Traded rookie in PSA 8 condition remains affordable at about $40.
Willie Stargell
Stargell led all of baseball with 296 home runs in the 1970s, despite playing only 1,255 games. Surprisingly, his 1976 Topps card in PSA 8 still sells for just $30.
Dave Kingman
Kingman hit 252 home runs in the 1970s, sixth-most of the decade, and led the league with 48 in 1979. His 1978 Topps card remains inexpensive; PSA 9s have sold for as little as $25 recently.
The 1970s weren’t just about the legends. These 11 players put up impressive numbers and helped great teams win, yet their cards remain surprisingly affordable compared to many contemporaries. Even with prices rising across the hobby, bargains still exist for collectors willing to dig.
Happy collecting!
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