One thing that sticks out in my mind about the 1978 Topps baseball card set is how much Hall of Fame controversy there is within its checklist.
Some guys are clearly Hall of Famers.
But, there is a crop of other guys who are borderline...
Some have been fortunate enough to have received the Cooperstown nod from the Veterans Committee.
And then there are others, seemingly just as deserving, who still haven't received the call.
Fortunately, I don't have to make those close calls of who gets into the Hall of Fame and who doesn't, and instead, I can focus on their baseball cards.
And in this guide, I'll run through the 25 most valuable in the set.
Let's jump right in!
1978 Topps #400 Nolan Ryan
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $1,750
Nolan Ryan is one of the biggest names in the hobby as baseball card collectors simply love the guy.
How could they not?
"The Ryan Express" is the model for power pitching longevity.
Over an incredible 27-year career, he roasted opposing hitters with his astonishing velocity to the tune of a record 5,714 strikeouts and seven no-hitters.
Although he led the league in strikeouts (260) for the sixth time in seven years, the 1978 season wasn't one of his best as he went 10-13 with a 3.72 ERA.
Since he pitched from the 1960s to the 1990s, Nolan Ryan cards will remain among the most desirable from both the vintage and modern eras.
1978 Topps #36 Eddie Murray Rookie Card
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $1,150
One of the most desirable rookie cards of the 1970s, the 1978 Topps Eddie Murray shows the legendary slugger taking a practice swing and looking right at the camera.
The 1977 MLB Rookie of the Year, Topps recognized Murray as one of their "All-Star Rookies" in the set, as noted by the golden trophy in the lower-right corner.
Over his brilliant 21-year career, Murray became an 8-time All-Star, 3-time Silver Slugger, 3-time Gold Glover, and 1983 World Series champion.
Perhaps the most telling thing about Murray's greatness is that he is on the shortlist of players with 3,000+ hits and 500+ home runs along with Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols, and Rafael Palmeiro.
1978 Topps #707 Paul Molitor & Alan Trammell Rookie Card
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $1,150
Arguably the best multi-player rookie card in the hobby, the 1978 "Rookie Shortstops" card features two Hall of Famers in Paul Molitor and Alan Trammell.
Although shown here as a shortstop, Molitor spent relatively little time there since fellow Brewer Hall of Famer, Robin Yount, was already locked in at the position.
Instead, he transitioned between second and third for most of his career.
Known for his exceptional bat and speed on the base paths, Molitor was a 7-time All-Star, 4-time Silver Slugger, 1993 World Series Champ/MVP, and collected 3,319 hits on his way to being a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2004.
On the other hand, Trammell did not earn enough votes to be elected into the Hall during his fifteen years of eligibility.
Despite being a 6-time All-Star, 3-time Silver Slugger, 4-time Gold Glover, the 1984 World Series MVP, and forming one of the most solid double-play combos in baseball history alongside Lou Whitaker, his resumé lacked the type of stats to make him an obvious choice.
Looking a bit deeper into some of the more advanced sabermetrics to see just how great he was, the Modern Baseball Committee inducted Trammell in 2018.
1978 Topps #100 George Brett
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $400
George Brett made his rookie card debut in the 1975 Topps set, but that isn't his only desirable card from the 1970s.
His 1978 Topps issue pictures Brett working on a massive wad of chewing tobacco with an All-Star badge in the lower-right corner to commemorate his efforts from the previous season.
The reverse of this card mentions Brett's 215 hits that he collected during the 1976 season, making him the only Royals hitter in team history with a 200+ hits season at the time.
Those 215 hits remain the second-most in team history to this day behind Willie Wilson's incredible 230 hits during the 1980 season.
Brett played in just 128 games in 1978 but still managed to lead the league in doubles (45) while making his third straight All-Star appearance.
1978 Topps #200 Reggie Jackson
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $325
Heading into the 1978 season, Reggie Jackson had just turned in one of the most memorable World Series performances in history.
In his last at-bat versus the Dodgers' Don Sutton in Gave Five of the 1977 World Series, Jackson sent one deep over the right field wall, but it wasn't enough as the Yankees would lose 10-4.
However, that home run was just the beginning of something remarkable.
After Dodgers righty Burt Hooton walked Jackson in his first plate appearance in front of the hometown New York crowd, Jackson blasted the first pitches of his next three at-bats off of Hooton, Elias Sosa and Charlie Hough over the outfield fence.
That gave Jackson four home runs on four consecutive swings (going back to Game Five) off four different Dodgers pitchers.
It was this performance that cemented his legacy as "Mr. October."
1978 Topps #560 Dave Parker
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $300
Dave Parker was one of the best players of his era and 1978 happened to be the best season of his impressive career.
Along with belting 30 home runs and driving in 117 runs, Parker picked up the batting title, a Gold Glove, and the MVP award for his incredible year.
He was a 7-time All-Star, 3-time Gold Glover, 3-time Silver Slugger, 2-time batting champion, 2-time World Series champion, the 1978 MVP, and finished in the top-five of the MVP vote on four other occasions.
One of the most feared hitters of his day, "The Cobra" also had a cannon for an arm.
His overall resumé has frequently put him in the conversation of whether or not he should be in the Hall of Fame but only time will tell if he finally gets his day in Cooperstown.
1978 Topps #580 Rod Carew
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $275
Rod Carew started his Hall of Fame career at second base, but by the time the 1978 season rolled around, he was the Twins' full-time first baseman.
The 1977 season was Carew's finest as he would be named MVP after winning the batting title with an extraordinary .388 batting average, a personal best and Twins record, while also leading the league in runs scored (128), hits (239) and OPS (1.019).
His 1978 Topps card shows him transitioning from cap to helmet, getting back to work doing what he did best for 19 years in the Majors: hit.
Carew capped off his final season with the Twins in 1978 with his seventh batting title before being traded to California to finish his career with the Angels.
1978 Topps #700 Johnny Bench
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $125
1978 Topps #715 Jim Kaat
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $125
1978 Topps #40 Carl Yastrzemski
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $115
1978 Topps #708 Rookie Catchers
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $115
1978 Topps #60 Thurman Munson
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $100
1978 Topps #704 Lou Whitaker Rookie Card
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $100
At the Cooperstown induction ceremony for Jack Morris and Alan Trammell during the summer of 2018, one very noticeable thing seemed to be missing: their Tigers teammate, Lou Whitaker.
Whitaker was named the MLB Rookie of the Year in 1978 and went on to a fantastic 19-year career with Detroit, picking up 3 Gold Gloves, 4 Silver Sluggers, and 5 All-Star selections along the way.
I don't know the ins and outs of Hall of Fame voting, but Whitaker has Trammell beaten in each major stat category except for batting average.
Maybe it's not a good comparison since they played different positions but it just doesn't seem right for one to be in the Hall of Fame without the other.
They were the Batman and Robin of double plays, playing in 1,918 games together, the most of any shortstop/second baseman combo in history.
And if advanced metrics helped Trammell into Cooperstown, they should help Whitaker, too, in my opinion.
His career WAR of 75.1 ranks seventh amongst second basemen and is well ahead of many other Hall of Famers at the position, including guys like Ryne Sandberg and Roberto Alomar.
If Whitaker is eventually inducted, his rookie card should jump in price.
1978 Topps #6 Nolan Ryan Record Breaker
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $90
1978 Topps #20 Pete Rose
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $80
Pete Rose was never one to shy from the limelight.
So, when the 37-year-old Cincinnati Reds third baseman chased down hitting-streak history in 1978, he was far from humble.
"Fine with me," Rose said as cameras descended on him. "I like talking about my base hits."
Rose had plenty of base hits to talk about.
On May 5th, 1978, the controversial superstar slapped his 3,000th hit against the Montreal Expos, becoming the 13th player to reach that plateau.
Just over a month later, Rose collected two knocks in a June 14th game against the Chicago Cubs.
He'd tally a base hit in every game until August 1st.
Rose eventually broke Tommy Holmes' 33-year-old NL record in late September, stretching his streak to 38 games.
DiMaggio's immortal 56-gamer was in sight.
On August 1st, though, Rose finally went hitless to stop the counter at 44.
He posted multiple hits in 18 of those games and struck out just five times in 182 at-bats.
1978 Topps #72 Andre Dawson
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $80
Andre Dawson was an imposing figure at the plate, craning every bit of his 6-foot-3 frame over the strike zone.
"The Hawk" showed no fear crowding the dish and rarely let inside fastballs push him back. Consequently, he took plenty of lumps.
In 1978, the second-year Montreal Expos center fielder was plunked an NL-leading twelve times in 660 plate appearances.
It was the first of four times he'd pace the Senior Circuit in hit-by-pitches in six seasons.
Dawson's fearless approach helped boost his power game in '78.
While he scuffled to a .253 average and on-base percentage under .300 (.299) in his sophomore season, the 23-year-old boosted his home run output to 25.
He also stole 28 bases to collect his first of five 20/20 campaigns in six years.
Dawson wasn't yet the complete hitter he'd become, but his unflappable approach in the box was piecing everything together.
1978 Topps #282 Yankees Team
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $80
The Red Sox and Yankees finished the 1978 regular season tied for first place in the American League East with identical records of 99-63.
After a coin toss to decide who would host the one-game playoff, the teams went to Boston to duke it out at Fenway Park.
The Yankees sent Ron Guidry to the mound to face off against Boston's Mike Torrez and, after a hard-fought nail-biter, the Yankees ultimately prevailed, 5-4.
With a bit of momentum under their belts, the Yankees eventually became World Series champions after defeating the Dodgers in six, helped by Reggie Jackson's home run spree mentioned earlier.
1978 Topps #34 Willie McCovey
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $75
Willie McCovey's days as a perennial All-Star were long gone in 1978.
The San Francisco Giants legend was nine years removed from his landmark '69 MVP season and seven from his last All-Star appearance.
McCovey played through arthritic pain in his knees for most of the 1970s, and the 40-year-old was now relegated to a platoon role at first base.
However, he was still Willie McCovey, and his chase of 500 home runs was still an enduring highlight of San Francisco's 89-win campaign.
McCovey thought it would come much quicker than it did.
He came into the season seven short and felt like he had a good shot of getting there by the end of April.
As it was, he struggled to get much of anything going and was forced to wait until the last day of June to punch his 500th ticket off of Atlanta lefty Jamie Easterly.
"That was the first time that the guys saw me smile going around the bases," McCovey joked.
1978 Topps #703 Jack Morris Rookie Card
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $75
No other pitcher gave up more hits, runs, and home runs in the 1980s as Jack Morris.
But, he also pitched the most innings and had the most wins during that decade.
He was wild at times with his split-finger fastball but a complete wizard in the postseason.
That was the kind of mixed career he had.
His five All-Star appearances, five top-five finishes in Cy Young voting, four World Series rings, 254 wins, and 3.90 ERA were impressive, but not enough to convince voters to send him to Cooperstown when he was eligible from 2000 to 2014.
Morris did finish with as high as 67.7% of the vote in 2013 but was still far short of the 75% he needed for election.
However, the Modern Era Committee finally inducted him in 2018 with his long-time Tigers teammate, Alan Trammell, as mentioned earlier.
Morris's card was among one of the 66 double-print cards in the set.
1978 Topps #5 Pete Rose Record Breaker
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $65
1978 Topps #360 Mike Schmidt
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $65
The Philadelphia Phillies had all the talent in the world to be the team of the 1970s.
However, the playoffs proved to be their undoing.
Philadelphia posted back-to-back 101-win seasons in 1976 and 1977, yet fell to the Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Dodgers in consecutive NLCS disappointments.
1978 was pretty similar.
In fact, it was worse.
The Phillies scraped an NL East title together with 90 wins in what was a very poor division overall.
The face of the franchise, Mike Schmidt, had his worst year since his '73 rookie campaign, slashing .251/.364/.435 and seeing his OPS drop nearly 170 points to .798.
A big contributor to that freefall was a season-long power outage.
After leading the league in homers three of the previous four years with no fewer than 36 in a season, Schmidt cranked just 21 in 145 games.
And after hitting just .063 in the '77 NLCS, Schmidt hit just .200 with no homers in yet another four-game loss to Los Angeles.
1978 Topps #450 Tom Seaver
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $50
Tom Seaver won three Cy Young awards, a Rookie-of-the-Year award, and a World Series title in over a decade with the New York Mets.
However, he never threw a no-hitter in the uniform he's most associated with.
Seaver came within a hair on three occasions but lost two no-hit bids and a perfect game late.
It took nearly 400 starts for Seaver to finally get his no-no, and it came after he traded New York's customary blues for some red.
Traded to the Cincinnati Reds midway through the 1977 campaign, Seaver relied less on a dominant fastball and more on a deceptive pitch mix.
It worked wonders for him on June 16th, 1978, when Seaver broke through and blanked the St. Louis Cardinals in front of an adoring Riverfront Stadium crowd.
"If you pitch long enough with good enough stuff, you are bound to pitch a no-hitter sooner or later," Seaver said.
1978 Topps #530 Dave Winfield
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $50
The San Diego Padres hosted their first All-Star Game in 1978. It coincided with the breakout of their brightest young star.
A year after earning his first All-Star nod, 26-year-old Friars outfielder Dave Winfield leveled up.
Before Opening Day, he was named the first team captain in San Diego history.
From there, he led by example.
Named NL Player of the Month in June, Winfield cracked .300 for the first time, slashing .308/.367/.499, all career bests at the time.
He ended the '78 campaign fifth in the National League in batting average, sixth in RBIs (97), seventh in hits (181), and 10th in homers (24) among other top-ten finishes.
Winfield's big moment came during the Padres' best year thus far.
San Diego hung around the periphery of the National League West race all season before finishing fourth at 84-78.
It was the Padres' first winning season in a decade of operation and their last one until their '84 World Series appearance.
1978 Topps #270 Carlton Fisk
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $45
Carlton Fisk strapped the Boston Red Sox to his back for most of his career.
By September 1978, the load got too heavy.
The 30-year-old catcher scorched through the summer months in '78, posting an average over .350 and an on-base percentage north of .400 in June and July.
As the Red Sox fought to keep their head above water, Fisk solidified a formidable trio with soon-to-be MVP Jim Rice and Fred Lynn.
Seemingly out of the East race in mid-September, the Sox stormed to the finish with a 12-2 burst.
It forced a one-off East showdown with the Yanks.
One reason for their eventual downfall in that game was Fisk's health.
The Hall-of-Famer suffered a broken rib late in the year, compromising both his hitting and throwing.
Boston couldn't overcome it in the end, falling to New York, 5-4, and missing the playoffs for a third consecutive season.
1978 Topps #670 Jim Rice
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $45
In 1978, Boston Red Sox slugger Jim Rice became the first American League player since Joe DiMaggio in 1937 to tally 400 total bases in a season (406).
No player since Hank Aaron (1959) had done it, and Rice remains one of just nineteen players to get there.
To put that into perspective, there have been five more perfect games than 400-base campaigns.
Here's a list of iconic, once-in-a-generation hitters who never touched 400: Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Ken Griffey Jr., Albert Pujols, and Mike Trout.
Rice also led the Majors in home runs (46), RBIs (139), hits (213), and slugging percentage (.600).
He wouldn't have reached 400 bases, either, if he hadn't topped the game with 15 triples.
With Carlton Fisk compromised by a late-season injury, Rice took the baton and sprinted the Sox to within a one-game tiebreaker of an AL East title.
After Boston's bitter loss to New York, he took home league MVP honors, besting Yankees rival Ron Guidry for the award.
1978 Topps #173 Robin Yount
Estimated PSA 9 Mint Value: $40
Robin Yount's career reached a pivotal crossroads at a very young age.
Selected third overall by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 1973 MLB Draft, the shortstop phenom played one season in Single-A ball before making the team at 18 years old.
Yount handled things admirably despite some early-career struggles at the plate.
His arm and range at short were impactful, and his bat came along nicely as he entered his twenties.
However, that's where things took a turn. Yount labored through tendonitis in his foot and began to pressure the team in contract negotiations.
He was openly defiant and embittered as the team kept losing.
In 1978, Yount was forced to sit out at the beginning of the year because of his foot issue and sequestered himself away from the team. He toyed with the idea of retirement before rejoining in mid-May.
It proved fortuitous.
Yount has his best offensive year thus far (.293 average, 110 OPS+) and the 93-win Brewers posted their first winning record in ten years of existence.
1978 Topps Baseball Cards In Review
When it comes to sets from the 70s, I personally prefer those from the first half of the decade but this one still has plenty going for it.
Plagued by mis-cuts, printing defects, and ink smudges there are still some great rookie cards and plenty of Hall of Famers to collect.
The Hall of Fame inductions of Alan Trammell and Jack Morris have certainly boosted the set's overall desirability in recent years.
Within the 726-card checklist were also several different subsets, including:
- Record Breakers (#1 - 7)
- League Leaders (#201 - 208)
- Playoff and World Series Highlights (#276 - 277)
- Rookie Stars (#701 - 711)
- Checklists
While some of the cards can be quite expensive in high grade, the 1978 Topps set is one of the more affordable vintage sets that you can put together.