Kirby and I go waaay back. All the way to around 1987. I was two years into collecting baseball cards as a kid. (Which basically means as soon as I got a $1 or 2$ in my pocket I was at my local card shop (LCS) buying some wax.
Even back then I knew that it was best to concentrate on a personal collection and to narrow it down to a player, team, , etc. My friend collection Don Mattingly at the time and I was jealous of his collection. Man, a Don Mattingly rookie card to an 11 year old was EVERYTHING. One of the owners of one of LCS in my town at the time had an extensive Rickey Henderson collection that all I could do was dream about. It was like a treasure to me when he brought out that binder…
So, I wanted Kirbys. Lots and lots of Kirbys.
Kirby Was Great. Kirby IS a Legend
Let’s get that out of the way right away. Less no one forgets. The man could play baseball.
He was the diminutive but mighty slugger. He was a cornerstone of the Minnesota Twins dynasty in the 1980s and early 1990s. His electrifying speed, crazy-good bat control, and clutch performances made him a fan favorite.
For collectors, owning a piece of Puckett’s legacy is a prized possession. Here are five of the most sought-after Kirby Puckett baseball cards:
1. 1985 Topps Rookie Card
They call this the cornerstone of any Puckett collection. It’s a highly coveted card and the natural color match of that year’s design made it all the better. Its iconic design, Puckett’s HOF career, and “gone too soon” status make this card MY favorite. Also, if you’re wondering if I had this card when I was a kid: No. I didn’t.
2. 1987 Topps
The 1987 Topps Traded set introduced a new design and added value to the hobby. Puckett’s card from this set, featuring him in action, is a popular choice among collectors due to its distinctive look and the fact that it captures Puckett at the peak of his powers.
3. 1991 Fleer Update Series II
This card features Puckett in a dynamic pose, swinging his bat. The vibrant colors and eye-catching design of the 1991 Fleer Update Series II set make it a favorite among collectors. Puckett’s card from this series is particularly sought after due to his incredible performance during the 1991 World Series.
4. 1991 Topps Stadium Club
The 1991 Topps Stadium Club set is renowned for its high-quality photography and glossy finish. Puckett’s card from this set, showcasing him in a classic batting stance, is a must-have for any serious Puckett collector.
5. 1996 Bowman’s Best
This high-end set featured limited-edition inserts and autograph cards. Puckett’s autograph card from the 1996 Bowman’s Best set is a highly coveted item among collectors. Its scarcity and the significance of Puckett’s signature make it a prized possession for many.
These are just a few of the many valuable Kirby Puckett baseball cards available to collectors. Whether you’re a casual fan or an avid baseball card collector and/or investor, there’s sure to be a Puckett card that will capture your imagination.
