Will Clark - 1989 Topps
From the very minute I first saw it, I thought this card just looked really cool. A great card from a great set. It was one of those elusive cards from the series that started it all for me. Never actually found it in pack as a kid (found several in the 3 wax boxes opened a few years back in order to put together a complete set), but instead had to negotiate a trade at school to get it. My teacher had bought a pack and was giving out cards as rewards for good behavior one day, and while I couldn't tell you the name of the player whose card I received...the girl next to me got Clark. I approached the trade with cunning, trying to offer my female classmate the card I'd received that had "prettier colors", but she resisted with a resolve that was not to be overcome. I can't remember everything I ended up giving her for the card, but it was worth it in the long run.
#9.
Ken Griffey Jr. 1989 Upper Deck
The pinnacle of what was new and exciting when I first started collecting cards. Not only did this card introduce the world to the new "upscale" brand that would shortly gain dominance in sports cards production, but it also introduced us to a truly iconic player. One can only imagine how much more amazing Griffey's career stats would have been if he hadn't been plagued by injuries that cut many of his seasons short. His smile says it all. All around good guy that you'll want to cheer for. It was always just out of the price range I was willing to pay growing up (too many weeks' allowance). Would have loved to buy an unopened pack on a fluke and magically find it...but alas, I had to open the wallet a bit more to obtain it. Got a pretty good deal on a brilliant looking one though.
# 8.
Darryl Strawberry 1984 Topps
While I have a much better story for how I came to own the 1983 Topps Traded, the 1984 Topps offering is the one I grew up with and I think it still holds up today. The borders and colors are great, and the pose certainly captures the elegance and power of Strawberry's swing.
# 7.
Don Mattingly 1984 Topps
That's right, going back to back Topps 1984. You summed up all my points in your listing...the man transcended the uniform.
# 6.
Rickey Henderson 1985 Fleer
Color coordination was never better in the 80's than with the 1985 Fleer set, and this card epitomizes the set. Rickey's cards from the 80's are so awesome that it was really hard to pick the best ones to include on this list, but this one couldn't be denied. I'm fairly sure I've looked at this card before, turned my head for a second and when I looked back, he was gone. It captures his focus, confidence, and somehow his speed very well.
# 5.
Ruben Sierra 1987 Fleer
Such an interesting pose...I just find the card captivating. While Ruben had several 1986 rookie cards, I always viewed this as his true rookie...reinforced for years by the "Rookie Card" baseball sticker that came on the top loader it was given to me in (one of the few birthday presents in my life that I remember being specifically from "Dad"...rather than "Mom and Dad").
# 4.
Rickey Henderson 1980 Topps
The last year in which players only had 1 real rookie card...and it may be one of the best of all time. Again, I don't know that Rickey ever had a bad looking baseball card (except maybe a few of his Yankee years), and all things considered, I feel this one is the best. It has it all, the crouched stance, the focus and determination, and of course, the cool looking uniform.
# 3.
Cal Ripken 1983 Topps
You knew at least one early Cal had to be on the list, right? An absolutely beautiful series and this card may be the best one of the bunch...or is it?
# 2.
Ryne Sandberg 1983 Topps
The aspirational card of my childhood...still as fantastic looking in my possession as it was all those years it was beyond my reach. One of the coolest days of my life - receiving this card as a Christmas gift. Another of the coolest days of my life, opening a wax box of 1983 Topps (also a Christmas gift) and finding this card in a pack.
# 1.
Cal Ripken 1984 Donruss
My favorite card from my favorite card series of the 1980's. Simply stunning. Colors, design, angles, you name it, this card did it perfectly. I do think the black long sleeves make it all come together.
Honorable Mention:
Eddie Murray 1981 Topps
I just really like this card. While Eddie's 78 rookie is clearly his best, this one qualifies for the list and gets a shout out. It just looks like he's ready to play some ball and he's happy about it. And why shouldn't he be, it's a beautiful day in Baltimore, Cal Ripken will be joining the squad next year, and the O's are just 2 years away from winning the World Series.
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