The Man of Steal’s Top Cards to Collect
Fondly known as “The Man of Steal,” Rickey Henderson redefined America’s pastime with blazing speed on the bases and a knack for putting pitches in play. With a career spanning over 25 years, Henderson built a legacy unmatched by his contemporaries. His staggering stats speak volumes: 3,055 hits, 2,295 runs scored, and a jaw-dropping 1,406 stolen bases – a record that may never be surpassed. Beyond his on-field achievements, Henderson’s larger-than-life personality captivated fans and opponents alike. Renowned for referring to himself in the third person, his confidence bordered on legendary. As collectors seek to capture a piece of baseball history, we thought we’d help with a list of Henderson’s Top Rookie Cards & More.
Top Rickey Henderson Cards #s 10-6
10: Topps Project2020® #398 – 1980 Rickey Henderson by Don C
The Topps Project2020 #398 – 1980 Rickey Henderson by Don C is by no means a rookie card. But Topps collaborated with former Virgil Abloh partner, streetwear designer, and founder of Just Don, Don C, for a card inspired by Henderson’s rookie season. The results? This beauty above which features a print run of 4,527. It’s accessible but very limited.
9: 2003 Topps Traded #T73 Rickey Henderson
Word on the street is the 2003 Topps Traded #T73 Rickey Henderson is Henderson’s final Topps card from his playing days. And check this out. Henderson was 44 during the 2003 campaign. In his last stint in The Bigs, “The Man of Steal” totaled two homers and three stolen bases. He wouldn’t officially retire for another two years, but his last at-bat came in 2003.
9: 1998 Fleer Sports Illustrated Road to Cooperstown #5 Rickey Henderson
Fleer and Sports Illustrated dedicated a 10-card insert in Fleer’s 1998 Then/Now product featuring players they felt were Cooperstown bound. Though five years away from his last at-bat, Henderson made the list, a preview of what would come. Though his Angels tenure only lasted 32 appearances, the Hall of Famer still managed 16 steals. The 1998 Fleer Sports Illustrated Road to Cooperstown #5 Rickey Henderson is one of the few cards he has with the team.
7: 1981 Fleer #351 Rickey Henderson
Henderson was so nice that the 1981 Fleer product featured him twice. Along with a Henderson base card, lay this 1981 Fleer #351 Rickey Henderson, commemorating the 1980 season, when he broke Ty Cobb’s record for most steals by an American League player in a campaign. That year, Henderson hit 100 steals for the first time, smashing Cobb’s mark of 96. “The Man of Steal” went on to top 100 steals two more times and led the league in stolen bags a whopping 12 times. That’s an insane run of dominance.
6: 1986 Fleer All-Stars #7 Rickey Henderson
A lot is going on with this card, and that’s probably why it made the list. It’s unlike any other Henderson card here and provides a ton of razzle-dazzle. With that said the 1986 Fleer All-Stars #7 Rickey Henderson dropped as part of a 12-card All-Star insert that could only be found in SOME wax and cello packs. The exclusivity in itself makes this worth the chase. Happy Hunting!
