Collect the Top First Basemen of the 1980s
The 1980s were a defining decade for first basemen who brought power, consistency, and presence to the corner of the infield. These players were more than just big bats. They were foundational pieces of their lineups, delivering clutch hits, flashing underrated defense, and setting the tone with quiet confidence or bold charisma.
From sweet-swinging contact hitters to home run kings who packed stadiums with every at-bat, the best first basemen of the decade turned the position into a spotlight role. Their trading cards from the era captured that energy, with images of towering follow-throughs, game-saving scoops at the bag, and celebrations that defined the moment.
Top First Basemen of the 1980s
1980 Topps Baseball #160 Eddie Murray
player Info
• hall of famer
• eight-time all-star
• 1983 world series champion
Set Info
• 726-card set
what they said
• “When I got to the big leagues, there was a man – Eddie Murray – who showed me how to play this game, day in and day out. I thank him for his example.” – Cal Ripken Jr.
1985 Topps Baseball #510 Kent Hrbek
player Info
• two-tiime world series champion
• 1982 all-star
• minnesota twins hall of fame
Set Info
• 792-card set
What They Said
• “He was like a [young] Labrador, all arms and legs. But he had an ability at game time to turn it on.” – baseball lifer rick Stelmaszek
1984 Topps Baseball #8 Don Mattingly RC
player Info
• nine-time gold glove award winner
• 1985 al mvp
• six-time all-star
set Info
• 792-card set
What They Said
• “It wasn’t just that he was the best player, he was the hardest worker.” – Quentin Merkel, Mattingly’s high school coach
1987 Topps Baseball #350 Keith Hernandez
player info
• two-time World Series champion
• 11-time Gold Glove Award winner
• five-time all-star
Set Info
• 792-card set
What They Said
• “The path to the World Series championship in 1986 really started on June 15, 1983, when we got Keith.” – mets teammate ed lynch
1983 Topps Baseball #100 Pete Rose
player Info
• mlb record-holder for career hits
• three-time world series champion
• 17-time all-star
Set Info
• 792-card set
what they said
• “I’d walk through hell in a gasoline suit to play baseball.” – Pete Rose
