Collect the Legendary Shortstops of the 1970s
The 1970s marked a transformative era for shortstops in Major League Baseball. No longer seen as simply glove-first infielders, this generation redefined the position by blending elite defense with offensive impact, changing the way the role was viewed across the league.
These field generals combined range, arm strength, and baseball IQ with timely hitting and leadership, becoming cornerstones of their teams and fan favorites across the country. The trading cards from this decade capture the grit, style, and swagger of these shortstops, offering a vibrant glimpse into a golden era when the position truly came into its own.
Top Shortstops of the 1970s
1976 Topps Baseball #580 Bert Campaneris
player Info
• six-time all-star
• three-time world series champion
• six-time al stolen base leader
Set Info
• 660-card set
what they said
• “He said he loved baseball so much that he even assisted as a groundskeeper.” – Rick Schabowski, Society for American Baseball Research
1971 Topps Baseball #14 Dave Concepción
player Info
• venezuelan baseball hall of famer
• two-time world series champion
• nine-time all-star
Set Info
• 752-card seet
What They Said
• “He was one of the best of his era, and his numbers are on par or eclipse those of other Hall of Fame shortstops like Ozzie Smith, Pee Wee Reese and Phil Rizzuto.” – Mark Sheldon, MLB.com
1976 Topps Baseball #145 Larry Bowa
player Info
• 1980 world series champion
• five-time all-star
• two-time gold glove award winner
set Info
• 660-card set
What They Said
• “The first seed of the 1980 championship season was planted 15 years earlier with the signing of an amateur free agent named Larry Bowa, who eventually became a premier shortstop and one of the finest players ever to don the Phillies’ pinstripes.” – Rich D’Ambrosio, Society for American Baseball Research
1973 Topps Baseball #253 Mark Belanger
player nfo
• 1976 all-star
• 1970 world series champion
• eight-time gold glove winner
Set Info
• 660-card set
What They Said
• “He was sure-handed, had a great arm, covered a lot of ground, went in the hole and made plays.” – orioles teammate paul blair
1977 Topps Baseball #301 Toby Harrah
player Info
• texas rangers Hall of famer
• four-time all-star
Set Info
• 660-card set
what they said
• “he’s a complete ballplayer. He’s a real battler.” – former rangers manager billy martin
