Collect the Greatest 1970s Third Basemen
The 1970s marked a transformative era for third basemen in Major League Baseball. Long valued for their defensive skills, this generation elevated the position by pairing gold-glove caliber defense with serious offensive production, reshaping expectations for the hot corner across the league.
These players combined quick reflexes, strong arms, and high baseball IQ with power at the plate and leadership in the clubhouse, becoming linchpins of their teams and stars in the eyes of fans. The trading cards from this decade capture the grit, toughness, and style of these third basemen, offering a vivid glimpse into a golden era when the hot corner became one of the most dynamic spots on the field.
Top Third Basemen of the 1970s
1978 Topps Baseball #360 Mike Schmidt
player Info
• hall of famer
• 12-time all-star
• three-time nl mvp
Set Info
• 726-card set
what they said
• “Everybody in Philadelphia who loves baseball loves Mike Schmidt. I think some things in the game are forgotten and he’s a player who shouldn’t be.” – bryce harper
1978 Topps Baseball #95 Brooks Robinson
player Info
• hall of famer
• two-time world series champion
• 18-time all-star
Set Info
• 726-card set
What They Said
• “I’ve never known anyone in any profession more adored than Brooks.” – fellow mlb legend Frank Robinson
1978 Topps Baseball #215 Darrell Evans
player Info
• 1984 world series champion
• tw0-time all-star
• san francisco giants wall of fame member
set Info
• 726-card set
What They Said
• “[darrell evans is] the most underrated player in baseball history.” – baseball historian bill james
1976 Topps Baseball #169 Graig Nettles
player info
• six-time all-star
• two-time world series champion
• 1981 alcs mvp
Set Info
• 660-card set
What They Said
• “Every clubhouse needs a guy like that, the guy with the acerbic wit who can take your mind off a bad situation.” – Tommy John on graig Nettles
1977 Topps Baseball #498 Sal Bando
player Info
• three-time world champion
• four-time all-star
• Athletics hall of fame member
Set Info
• 660-card set
what they said
• “Sal Bando was the man. Nobody crossed Sal. Sal was a tough guy, tough competitor, but he also was one of the nicest human beings with the warmest smile ever off the field.” – arizona state hall of famer don bocchi
