Lost Teams of Baseball and their Iconic Cards
Baseball is a game of tradition, but not every franchise has stood the test of time. While teams like the Yankees and Cubs have stood firm for over a century, other clubs have faded into history, leaving behind only memories — and some incredible baseball cards. Another chapter in this story is unfolding as the Oakland Athletics played their final season in Oakland last year, preparing to move to Las Vegas. The A’s departure echoes the fates of other franchises that once called different cities home, proving that in baseball, “the only constant is change.”
These “forgotten franchises” were once part of the game’s fabric, and collectors can still hold a piece of their legacy. Let’s look back at some of these defunct teams and the legendary players who suited up for them.
Seattle Pilots (1969)
Few teams have burned brighter and faded faster than the Seattle Pilots. Founded in 1969, the Pilots lasted just one season before moving to Milwaukee to become the Brewers. Despite their short tenure, the Pilots left behind a fascinating legacy — and some collectible baseball cards.
Perhaps the only standout Pilots card is Lou Piniella’s “rookie” card (#394). Keep in mind that Piniella had previously appeared in the 1964 and 1968 sets as a rookie. Piniella would go on to have a long and successful career as both a player and manager. Other notable Pilots include Tommy Harper, the team’s first All-Star, who appears in the 1969 Topps set (#42), and Tommy Davis (#135).
Washington Senators (Twice!)
Maybe Heraclitus was wrong about stepping in the same river twice. The Washington Senators name is attached to two different franchises, both of which ultimately relocated. The original Senators, founded in 1901, were one of the American League’s charter teams and counted Hall of Famer Walter Johnson among its ranks. In 1961, that version of the Senators moved to Minnesota, becoming the Twins. Meanwhile, an expansion Senators team was established in 1961, but they, too, would leave, becoming the Texas Rangers in 1972.
Collectors have two distinct eras of Senators cards to chase. Early cards of Walter Johnson, such as his 1911 T206 issue, are highly prized. Later Senators cards from the 1960s feature stars like Frank Howard. The 1966 Topps set, for instance, includes a classic card of Howard (#515) in the team’s red, white, and blue. Another key Senators card is the 1954 Topps Roy Sievers (#245), highlighting one of the franchise’s best sluggers before the move to Minnesota.
St. Louis Browns (1902-1953)
Before they became the Baltimore Orioles, the St. Louis Browns were perennial underdogs, playing second fiddle to the more successful St. Louis Cardinals. Despite their struggles, the Browns produced some memorable players and great cards.
The most collectible St. Louis Browns card by far is the Topps 1953 Satchel Paige card (#220). The Browns also had Hall of Famer George Sisler, whose 1922 E120 American Caramel card is a prized piece for vintage collectors.
Kansas City Athletics (1955-1967)
Before Oakland, the Athletics spent 13 years in Kansas City after moving from Philadelphia. While they never found much success on the field, they were a notable stepping stone in baseball history.
Some key Kansas City A’s cards include the 1955 Topps Vic Power (#1), marking the franchise’s fresh start in Missouri. The 1957 Topps set features a young Hector Lopez (#6), one of the first Panamanian players in the majors. Additionally, collectors seek out early Topps issues of Bert Campaneris, who debuted with the A’s in 1964 and went on to be a key player in the team’s championship years in Oakland. Another significant card is the 1960 Topps Whitey Herzog (#92), featuring the future Hall of Fame manager during his playing days.
Milwaukee Braves (1953-1965)
While the Braves are still around today in Atlanta, their Milwaukee chapter remains a cherished part of baseball history. The team moved from Boston in 1953 and quickly became a powerhouse, winning the 1957 World Series behind Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, and Warren Spahn.
Milwaukee Braves cards are highly collectible, particularly Aaron’s early Topps issues. His 1954 Topps rookie card (#128) is one of the most sought-after baseball cards in existence. Other must-haves include Warren Spahn’s 1953 Topps card (#147) and Eddie Mathews’ 1954 Topps card (#30). Another gem is the 1957 Topps Lew Burdette (#208), commemorating the ace of the Braves’ championship team.
Brooklyn Dodgers (1884-1957)
No list of lost teams is complete without mentioning the Brooklyn Dodgers. Unlike some of the other franchises on this list, the Dodgers weren’t an expansion team or a struggling club — they were a beloved powerhouse that relocated to Los Angeles in 1958.
The Brooklyn Dodgers produced some of the most iconic baseball cards of all time. The 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson (#312) remains one of the most desirable cards in The Hobby. The 1955 Topps Sandy Koufax rookie card (#123) is another crown jewel, as is the 1954 Topps Duke Snider (#32). Collectors continue to chase Brooklyn Dodgers memorabilia, keeping the team’s memory alive more than six decades after their departure. Other must-have Dodgers cards include the 1956 Topps Pee Wee Reese (#260) and the 1953 Bowman Color Roy Campanella (#46).
Montreal Expos (1969-2004)
The Montreal Expos were Major League Baseball’s first Canadian franchise, debuting in 1969 as part of the league’s expansion. They built a devoted fanbase in Quebec and developed some of the game’s greatest players, but financial struggles and low attendance led to their relocation to Washington, D.C., in 2005, where they became the Nationals.
Collectors cherish Expos cards, especially those of Hall of Famers who started their careers in Montreal. The 1981 Topps Tim Raines rookie card (#479) is a classic, as is the 1982 Topps Gary Carter card (#730), featuring the beloved catcher who became the face of the franchise. Another must-have is the 1990 Topps Larry Walker rookie card (#757), showcasing one of the greatest Canadian players ever. Additionally, the 1977 Topps Andre Dawson rookie card (#473) is a prized piece for fans of the Hall of Fame slugger.
The Legacy of Forgotten Teams
While these franchises no longer exist in their original form, their stories — and their baseball cards — live on. For collectors, owning a card from a forgotten team is another way of holding baseball history in their hands. Whether it’s a 1969 Seattle Pilots Topps card or a vintage Brooklyn Dodgers issue, these relics remind us that while franchises may disappear, memory endures.
