The Stars Who Did It All
On May 14, 1988, José Oquendo took the mound for the St. Louis Cardinals. That might not sound like news — until you consider that he would play every other position on the field that season. Oquendo was baseball’s “Secret Weapon,” the rare player who could truly do it all. And while he didn’t get a Topps card commemorating that feat directly, the story of utility men in baseball is well worth telling — especially through the cards that capture their versatility, toughness, and flair.
Whether it’s a shortstop moonlighting in the outfield or a backup infielder who pitches in a blowout, the best utility men blend athleticism, a team-first attitude, and just enough unpredictability to become cult heroes. Here are five utility legends who deserve a place in your collection, along with the cards that help tell their story.
Bert Campaneris – 1973 Topps Baseball #295
If there was a utility king before the term even existed, it’s Bert Campaneris. In 1965, with the A’s still in Kansas City, Campaneris played all nine positions in a single game — a promotional stunt that proved just how talented and team-oriented he was. That night, he pitched an inning and caught another, all while continuing to wreak havoc on the basepaths.
While many of his cards capture him as the everyday shortstop for the A’s, the 1973 Topps Campaneris #295 stands out. The card features that iconic ‘73 design with a sharp photo featuring the Athletics’ most lemon-lime jersey. It’s a perfect encapsulation of his potential energy and glove-first play.
Collectors love this one for its crisp color palette and era-defining look. It’s not just a shortstop card — it’s an icon of the utility game.
Javier Báez – 2015 Topps Chrome® Baseball #89 Javier Baez RC
Some utility players evolve into stars, and Javier Báez might be the most electrifying example. Early in his Cubs tenure, Báez (aka, El Mago) was a human highlight reel at second, short, and third, leaping tags and turning double plays with almost ridiculous flair.
His defense was magic. He eventually settled in at shortstop, but those early years as a do-everything infielder are what endeared him to fans and made him a collector favorite. Now with the Tigers, Baez is in the running to make another All-Star Game this year as a center fielder.
The 2015 Topps Chrome #89 Javier Baez RC is a card that oozes personality, just like Báez himself. It’s shimmering and rare, evoking Báez’s days as the Cubs’ ultimate wildcard.
Kiké Hernández – 2024 MLB Topps NOW® #841
Enrique “Kiké” Hernández might not have superstar name recognition, but for the Red Sox and Dodgers, he’s been a postseason hero and a regular-season glue guy. He’s played every position but catcher, often switching mid-game, and has been trusted in the biggest moments, including a key role in the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series win and the Red Sox’s 2021 ALCS run. This year, Hernandez has taken to the mound more than once.
His 2024 Topps NOW® #841 card celebrates Hernández’s Game 3 heroism in last fall’s World Series. The photo mixes determination and swagger — exactly what you want from a do-it-all utility man. The card is easy enough to pick up, but sharp-eyed collectors might want to chase rarer parallels on the secondary market.
Tony Phillips – 1992 Topps Baseball #319
If utility men had their own Hall of Fame, Tony Phillips would be a first-ballot inductee. From 1982 to 1999, he played everywhere: third, second, short, all three outfield positions, even a few innings at first base. He wasn’t just a plug-in guy — he was productive, putting up OBP-heavy seasons, drawing walks, and contributing on both sides of the ball.
The 1992 Topps #319 is a gem. It features a posed photo of Philips full of the energy he brought to every play. That year, he was with the Tigers, but the card feels timeless, capturing a player who always seemed to be in the middle of the action.
Don Kelly – 2010 Topps Baseball Update Series #US297
Don Kelly might not have the flashiest resume, but ask any Tigers fan from the 2010s, and they’ll light up when his name comes up. He was the ultimate quiet contributor — filling in at third base, first base, all three outfield spots, and even pitching an inning when the bullpen was gassed. He even caught a bit in spring training. Kelly was a manager’s dream. That probably explains why he’s managing for the Pirates in 2025.
The 2011 Topps #US297 shows Kelly in mid-swing, simple and clean, wearing the Old English D. It’s a card that mirrors his role: not flashy, but reliable. The kind of card you might overlook in a binder until you realize it’s the portrait of a man learning wisdom by varied experience. Collectors who love baseball’s underappreciated heroes know a Don Kelly card belongs in any real-deal utility player set.
Why Utility Players Make Great Card Subjects
Utility players aren’t just backups. They’re the Swiss Army knives of the roster, ready to fill in wherever needed, often in moments of crisis. That makes them especially compelling from a card-collecting perspective. You’re not just getting a position player, but a roster story — a puzzle piece that ties together different lineups, eras, and narratives.
You don’t need a Hall of Fame résumé to be unforgettable. These five players remind us that adaptability, grit, and a team-first mindset may be as collectible as any MVP season. Their cards might not always headline auctions, but they offer something just as rare: stories, surprises, and snapshots of what it means to play baseball everywhere.
Next time you’re flipping through a stack of commons, keep an eye out for the guy who played third yesterday, short today, and might just pitch tomorrow. That’s not a footnote. That’s a utility legend in the making.
