The Enduring Appeal of the Relic
The Temple of the Tooth is one of multiple stupas in Sri Lanka built specifically to preserve and honor relics of the Buddha. Similarly, visitors to the Basilica San Dominico in Siena, Italy can see the mummified head of Saint Catherine of Siena, who died in 1380. In Greek myth, the head of Orpheus the poet was set up as an oracle after he died.
Cultures all around the world, and throughout history, have always felt a need to preserve and venerate objects associated with remarkable people. From there, it’s a short leap to understanding the appeal of relic cards within The Hobby. The finger bones of Ted Williams have not (yet) been distributed among fans, but devotees of the Splendid Splinter can own a piece of his game-worn jersey.
Today, we’re looking at some of the most remarkable relic cards available in The Hobby. As far as we know, no miracles have been attributed to any of these cards, but their enduring appeal will be self-evident to fans and hobbyists. Relic cards can be traced back to the 1990s, and they are certainly here to stay.
Remarkable Relic Cards to Collect
2022 Topps Tier One Baseball Legends Relics Willie Mays #T1LR-WM (/199)
What could compare with owning a piece of The Say Hey Kid’s game-used bat? This relic card is beautifully designed and features a fragment of Mays’ bat enshrined in a hexagonal cutout alongside a nice photograph of the Hall of Famer. It’s thrilling to think that Mays’ electric power went through this splinter.
It’s the kind of card that defines a serious collection.
2009 Topps Tribute Baseball Triple Relics #58 Jackie Robinson (/99)
This tribute card celebrates Jackie Robinson’s indelible impact on baseball and society. Featuring pieces of game-used bat, these cards connect collectors to Robinson’s groundbreaking career.
As a part of the high-end Tribute series, it combines elegant design with profound historical significance, making it a must-have for fans of baseball history and social justice pioneers alike.
2024 Topps Chrome Authentics #TCA-MT Mike Trout Gold Refractor (/50)
Featuring the MLB authentication hologram, this card was on the cutting edge of relic technology upon its release. The premium aesthetic amplifies its appeal, making it a centerpiece for any Trout or Angels fan.
It captures the excellence of a generational talent in spectacular fashion. This card allows collectors to enter a code to learn more details about when and where the history of the relic.
2001 Topps Tribute Baseball Bat Relics Lou Gehrig #RBLG
The “Iron Horse” lives on through this extraordinary card featuring a fragment of Lou Gehrig’s game-used bat. As part of the Tribute series, it honors Gehrig’s legacy as both a player and an inspirational figure. Its timeless design and rare material make it one of the most sought-after relics among vintage enthusiasts.
2010 Topps Allen & Ginter Abraham Lincoln DNA Relic Card (1/1)
Straying from the baseball field, this unique relic card features a strand of Abraham Lincoln’s hair. It is a 1-of-1 card, and it is certainly a unique piece of American history. Like all Allen & Ginter cards, the Lincoln card features a sophisticated design, and the inclusion of a rare real-life Presidential relic certainly adds to the vintage appeal.
2017 Topps Update Series Baseball All-Star Stitches #ASR-AJ Aaron Judge (/50)
Aaron Judge’s explosive rookie season is immortalized in this relic card, featuring a swatch of his All-Star game-worn jersey. As one of the most dominant players of his era, Judge’s connection to this card adds incredible value and appeal, especially for collectors who followed his rise to superstardom.
2024 Topps NOW® Shohei Otani Opening Game Relic Base Card (/99)
A remarkable card, this Topps NOW offering commemorates Ohtani’s first hit, a double, at Dodger Stadium and features a game-used cut out of second base. The back of the card reads, “The relic contained in this card was obtained from Dodger Stadium on 3/28/24 under the auspices of the MLB Authentication Program.”
Relic Cards: Bridging Fans to Baseball’s Greatest Moments
Relic cards represent more than just memorabilia; they are a bridge between fans and the game’s rich history. Whether it’s a piece of Babe Ruth’s bat, Derek Jeter’s All-Star jersey, or Shohei Ohtani’s bat, these cards allow collectors to hold fragments of baseball’s most unforgettable moments.
As The Hobby evolves, relic cards continue to capture the imagination, blending craftsmanship, nostalgia, and innovation. They remind us why we love baseball — its legends, milestones, and the tangible connection to the sport we hold dear.
Whether you’re chasing a grail card or simply marveling at the ingenuity behind these collectibles, relic cards are proof that the heart of baseball beats not only on the field but also in the hands of those who cherish its legacy. Keep collecting, and who knows? The next remarkable relic might be just a pack away.
