Collecting the Best of the Champs
The World Series MVP award is the pinnacle of postseason accolades, reserved for players who rise to the occasion when the championship is on the line. These heroes don’t just etch their names into the annals of baseball history — they capture the imagination of fans and collectors alike. For hobbyists, their standout cards serve as timeless mementos of these unforgettable moments.
Last fall, Topps honored World Series MVP Freddie Freeman’s stellar postseason performance with the Topps NOW #866 card, which features an awesome photo of Freeman’s iconic walk-off Game 1 grand slam.
Today, we’ll celebrate some of the most notable and beloved MVPs, exploring the cards that define their careers and their unforgettable World Series performances. Let’s step onto the diamond and into the world of iconic collectibles.
Sandy Koufax – 1963 and 1965 World Series MVP
Few pitchers have dominated on the World Series stage like Sandy Koufax. In 1963, the Dodgers ace was untouchable against the Yankees, earning two wins and setting a then-record with 15 strikeouts in Game 1. Two years later, in 1965, Koufax famously pitched on two days’ rest in Game 7 to secure the championship for Los Angeles. His blend of power and precision under pressure made him a postseason legend.
For collectors, Koufax’s 1955 Topps rookie card (#123) is a cornerstone of any vintage collection. This card, with its vibrant yellow background and youthful portrait of Koufax, captures the beginning of a career destined for greatness. Cards from his MVP seasons, such as his 1963 (#210) and 1965 (#300) Topps editions, offer snapshots of his prime years. These cards are pieces of baseball history.
Reggie Jackson – 1973 and 1977 World Series MVP
When the pressure is on, few players have delivered like Reggie Jackson. Known as “Mr. October” for his postseason heroics, Jackson’s most iconic moment came in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series. With three home runs on three consecutive pitches, Jackson cemented his place in baseball lore and earned his second World Series MVP award.
Jackson’s 1969 Topps rookie card (#260) is a Hobby classic, featuring the slugger in an Oakland A’s uniform. Its clean design and high demand make it a centerpiece for collectors chasing the history of baseball’s brightest stars. Jackson’s 1973 Topps card (#255) features the lefty winding up his shotgun arm, and his 1977 Topps card (#10) includes a replica signature and Jackson wearing his groovy tinted shades. For a more accessible Jackson card, check out the stunning 2024 offering from Allen & Ginter (#226).
Willie Stargell – 1979 World Series MVP
Willie Stargell, affectionately known as “Pops,” was the heart and soul of the Pittsburgh Pirates during their storied 1979 World Series run. Facing the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles, Stargell hit an astounding .400 with three home runs, including a clutch two-run shot in Game 7 that sealed the championship. His on-field heroics and off-field leadership earned him unanimous MVP honors.
For collectors, Stargell’s 1963 Topps rookie card (#553) is an essential piece of baseball history. On a card shared with three other rookies, a youthful Stargell is shown in his Pirates hat, capturing the beginning of a legendary career. His later cards, particularly from 1979 (#55), commemorate a season that showcased his unmatched ability to deliver when it counted most.
Derek Jeter – 2000 World Series MVP
Derek Jeter’s 2000 World Series MVP performance was the perfect blend of consistency and clutch hitting. Leading the Yankees to victory over the Mets in the Subway Series, Jeter batted .409, setting the tone for the Yankees’ third consecutive championship. Known as “The Captain,” Jeter’s knack for delivering in big moments was never more apparent.
Jeter’s 1993 Topps rookie card (#98) will always be sought-after. For a more accessible option, his 2000 Topps card (#15) showcases Jeter at the peak of his powers, providing a tangible connection to his unforgettable World Series moment.
Bob Gibson – 1964 and 1967 World Series MVP
Bob Gibson was the definition of intimidating dominance on the mound, and his World Series MVP awards in 1964 and 1967 are a testament to his ability to thrive under pressure. In 1964, Gibson secured two critical wins, including a 10-strikeout complete game in Game 7 against the Yankees. Three years later, he was even more dominant, winning all three of his starts and posting a microscopic 1.00 ERA against the Red Sox.
Collectors prize Gibson’s 1959 Topps rookie card (#514), which features a smiling Gibson and his signature. Cards from his MVP years, such as the 1967 Topps issue (#210), offer snapshots of Gibson at his peak, showcasing a pitcher who could overpower anyone when the stakes were highest.
Corey Seager – 2020 and 2023 World Series MVP
Corey Seager has cemented his place as one of the modern game’s most clutch performers, earning World Series MVP honors twice — once with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020 and again with the Texas Rangers in 2023. In 2020, Seager hit .400 with two home runs in the Dodgers’ victory over the Rays. In 2023, he carried the Rangers to their first-ever championship, blasting decisive home runs and delivering a .333 average in the series.
Seager’s 2016 Topps rookie card (#85) has quickly become a favorite among modern collectors, representing the start of an incredible career. For fans of a more premium design, Topps Chrome parallels and Refractors offer a dazzling take on Seager’s rookie year. If you want to shoot for the moon, there’s a stunning 2023 Bowman Chrome Sapphire (#58) that could serve as a centerpiece in any Seager collection.
The Best of the Best
World Series MVPs offer a fascinating lens into baseball’s greatest moments, where talent and timing converge on the sport’s biggest stage. Their cards hold a unique appeal for their historical significance. From vintage treasures to modern designs, these pieces connect collectors to the drama and triumph of October baseball.
Whether you’re drawn to the artistry of Topps, the heritage of Bowman, or the elegance of Allen & Ginter, exploring the stories behind these players and their MVP seasons adds an extra layer of depth to The Hobby, and an opportunity to own a bit of history.
