Collect the Best Hurlers of the 1970s
The 1970s ushered in a golden era for pitchers as power arms and workhorses took center stage and shaped the tempo of the game. The mound became a spotlight and the men who ruled it did more than just throw—they imposed their will with stamina, swagger, and skill that left hitters shaking their heads.
From flamethrowers who piled up strikeouts to crafty veterans who painted the corners with precision, the decade was filled with pitchers who defined toughness and talent.
Top Pitchers of the 1970s
1970 Topps Baseball #220 Steve Carlton
player Info
• hall of famer
• four-time nl cy young award winner
• two-time world series champion
Set Info
• 720-card set
what they said
• “Lefty was a craftsman, an artist. He was a perfectionist. He painted a ballgame.” – former phillies announcer richie ashburn
1977 Topps Baseball #650 Nolan Ryan
player Info
• hall of famer
• mlb all-time strikeout leader
• Mlb all-time no-hitter leader
Set Info
• 660-card set
What They Said
• “If he ain’t struck you out, then you ain’t nobody.” – fellow hall of famer rickey henderson
1972 Topps Baseball #270 Jim Palmer
player Info
• hall of famer
• three-time world series champion
• three-time AL Cy Young Award winner
set Info
• 787-card set
What They Said
• “When you see an easy thrower like him, you get lulled into believing that the ball is coming up there easy. It’s not. It’s coming up there hard and doing all kinds of things.” – former mlber Dave Chalk
1972 Topps Baseball Boyhood Photos #347 Tom Seaver
player info
• hall of famer
• 12-time all-star
• 1969 world series champion
Set Info
• 787-card set
What They Said
• “[Seaver] was the best I’ve caught over a period of time.” – fellow hall of famer johnny bench
1978 Topps Baseball #686 Gaylord Perry
player Info
• hall of famer
• two-time cy Young Award winner
• three-time mlb wins leader
Set Info
• 726-card set
what they said
• “He had great stuff, he was a big, strong, rough, gruff farmer from North Carolina, he was irascible, wildly competitive and, like most great pitchers, really mean, fearless and hated to lose.” – espn.com
