Collect 1980s Shortstops
Shortstops in the 1980s brought a mix of flash, grit, and consistency that helped shape the way the position is played today. Some anchored their teams with steady defense and leadership, while others added a spark with their presence at the plate and on the basepaths. Their cards became just as memorable as their play, offering snapshots of a time when the position was evolving.
Let’s take a look at some of the best Topps cards from the top shortstops of the 1980s.
Top Shortstops of the 1980s
1986 Topps Tiffany Baseball #90 Garry Templeton
player Info
• padres hall of famer
• three-time all-star
• two-time silver slugger award winner
Set Info
• 792-card set
what they said
• “Tempy’s special. He’s a special person.” – former padres teammate bip roberts
1989 Bowman Baseball #436 Ozzie Smith
player Info
• hall of famer
• 15-time all-star
• 13-time gold glove award winner
Set Info
• 484-card set
What They Said
• “He made more diving plays than I’ve ever seen. I don’t see how it was possible to play it any better than Ozzie played it.” – former cardinals manager whitey herzog
1981 Topps Baseball #709 Alan Trammell
player Info
• hall of famer
• 1984 world series mvp
• six-time all-star
set Info
• 726-card set
What They Said
• “Tram, his numbers speak for themselves, his career speaks for itself.” – mlber james mccann
1989 Topps Baseball #170 Tony Fernandez
player info
• 1993 world series champion
• four-time Gold Glove Award winner
• five-time all-star
Set Info
• 792-card set
What They Said
• “A great teammate and friend. A pitcher’s dream to have him at shortstop when you’re pitching.” – former blue jays teammate david wells
1985 Topps Tiffany Baseball #30 Cal Ripken Jr.
player Info
• hall of famer
• two-time al mvp
• 19-time all-star
Set Info
• 792-card set
what they said
• “Cal is a bridge, maybe the last bridge, back to the way the game was played. Hitting home runs and all that other good stuff is not enough. It’s how you handle yourself in all the good times and bad times that matters. That’s what Cal showed us.” – Joe Torre
