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Most Valuable Dave Winfield Cards

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Ryan Barone (@ballcardgenius, Card Expert) is a lifelong member of the hobby. He has been quoted in PSA Magazine, and his content has regularly been mentioned in “Quick Rips” (the Topps RIPPED Newsletter) and across other hobby publications. hello@ballcardgenius.com; Last Time Ago LLC dba Ballcard Genius.

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I mentioned Tony Gonzalez in a post the other day (about iconic KC Chiefs football cards) and it got me thinking about multi-sport athletes. Did you know Dave Winfield was drafted by three professional sports teams? Sure he’s not grabbing headlines like another multi-sport athlete, Coach Prime, but that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be celebrated.

Anyway, while being drafted by Minnesota Vikings annd both the Atlanta Hawks (of the NBA) and the Utah Stars (of the ABA), Winfield went pro with the San Diego Padres, and that’s where we will pick up here.

So let’s dive into the most valuable Dave Winfield baseball cards. In this list, we will be using Market Movers for the data, and focusing only on PSA 9 copies.

1. 1974 Topps #456

With two sales over the last 90 days and an average sales price of $1.34K, the Dave Winfield 1974 Topps rookie card tops the list, as expected.

While not an action shot like some other cards that follow, a rookie card will always be a rookie card. Any card from 1974 in PSA 9 condition is a feat within itself.

And a PSA 10? The hobby has certainly changed since the record-setting $74K sale in February of 2022, so it’s difficult to predict what the card would go for now. To predict, through, here are the last few sales:

  • $74.4K 2/5/2022
  • $43.6K 2/5/2021
  • $20K 9/16/2020
  • $8.18K 3/10/2016

2. 1976 Topps #160

Where Winfield’s 1976 card lacks in a non-rookie card status, it makes up for in a photo featuring the towering slugger with bat in his hand. The 1976 card design is also among the best, standing out from other designs thanks to its clean lines and bold team coloring.

Even so, the rookie card is always going to stand out among the rest, but the 1976 Topps PSA 9 still holds great value, last selling for $371 (thanks to a low pop of only 109).

3. 1977 Topps #390

In 1977 we saw the return of the facsimile signature, which in combination with big block “PADRES” lettering and a stoic Winfield that looks like he means nothing but business.

It’s no wonder a PSA 9 for a fourth-year card still sells for $150+ on average.

4. 1980 Topps #230

In a Topps set that is overshadowed by one of the greatest to ever play the game, Rickey Henderson, we get a fun (smiling?) Winfield. I’ll admit, not my favorite Dave Winfield card, but the 1980 design is among the best, and that’s even without the “NL Al-Star” banner that graces card #230.

There is also something to be said for the fact that this 1980 card leap frogged older cards, and thus seemingly more valuable entries. But, truth is in the data—the 1980 card has averaged a sales price of $105 over its last 3 sales, while earlier cards, like 1978 have averaged $64.65 over 7 sales.

5. 1978 Topps #530

Speaking of 1978, it’s not too far behind! Now, value aside, what’s not to love about this card. One, the “San Diego” on Winfield’s jersey is prominently displayed, bat on the shoulder, and those sideburns.

Now, all of this reminds me of something. Did you know Dave Winfield charged the mound against Nolan Ryan? It was two years after this card, but the dark road uniform of Winfield here made me think of it.

6. 1981 Topps Traded #855

And just like that, we are out of the Padres era and into New York, New York. Winfield actually played for 6 different teams in his career, if you can believe it. His longest tenures were with the Padres and the Yankees, but after he left New York he jumped around between the Angels, Blue Jays, Twins, and Indians.

So, this card is cool particularly because it was his first with the Yankees, and part of the 1981 traded set after signing with the Yankees in December of 1980. I think this card is airbrushed (that is, made to look like Winfield is in a Yankees uniform), but I can’t be certain. Interestingly enough, the last PSA 9 sold 7/23/2023 for $26 while the base checklist version (of Winfield in a Padres uniform, card #70 last sold for $15.50 on 7/8/2023.

Either way, he’d play 9 seasons in pinstripes, so more Yankees cards to come.

7. 1983 Topps #770

See, told you! While we didn’t get much action from the 1981 Topps Traded, the 1983 card came through, showing a hulking Dave Winfield striding at the plate and probably connecting for one of his 465 total home runs.

Yes, 465 total home runs is more than enough for the Hall of Fame, and 1983 was a big contributing year with Winfield clubbing 32 home runs and driving in 116 while earning yet another all-star nod in a still thriving career as a king of the diamond.

8. 1982 Donruss Diamond Kings #18

See what I did there? Clever transitions aside, I was going to extend this list until we hit a non-Topps card, so this 1982 Donruss Diamond Kings entry couldn’t have come at a better time.

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