Ranking 50 Years Worth OF Topps #330 Cards #20 - #11

In honor of my 50th birthday, I'm ranking all 51 Topps base cards numbered #330 since 1975. Why #330? Because my birthday was on 03/30. Why 51 cards when I've turned 50? Because that's how math works, and as my father-in-law likes to say, I didn't turn 50, I started my 51st year of existence!

 

Today we continue the count down of the best #330 cards in the history of Topps base sets (since 1975 - get with the theme here!) We're in the Top 20 now, so you know these cards will be good! Rankings are purely subjective to my whim. 

#20 - 2004 (Zack Greinke/Jimmy Gobble)

One of the more annoying aspects of the hobby is that there seems to be too many different opinions as to what constitutes a rookie card. Zack Greinke made his MLB debut in 2004, and was issued a card in 2004. That a rookie card, right? Apparently not. No matter - I see this as his rookie card! Even though the card itself isn't unique, this may be the only time I can say a future hall of Famer's rookie card is on this list!

 

#19 - 2007 (Ryan Howard)

 

Just a little more... just a little more of his bat showing...just a little more clarity in the background...this card could have been so much better. I still like it though.

 

#18 - 2018 (Ian Kinsler)

 

Another solid card that could have been cropped just a wee bit better.

 

#17 - 2006 (Michael Barrett/Greg Maddux)

 

I was all set to make a joke about Michael Barrett being considered a "star" player, but he did win the Silver Slugger for catcher the year before, so he gets a pass. For once I actually like the colorfully blurred background and that there's ample space on either side of the main focal point.

 

#16 - 2024 Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

 

I think I have a little recency bias going on here. The popular 2024 design plus a fun reaction shot of a young slugger make this a fun card.

 

#15 - 2014 (Evan Longoria)

 

Good fielding card with just the right amount of tilt to necessitate a horizontal card.

 

#14 - 2020 (George Springer)

 

The juxtaposition between his facial expression and his hand motions amuses me for some reason. You would think he'd be happier if something warranted a double thumbs up, right? Something good happened, so why the pout?

 

#13 - 1975 (Mike Marshall)

 

I just know Night Owl was waiting for this one to show up! My birth year card shows the former Cy Young winner who was famous for his refusal to pose for Topps. Action shots are better than poses anyway!

 

#12 - 2016 (Edward Mujica)

 

I love the scowl on his face, and the way the 2016 set design makes it look like he's throwing a smoking ball. Kind of magical, really.

 

#11 - 1999 (Jeff Kent)

 

Is there a grass/turf equivalent to a "Tatooine" card? Seeing an infielder fielding with no sign of dirt is just odd, and the fact the background is almost entirely green makes it stand out.

 

We've got just 10 more cards left in the countdown - tune in tomorrow to see who's the best of the best!