Pete Rose 1970s Baseball Card Overview: Topps, Food Promotions & Scarcity

Darryl P. Nov 28, 2025 5:38pm 4 views

Subtitle: A comprehensive look at Pete Rose baseball cards from the 1970s, including Topps and various promotional issues.

Meta Description: Discover the world of Pete Rose's 1970s baseball cards, featuring Topps releases, food promotions, and rare finds. Learn about their value and collectibility.

Content:

What’s New

Pete Rose, affectionately known as "Charlie Hustle," holds the record for the most hits in Major League Baseball with 4,256 hits over his 24-season career. The 1970s were pivotal for Rose, not only due to his on-field success but also because of the diverse range of baseball cards issued during this time. This era saw a surge in collectible cards, including standard Topps sets and promotional items from brands like Kellogg's and Hostess. Collectors continue to prize Rose’s cards from this decade, with prices varying greatly based on their rarity and condition.

Configuration at a Glance

  • Topps released annual base sets that included Pete Rose each year from 1970 through 1979.
  • Promotional cards featured releases from Kellogg’s, Bazooka, Milk Duds, Hostess, O-Pee-Chee, and various disc collections.
  • Several years included unique multi-player and leader cards, such as batting leader and All-Star cards.
  • Hand-cut and test issues (like those from Bazooka, Hostess, Deckle Edge) enhance scarcity and value.
  • Autographs and memorabilia were not typical during this period, as these features became common in later years.

Key Inserts & Parallels

  • 1970 Topps #61 NL Batting Leaders (Pete Rose/Bob Clemente/Cleon Jones) - a multi-player leader card.
  • 1971 Bazooka Numbered Test #32 and Unnumbered #5 - hand-cut test issues.
  • 1971 Milk Duds #60 Pete Rose DP - promotional food card.
  • 1973 Topps Candy Lids #44 - a test issue with a distinctive round design.
  • 1974 Topps Deckle Edge #16 - a black and white card with a scalloped edge.
  • 1975 Hostess #29, Hostess Panels, and Hostess Twinkie - promotional food issues, hand-cut.
  • 1976 disc cards (Blankback, Buckman, Carousel, Crane, Dairy Isle, Isaly, Orbakers, Red Barn, Safelon) - round, disc-shaped promotional cards.
  • 1976 Safelon Superstar Lunch Bags #10 - a novelty issue featuring multiple players.
  • 1977 disc cards (Burger Chef, Chilly Willie, Customized, Dairy Isle, Detroit Caesars, Holiday Inn, MSA, Pepsi Glove, Saga, Wendy’s, Zip’z) - company-branded disc cards.

Autographs & Relics

In the 1970s, autograph and memorabilia cards were not common. All Pete Rose cards from this decade are non-auto and non-relic. The focus remains on base cards, leader cards, and specialty issues from food and promotional items. Value and rarity depend on print runs, condition, and unique releases like test and hand-cut cards.

Collector Notes

  • Pete Rose cards from the 1970s encompass a wide array of traditional and promotional issues, providing collectors with diverse options.
  • Condition significantly impacts value, especially concerning hand-cut and test issues like those from Bazooka, Hostess, and Deckle Edge.
  • Topps cards from the 1970s often suffer from centering and cutting flaws, making high-grade examples more desirable.
  • Food and disc issues are frequently hand-cut and may exhibit uneven edges or manufacturing imperfections.
  • The 1975 Topps #320 Rose card is particularly notable for its design and value range.
  • Specialty and regional releases (such as discs, lunch bags, and candy lids) are less common and may fetch higher prices based on rarity and condition.
  • Most cards from this era are non-auto and non-relic, as these features were introduced in later decades.
  • Pricing varies widely: while some cards are affordable for under $10, rarities and high-grade cards can reach several hundred or even thousands of dollars.

Source: https://www.sportscardportal.com

Share:

Darryl P.

test

Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Comments

Please log in to comment.

Loading comments…