Ranking the 26 Greatest Yankees Rookie Cards of All Time

The New York Yankees have one of the most illustrious franchises in sports history. Monument Park in Yankee Stadium commemorates all players whose numbers have been retired by the organization.

Plaques of players who played a key role in Yankees history are also featured in Monument Park. To commemorate the Yankees’ winning 26 World Series Championships, this article ranks the best 26 New York Yankees rookie cards of past and present players.

1. Babe Ruth 1914 Baltimore News RC

Babe Ruth is arguably the greatest baseball player of all time. He was sold to the New York Yankees ahead of the 1920 season and spent 15 seasons with the team, winning seven World Series championships. He was so influential that Yankee Stadium became known as “The House That Ruth Built.” At his peak, Ruth hit more home runs than some teams, finishing his career with 714 home runs and a .342 batting average.

In recent years, a few rare Ruth rookie cards have surfaced, continuing to set sales records. The 1916 M101-4 Sporting News, considered one of his rookie cards, sold for $1,770,000 in an SGC 7 example, according to Card Ladder Sales Data. The highest recorded sale for any Babe Ruth card is his 1914 Baltimore News, a graded SGC 3 example that sold for $7,200,000 in December 2023. This card dates back to Ruth’s time as an unknown prospect in the Baltimore organization. As demand for Babe Ruth cards continues to rise, a strong alternative investment is a 1933 Goudey example.

2. Mickey Mantle 1951 Bowman Rookie Card #253

Mickey Mantle is one of the most popular players in Yankees history. He spent his entire 18-year career with the team from 1951 to 1968. A Triple Crown winner in 1956, Mantle was a three-time MVP, a seven-time World Series champion, and a 20-time All-Star. His legacy continues today, making him one of the most collectible players in the sports card hobby.

Mantle’s rookie card comes from the 1951 Bowman set, with the highest recorded sale reaching $3,192,000 for a PSA 9 example, according to Card Ladder Sales Data. Only nine PSA 9 copies exist, with just one known PSA 10 example. His 1952 Topps card—often considered his true Topps rookie—is also highly valuable, with only three PSA 10 examples.

In early 2018, I wrote an article highlighting how undervalued Mantle’s 1951 Bowman card was at the time—the Top 10 Potential Sports Card Investments – Beckett News.

3. Lou Gehrig 1933 Goudey RC #92

Lou Gehrig was known as the “Iron Horse” for his consecutive games played streak of 2,130, a record that stood until Cal Ripken Jr. surpassed it. Gehrig is considered one of the greatest players of his era, winning two MVP awards, a Triple Crown, and seven World Series championships. He spent his entire career with the Yankees before being forced to retire due to ALS, a rare condition at the time that later became known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He finished his career with 493 home runs and a .340 batting average.

Gehrig’s famous “Luckiest Man” speech remains one of the most iconic moments in baseball history. His rookie card is from the legendary 1933 Goudey set. According to Card Ladder Sales Data, the highest recorded sale for this card was a PSA 9 example that sold for $672,000. However, a PSA 10 example previously sold for $274,000 in 2007—now easily a million-dollar card. Lower-grade examples of Gehrig’s rookie remain strong alternatives, though they are becoming increasingly difficult to find.

4. Joe DiMaggio 1936 World Wide Gum RC

Joe DiMaggio played 13 seasons with the New York Yankees from 1936 to 1951. The Yankee Clipper was one of the greatest players of his era. One of his most remarkable achievements was his 56-game hitting streak during the 1941 season—a record that still stands today. DiMaggio won nine World Series championships and three MVP awards, was a two-time batting champion, and was a 13-time All-Star.

His rookie card comes from the 1936 World Wide Gum set, a card that is now nearly impossible to find in any condition. According to Card Ladder Sales Data, the highest recorded sale for this card was $117,604 for an SGC 8.5 example. Some collectors also consider his 1938 Goudey Heads Up card a rookie card of Joltin’ Joe. Given the rarity of the 1936 card, the 1938 Goudey serves as an excellent alternative for collectors.

5. Derek Jeter 1993 SP Foil Rookie Card

Derek Jeter was one of the most popular players of his era. He began his career in 1995, and by 1996, he had secured the Yankees’ starting shortstop role. The Yankees then formed a dynasty, winning four World Series championships from 1996 to 2000. Over the next decade, Jeter became the Yankees’ all-time hits leader, recorded his 3,000th hit, and won another championship in 2009, earning his fifth World Series ring.

His most sought-after rookie card is the 1993 Upper Deck SP Foil card. This card was ahead of its time, featuring a shiny foil design. However, it isn’t easy to find in high grades due to its condition sensitivity. Only 22 PSA 10 examples exist, with the most recent sale reaching $204,000 and the highest recorded sale at $600,000. A PSA 9 is a great alternative, valued at $3,775, with 633 copies in existence.

6. Yogi Berra – 1948 Bowman RC #6

Yogi Berra is regarded as one of the greatest catchers of all time. Over his career, he won 10 World Series championships, earned three AL MVP awards, and was an 18-time All-Star. After his playing days, he became just as famous for his witty “Yogi-isms.”

Berra’s most valuable rookie card is his 1948 Bowman. According to Card Ladder Sales Data, a PSA 10 example sold for $192,000 in 2017, though its current value is likely closer to $400,000. Notably, this remains the only PSA 10 example in existence. For collectors, mid-grade examples of Berra’s 1948 Bowman rookie card are still a solid investment.

7. Whitey Ford – 1951 Bowman RC #1

Whitey Ford, known as The Chairman of the Board, won six World Series championships with the New York Yankees and is widely regarded as one of the franchise’s greatest pitchers.

His rookie card comes from the 1951 Bowman set, with the highest recorded sale being an SGC 9 example that sold for $69,000. Despite his legendary status, Ford’s rookie card remains relatively affordable, especially in lower-grade examples, making it an underrated investment for collectors.

8. Thurman Munson – 1970 Topps RC #189

Thurman Munson debuted with the Yankees in 1969 and quickly became one of the best catchers of his era. He was eventually named Yankees captain and won two World Series championships with the team. Tragically, he passed away in a plane crash in 1979, one of the most shocking events in sports history. Munson remains one of the top catchers of all time and ranks in the top 15 all-time in WAR for his position.

His rookie card is from the 1970 Topps set, with a PSA 10 example selling for $99,000—this particular copy was part of the famous Dmitri Young Collection. Interestingly, his 1971 Topps second-year card is more valuable in high grades, with a PSA 9 example selling for as much as $200,000. Munson is a borderline Hall of Famer and could be inducted in the coming years.

9. Mariano Rivera – 2000 Bowman RC #302

Mariano Rivera is the only player in MLB history to be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame unanimously, receiving 100% of the vote. Widely regarded as the greatest closer of all time, he holds the all-time saves record with 652 career saves. The Sandman was also the last player to wear the number 42 before it was retired across Major League Baseball.

Rivera’s most sought-after rookie card is his 1992 Bowman. According to Card Ladder Sales Data, the highest recorded sale for this card was $6,500 for a PSA 10 example with a PSA 10 autograph grade—only 12 copies have received this dual grade. This card also features signed inscriptions, including “100 Vote” and “HOF 2019.” For collectors looking for a more affordable option, the non-autographed PSA 10 version remains a solid alternative, currently valued at $475 based on recent sales.

10. Aaron Judge – 2013 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC

Aaron Judge is widely regarded as one of the best players in MLB today and won the AL MVP award in 2024. He is on the fast track to becoming one of the Yankees’ all-time greats and a future Hall of Famer. In 2022, he set the American League single-season home run record with 62 homers. Named Yankees captain at the start of the 2023 season, Judge has already amassed 315 career home runs.

His most valuable card is his 2013 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto. The 1/1 Superfractor version set a record, selling for $324,000 in 2022. This card, graded BGS 9.5 with a 10 autograph, is one of the most coveted modern cards in a Beckett slab. For collectors, other first-year Bowman Chrome Autograph cards of Judge are solid alternatives.

11. Reggie Jackson – 1969 Topps Rookie Card #260

Reggie Jackson joined the New York Yankees in the 1977 season and quickly made a huge impact, helping the team win back-to-back World Series championships in 1977 and 1978. One of the most iconic moments of his career came in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series, when he hit three home runs, earning him the nickname “Mr. October.” His clutch performances in the postseason cemented his legacy, even though he spent only five seasons with the Yankees.

Jackson’s rookie card is from the 1969 Topps set. According to Card Ladder Sales Data, a PSA 10 example sold for over $1 million, with this particular copy coming from the famous Dmitri Young Collection. While Jackson’s rookie cards remain accessible in mid-grade examples, investing in a PSA 7 or higher could continue to see strong value appreciation in the coming years.

12. Don Mattingly – 1984 Topps Tiffany Rookie Card #8

Don Mattingly was one of the best players of his era and, for a time, was considered the best player in baseball. Donnie Baseball had an outstanding career, and if not for a lingering back injury, he would likely already be in the Hall of Fame. Mattingly spent his entire career with the Yankees from 1982 to 1995. He remains a strong candidate for Hall of Fame induction through the committee vote, which could happen soon.

Mattingly’s most valuable rookie card is his 1984 Topps Tiffany. The highest recorded sale for this card was $8,000 for a PSA 10 example, according to Card Ladder Sales Data. Only 53 copies have been graded a PSA 10. With his potential Hall of Fame induction on the horizon, now may be a great time to invest in high-grade Mattingly cards.

13. Roger Maris – 1960 Topps RC #47

Roger Maris was traded to the New York Yankees before the 1960 season and made an immediate impact, winning the AL MVP award in his first year. The following season became one of the most memorable in baseball history, as Maris and his teammate Mickey Mantle spent the year chasing Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record of 60. The M&M Boys captivated the baseball world, and Maris ultimately broke Ruth’s record, finishing with 61 home runs.

Maris’s rookie card is from the 1958 Topps set. According to Card Ladder Sales Data, the highest recorded sale for a PSA 9 example was $31,200. For collectors, investing in a mid-grade PSA-graded example remains a strong option.

14. Lefty Gomez – 1932 U.S. Caramel RC

Lefty Gomez pitched 13 seasons with the New York Yankees from 1930 to 1942, winning six World Series championships. A two-time pitching Triple Crown winner and a seven-time All-Star, Gomez was one of the Yankees’ greatest pitchers and was later inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame.

While there is some uncertainty about his actual rookie card, Gomez has several highly sought-after cards. His 1932 U.S. Carmel and 1933 DeLong Gum cards are among his most valuable. A PSA 8 example of the ’32 U.S. Carmel sold for $13,213, while a PSA 8.5 ’33 DeLong Gum example sold for $27,308. Another strong option for collectors is his 1933 Goudey card.

15. C.C. Sabathia – 1999 Bowman Chrome Gold Refractor RC

C.C. Sabathia was recently announced as one of the newest members of the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame. He joined the Yankees in 2009 and immediately became their ace, helping lead the team to a World Series championship in his first season. Sabathia pitched for the Yankees for a decade, and in his final season, he recorded his 3,000th career strikeout.

His most sought-after card is the 1999 Bowman Chrome Gold Refractor rookie, serial-numbered to just 25 copies. A PSA 8 example recently sold for $3,500. These rare Gold Refractors are extremely difficult to find today and remain highly sought after. Among Gold Refractors of its era, the Sabathia rookie stands out as one of the best.

16. Gerrit Cole – 2012 Bowman Chrome Auto RC

Gerrit Cole joined the Yankees at the start of the 2020 season. Before that, he dominated with the Astros in 2018 and 2019, establishing himself as one of the best pitchers in baseball. He began his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates after being selected as the first overall pick in the 2011 MLB Amateur Draft.

Like many top prospects today, Cole was featured on a Bowman Chrome Auto Prospect card within a year of being drafted. His first Bowman Chrome Auto Prospect card is from 2012, with several serial-numbered parallels. His Orange Auto Refractor (/25) is the highest recorded sale, which sold for $2,551 in a PSA 9.

Cole’s 1st Bowman Chrome Auto Prospect cards remain undervalued, especially given his trajectory toward becoming a Hall of Famer and one of the Yankees’ all-time great pitchers.

17. Elston Howard – 1955 Bowman RC #68

Elston Howard made history as the first Black player to play for the New York Yankees, debuting in 1955. A key member of the Yankees’ dynasty teams of the 1950s and ’60s, Howard won four World Series championships, earned an MVP award, and was a 12-time All-Star.

His rookie card comes from the 1955 Bowman set. According to Card Ladder Sales Data, the highest recorded sale for this card was a PSA 10 example, which sold for $7,332. Notably, this remains the only PSA 10 in existence. Given its scarcity, Howard’s rookie card is highly undervalued in high-grade examples. A PSA 8, valued at around $400–$450, is a strong alternative for collectors.

18. Phil Rizzutto – 1948 Bowman RC #8

Phil Rizzuto, known as “The Scooter,” played a pivotal role in the Yankees’ dynasty of the 1940s. Over his career, he won seven World Series championships, earned an MVP award, and was a five-time All-Star. After retiring, he became a beloved Yankees announcer for many years.

Rizzuto has two rookie cards from 1948—one from Bowman and one from Leaf. According to Card Ladder Sales Data, the highest recorded sale for a Rizzuto rookie was a PSA 9 Bowman example, which sold for $12,535. His rookie cards remain widely available in mid-grade examples, making them an accessible option for collectors.

19. Jorge Posada – 1994 Bowman RC Auto

Jorge Posada was one of the “Core Four” players of the Yankees dynasty during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Originally drafted as a second baseman in the 43rd round of the 1989 MLB Amateur Draft, he transitioned to catcher and made his Yankees debut in 1995. However, he didn’t become a full-time player until 1998. Over his career, Posada won four World Series championships and finished with 275 home runs, a .273 batting average, 1,065 RBIs, and a .374 career OBP. Many argue he was an overlooked player with a Hall of Fame-caliber career.

Posada’s most sought-after rookie card is his 1994 Bowman card. The highest recorded sale for a signed PSA 10 Auto example was $225. Dual-grade examples of this card are scarce, but when a PSA 9/10 or PSA 10/10 surfaces, it could easily set a new record for the highest sale of a Posada rookie auto.

20. Andy Pettitte – 1993 Bowman RC Auto #103

Andy Pettitte was a “Core Four” member and one of the Yankees’ biggest steals in the early 1990s draft. Selected in the 22nd round of the 1990 MLB Draft, he made his Yankees debut in 1995 and won five World Series championships with the team. Pettitte finished his career with 256 wins, and many consider him a borderline Hall of Famer.

His most sought-after rookie card is the 1993 Bowman card #103. According to Card Ladder Sales Data, a PSA 10 example with a 10 Autograph grade sold for $799. Only 261 copies have been graded at this level. Given the increasing demand for dual-graded, signed slabbed rookie cards, Pettitte’s rookie remains a strong investment opportunity.

21. Giancarlo Stanton – 2008 Bowman Chrome Auto Prospect RC

Giancarlo Stanton originally went by the name Mike Stanton early in his career, and all his first-year cards bear that name. He made his MLB debut with the Marlins in 2010 and quickly became one of the league’s most feared sluggers. His best season came in 2017 when he crushed 59 home runs, winning NL MVP honors. The following year, he was traded to the New York Yankees.

Stanton’s most sought-after rookie card is his 2008 Bowman Chrome Auto Prospect. According to Card Ladder Sales Data, one of the most notable sales was an Orange Refractor (/25), which sold for $5,107.77 in 2018. More recently, the same card sold for $4,000 in October 2024.

Stanton has built a strong reputation for delivering in the postseason and has been a key playoff performer for the Yankees in recent years. As he approaches his 35th birthday in late 2025, he needs 71 more home runs to reach the 500-home run milestone. If he continues to produce, Stanton could have his number retired in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium.

22. Bill Dickey – 1932 U.S. Caramel #6 RC

Bill Dickey was a catcher for the Yankees for 17 seasons and a key part of the franchise’s 1930s dynasty teams. Over his career, he won eight World Series championships, earned 11 All-Star selections, and was later inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame.

One of Dickey’s earliest trading card examples is his 1932 U.S. Carmel card. According to Card Ladder Sales Data, a PSA 9 example ranks among the highest recorded sales, selling for $13,200. For collectors, lower or mid-grade PSA examples remain a solid investment option. However, the card is still challenging to find, as PSA has only graded less than 100 copies as of this writing.

23. Ron Guidry – 1976 Topps Rookie Pitchers #599

Ron Guidry spent his 14-year career with the New York Yankees from 1975 to 1988. Known by the nicknames “The Gator” and “Louisiana Lightning,” Guidry was one of the most dominant pitchers of his era. During his legendary 1978 season, he was so dominant that Yankees fans would erupt in cheers whenever he got two strikes on a batter, anticipating a strikeout. That year, he won the AL Cy Young Award and helped lead the Yankees to a World Series championship. Over his career, Guidry won two World Series titles and led the league in ERA twice.

Guidry’s rookie card is from the 1976 Topps set and is a four-panel card with three primarily unknown players. The highest recorded sale was a PSA 10 example, which sold for $6,098 in 2018. Given the continued demand for high-grade vintage cards, it’s reasonable to believe this card could now be worth nearly double that amount. Only four PSA 10 copies exist, making it a scarce find. For collectors, a PSA 8 or higher remains a strong investment option.

24. Goose Gossage – 1973 Topps RC #174

Goose Gossage was pivotal in shaping the modern closer position in baseball. He signed with the Yankees as a free agent, and in his first season in 1978, he helped lead the team to a World Series championship. Unlike today’s closers, Gossage frequently pitched multiple innings to earn saves, finishing his career with 310 saves. A nine-time All-Star, he was among the first relief pitchers to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

His rookie card is from the 1973 Topps set. The highest recorded sale for a PSA 10 example was $10,200. A PSA 8 example remains an affordable option for collectors, while a dual-graded signed slabbed version is another excellent alternative.

25. Bernie Williams – 1990 Topps #701 Auto RC

Bernie Williams debuted with the Yankees in 1991 and was the first homegrown player to emerge as a cornerstone of the franchise’s 1990s dynasty. He won four World Series championships over his 16-season career with the Yankees and finished with 2,336 hits, 287 home runs, and a .297 career batting average. Williams is considered a borderline Hall of Famer and could receive further consideration for induction through the Hall of Fame committee vote.

His most sought-after rookie card is his 1990 Topps. A PSA 10 example with a 10 Autograph grade is scarce, with only 14 copies graded at this level. According to Card Ladder Sales Data, the highest recorded sale for this card was $500. For collectors, a PSA 9/10 Auto is a strong alternative investment option.

26. Allie Reynolds

Allie Reynolds pitched eight seasons with the New York Yankees from 1947 to 1954, winning six World Series championships and earning five All-Star selections.

His rookie card is from the 1948 Bowman set; however, his 1952 and 1953 Topps cards tend to sell for higher prices in top grades. According to Card Ladder Sales Data, the highest recorded sale for his ’48 Bowman rookie was a PSA 9 example, which sold for $2,415. Only 10 PSA 9 copies exist. For collectors, mid-grade examples of his ’48 Bowman rookie remain a worthwhile investment.

Honorable Mentions: Notable Yankees and Their Rookie Cards

Willie Randolph – A popular Yankee during the 1970s and 1980s with a borderline Hall of Fame career. (1976 Topps Rookie)

Rickey Henderson – Put up impressive stats during his time with the Yankees. (1980 Topps Rookie)

Don Larsen – Pitched a perfect game in the 1956 World Series. (1954 Bowman Rookie Card)

Paul O’Neill – A key part of the Yankees’ 1990s dynasty and a fan favorite. (1986 Donruss PSA Rookie Auto)

Hideki Matsui – 2009 World Series MVP and beloved by Yankees fans. (2003 SP Authentic Rookie Auto or SPX Rookie Auto)

Bobby Murcer – A longtime fan favorite and key player for the Yankees. (1966 Topps Rookie)

Billy Martin – Played for the Yankees in the 1950s and later became an iconic manager. (1952 Topps Rookie)

Red Ruffing – One of the Yankees’ greatest pitchers during the 1930s and 1940s. (1933 Goudey)

Mel Stottlemyre – One of the Yankees’ top pitchers during the 1960s and early 1970s. (1965 Topps Rookie)

Joe Torre – Hall of Fame manager who led the mid-1990s and early 2000s Yankees’ dynasty, winning four World Series titles. (1962 Topps Rookie)

Alex Rodriguez – helped lead the Yankees to the ‘09 World Series Title (1994 SP PSA 10 Rookie)

Tino Martinez – part of the Yankees dynasty teams from the mid-1990s who won four World Series Championships (1988 Topps Traded PSA 10 w/10 Auto)

Roger Clemens – was a key contributor to winning two World Series Championships in 1999 & 2000. Won a Cy Young in ‘01 with the Yanks. (1984 Fleer Update PSA 10 w 10 Auto)