The Best Fernando Valenzuela Cards, Ranked

Fernando Valenzuela, an unforgettable figure in baseball, especially in Los Angeles, left an indelible mark on the game and his fans before his recent passing on October 22, 2024. Known for his powerful left-handed screwball and cool presence on the mound, Valenzuela brought “Fernandomania” to life in the early 1980s as he became a force for the Los Angeles Dodgers. His 1981 debut season was one for the record books, earning him the rare distinction of winning both the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in the same year—a feat never before accomplished. Throughout the 1980s, Valenzuela continued to dominate, securing six All-Star selections and leading in wins, strikeouts, and complete games. This article will showcase some of his most notable and collectible cards, spanning his rookie year and beyond, for those who wish to honor his legacy in their collections.

Top Fernando Valenzuela Cards to Add to Your Collection

1. 1981 Topps Traded #850 (PSA 10 – $2700, PSA 9 – $400)

Fernando’s top card is undeniably the 1981 Topps Traded card in a PSA 10. The 1981 Topps Traded set is known for its centering and quality control issues, making high-grade versions of Valenzuela’s card extremely rare. With only a pop of 21 in PSA 10, and approximately 1,300 copies graded overall, this card is highly sought after by Valenzuela enthusiasts and dedicated Dodgers collectors. The gem rate is just 1.4% (according to GemRate), with only 21 gem copies across the pop reports for all graders. This card also made its way into MLB The Show 23 and 24 as Valenzuela’s rookie version, featuring his signature screwball, which became a favorite for fans of the game.

2. 1981 Topps Traded #302 (PSA 10 – N/A, PSA 9 – $250)

Another standout rookie card from 1981 is Fernando’s #302 Topps card, which he shares with Jack Perconte and future manager Mike Scioscia. This “Future Stars” card is notorious among collectors for having zero gem mint copies across PSA, BGS, and SGC, with just one existing gem copy held by CGC. Known for its significant quality control issues, including edge and centering problems due to it being on the edge of the printed sheet, this card is exceptionally hard to find in pristine condition. It’s an interesting collectible featuring two notable figures, Valenzuela and Scioscia, who both left lasting legacies in MLB.

3. 1981 Fleer #140 (PSA 10 – $600, PSA 9 – $100)

Third on the list is Fernando’s 1981 Fleer card, an appealing alternative to the Topps version and collectible in its own right. This card features a high-quality image of Fernando, along with a memorable error: Fleer accidentally omitted the “O” at the end of his name, spelling it “Fernand.” Notably, this was also Fleer’s first baseball card release since 1963, marking its return to the trading card scene. Despite its relative rarity, the card is still affordable for collectors wanting a significant piece of Valenzuela history without a premium price tag.

4. 1982 Topps #510 (PSA 10 – $300, PSA 9 – $40)

The final card on our list is Valenzuela’s 1982 Topps #510, marking his second year in MLB. It has a pop of just 10 in PSA 10, with a low gem rate of 2.2%, making it a rare find for collectors aiming for top condition cards. The card’s close-up image of Fernando has become a fan favorite, especially among Valenzuela collectors, and remains accessible, with PSA 9s priced at around $40. Additionally, there’s an extremely rare “blackless” variation, where the card was mistakenly printed without the black plate, adding intrigue for serious collectors. MLB The Show 22 fans may also recognize this card, as it inspired his 83 overall All-Star card in the game.

Conclusion

Fernando Valenzuela’s card collection captures not only his career achievements but also the legacy of “Fernandomania” that swept baseball in the 1980s. From his sought-after 1981 Topps Traded rookie card to his iconic second-year release, each card offers collectors a chance to honor Valenzuela’s impact on the game. His cards remain valuable and cherished for fans and collectors alike, celebrating a legendary career that will be remembered for generations. Which Valenzuela card is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

Card images were provided by CardLadder.com.

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