1977 Topps Rookie Pitchers Don Aase / Bob McClure / Gil Patterson / Dave Wehrmeister #488
Don Aase, Bob McClure, Gil Patterson, Dave Wehrmeister · Topps · Rookie Card / Base
Player
Don Aase, Bob McClure, Gil Patterson, Dave Wehrmeister
Set
1977 Topps Base
Year
1977
Card #
#488
Condition Grade
PSA 4 (VG-EX) to PSA 5 (EX) - Centering is significantly off-top to bottom (approx 80/20), and there is visible surface wear/scuffing in the blue sky area above Bob McClure.
Category
Rookie Card / Base
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Low - This is a 'common' card mostly sought by vintage set collectors or fans of the specific teams/players listed.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$0.50 - $2.00
Graded Value
PSA 5: $8-12, PSA 6: $15-20, PSA 8: $45-60 (Note: Grading cost exceeds current market value).
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies of this card in similar condition range from $0.99 to $2.50 plus shipping. PSA 8 copies (much higher quality than this) typically sell for $40-50.
Description
A classic 1977 Topps multi-player rookie card featuring four young pitchers: Don Aase (Red Sox), Bob McClure (Royals), Gil Patterson (Yankees), and Dave Wehrmeister (Padres). The card features the 'ROOKIES' header in green block letters with a 'PITCHERS' banner. It utilizes a four-panel photo layout characteristic of late 70s Topps rookie subsets.
Key Features
Includes Don Aase, who went on to be an All-Star closer, and Bob McClure, who had a long 19-year career in the majors. This is a common card from the 'junk wax' era precursor, valued primarily by set builders.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. The card stock shows the correct grey-cardboard back (implied by 1977 Topps) and the print pattern (ben-day dots) is consistent with 1970s offset lithography. Not a commonly faked card due to low market value.
Flaws to Note
Significant top-to-bottom centering issues (heavy bottom border). There is a distinct scuff/print defect in the upper right quadrant (McClure's panel). Softening of corners is visible, particularly the top left. The edges show slight silvering/rough cut common to 1977 stock.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Best sold in a 'filler' lot on eBay, in a 'quarter box' at a local card show, or listed on COMC.com for set builders.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card; the grading fees will be significantly higher than the card's worth. List it as '1977 Topps #488 Rookie Pitchers' and mention the specific teams (Red Sox, Yankees, etc.) to catch team-specific collectors.