1974 Topps Rookie Pitchers Bob Apodaca / Dick Baney / John D'Acquisto / Mike Wallace #598
Bob Apodaca, Dick Baney, John D'Acquisto, Mike Wallace · Topps · Rookie Card (RC), Multi-Player Base
Player
Bob Apodaca, Dick Baney, John D'Acquisto, Mike Wallace
Set
1974 Topps Base Set
Year
1974
Card #
#598
Condition Grade
PSA 3 (VG) to PSA 4 (VG-EX). The centering is visibly shifted towards the top and right. Corners show significant rounding and softening, particularly the bottom left and top right. Edges exhibit minor chipping and fuzziness.
Category
Rookie Card (RC), Multi-Player Base
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Low. None of the players featured are Hall of Famers or high-level superstars, limiting demand to team collectors (Mets/Giants) or 1974 set builders.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$0.50 - $2.00
Graded Value
PSA 3: $5-8; PSA 4: $10-15; PSA 5: $20-25 (Note: Grading cost exceeds current value).
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies of card #598 in similar mid-grade condition range from $0.99 to $2.50. PSA 8 (NM-MT) copies typically sell for $30-45, but this card would not reach that grade.
Description
This 1974 Topps baseball card features a four-player '1974 Rookie Pitchers' layout. The card displays color portraits of Bob Apodaca (Mets), Dick Baney (Reds), John D'Acquisto (Giants), and Mike Wallace (Phillies) framed in yellow rounded borders against a white card stock. The top banner is a vibrant red with white text.
Key Features
Includes the rookie season card for notable Mets pitcher and coach Bob Apodaca and John D'Acquisto. Part of the high-number range (#529-660) of the 1974 set, which can sometimes be more sought after than low numbers, though this specific card is common.
Authenticity Indicators
Authenticity confidence: High. The cardboard stock shows the correct greyish-brown pulp on the edges (typical for 1974 Topps). The lithographic dot pattern in the images is consistent with 1970s printing technology.
Flaws to Note
Obvious corner wear and rounding. The top-right edge has visible fraying. Centering is approximately 75/25 top-to-bottom and 70/30 left-to-right. Surface appears to have light discoloration/toning consistent with age.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Best sold as part of a lot on eBay or Mercari, or in a 'quarter box' at a local card show. Given the condition and value, it is not a candidate for major auction houses.
Selling Tips
Do not grade this card, as the fees will far outweigh the market value. When listing, mention 'set filler' or 'lot' to attract builders of the 1974 set. Ship in a penny sleeve and top-loader via eBay Standard Envelope ($0.60 - $1.00) to keep costs low for the buyer.