It was a lot of fun putting together the top 100 cards of the 1970s and also a lot of work.
Overall, I enjoyed relaying what I loved about these cards and getting into the spirit of the decade that was my childhood.
It was also nice knowing that at least once a week, from September to December, I had a post ready to go.
Best of all, after promising to do this for like four years, I did it.
Here are a few lists that I compiled from the completed greatest 100 list:
SET THAT APPEARED MOST OFTEN
1. 1973 Topps - 16
2. 1976 Topps - 14
3. 1971 Topps - 11
4. 1975 Topps - 9
4. 1978 Topps - 9
6. 1977 Topps - 8
7. 1970 Topps - 7
7. 1976 SSPC - 7
9. 1974 Topps - 6
10. 1972 Topps - 5
The '70s Topps set that I knew the least about, besides the 1970 set, when I started this blog came out on top. But it was a close race as the 1976 set came on strong in the final 20. Four of the top 10 and seven of the top 20 were 1976 Topps cards. This supports what I've read about '76 Topps -- that the company made an effort to focus on the photos that year.
POSITION THAT APPEARED THE MOST
1. Pitcher - 22
2. Outfield - 20
3. Catcher - 10
4. Third Base - 9
5. Shortstop - 8
6. First Base - 7
7. Second Base - 5
Even with three outfielders needed per game, the pitcher comes out on top.
TEAM THAT APPEARED THE MOST
1. Yankees - 9
2. A's - 8
3. Mets - 7
3. Reds - 7
5. Dodgers - 6
5. Indians - 6
7. Angels - 5
7. Padres - 5
7. Phillies - 5
7. Royals - 5
11. Brewers - 4
11. Expos - 4
11. Orioles - 4
11. Pirates - 4
15. Astros - 3
15. Braves - 3
15. Giants - 3
15. Red Sox - 3
15. Tigers - 3
20. Rangers - 2
20. Twins - 2
20. White Sox - 2
23. Blue Jays - 1
23. Cardinals - 1
23. Cubs - 1
23. Pilots - 1
That adds up to more than 100 but that's because some teams shared a card.
The teams that dominated the '70s dominated the list for the most part. You can chalk up the Indians' showing to the Oscar Gamble effect.
Speaking of which ...
PLAYER THAT APPEARED THE MOST
1. Oscar Gamble - 3
1. Reggie Jackson - 3
1. George Brett - 3
1. Nolan Ryan - 3
1. Johnny Bench - 3
6. Hank Aaron - 2
6. Vida Blue - 2
6. Roberto Clemente - 2
6. Steve Garvey - 2
6. Rick Gossage - 2
6. Bud Harrelson - 2
6. Pete Rose - 2
6. Tony Perez - 2
There are five players tied with three appearances apiece, although only Gamble and Jackson have three cards to themselves. Brett shares one with Al Cowens, Nolan Ryan shares one with three of his Mets buddies, and Bench shares one with teammate Tony Perez and a couple of A's fielders.
So that brings the '70s countdown to a close. I've placed the countdown on the sidebar, just click the image if you want to relive the whole shebang.
There was a comment on the previous '70s countdown post wondering if there would be any other decade countdown.
I hadn't had any plans to do another one until I saw how well this one was received.
But what the hell.
Coming in 2018.
It's going to be totally rad.
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