Learn All About the Minnie Miñoso Rookie Cards

By: Marty Beets

Minnie Miñoso is considered one of the best baseball players of the 1950s and 1960s.  He was a 13-time All-Star during his playing career and was elected into the baseball Hall of Fame in 2021.

His rookie and early cards are some of the most valuable cards in the collecting hobby. Let's take a look at some of these vintage Minnie Miñoso cards:

1952 Topps

Card #195

This is the most sought-after Minnie Miñoso card. It is considered a rookie card by some collectors.

The 1952 Topps Minnie Miñoso rookie is his most valuable card even though it was made a year after his Bowman rookie. The 1952 Topps set is regard as one of the greatest ever made.

1951 Bowman 

This is another iconic Minnie Miñoso rookie. It is more sought after because he was finally elected into the Hall of Fame. It is the first Minnie Miñoso rookie card.

Card #5

The 1951 Bowman Minnie Miñoso card was issued one year before the 1952 Topps, making it the first Miñoso rookie.  Although it's not as valuable as the 1952 Topps, it's still an iconic baseball card.

1952 Berk Ross

The 1952 Berk Ross was part of a 72-card set. It is considered an oddball rookie card.

The 1952 Berk Ross “Hit Parade of Champions” Minnie Miñoso card features a very basic design.  This set was heavily focused on New York teams but contained at least one card from all teams.

1952 Red Man 

cards ##AL15

This Minnie Miñoso card was included in Red Man tobacco packets.  It is considered an oddball rookie card.

There was a 1/2″ tab on the bottom of each card that could be redeemed to get a free Red Man baseball cap.  If the tab is still attached, they are more difficult to find and more valuable.

Minnie Miñoso rookies 

1951 Bowman Universally considered a rookie

1952 Topps Sometimes conidered a rookie

1952 Berk Ross Considered an oddball rookie

1952 Red Man Considered an oddball rookie