A Legend's Cardboard Debut

Today marks the debut of an ongoing series that will look at cards from the playing-days career of Dale Murphy. Who knows, there might even be features on post-career cards as well. 

A Legend’s Cardboard Debut

Long before he became a two-time National League MVP and a beloved figure in Atlanta Braves history, Dale Murphy was just a young catcher with raw power and limitless potential. His inclusion in the 1977 Topps set marked the first cardboard glimpse into what would become a remarkable career.

A Glimpse of Promise

Murph made his Major League debut with the Braves late in the 1976 season. Though he played in only 19 games, he showed flashes of the athleticism and power that made him the 5th overall pick in the 1974 amateur draft, traits that would define his career. At just 20 years old, he was considered one of the franchise’s brightest prospects. It was this promise that earned him a spot on a four-player "Rookie Catchers" card in the 1977 Topps set, alongside Gary Alexander, Rick Cerone, and Kevin Pasley.

Though it wasn’t a solo card, Murphy’s inclusion in the multi-player rookie format was standard practice for Topps at the time. They routinely grouped young players by position, offering a glimpse into the potential future stars of the league. In Murphy’s case, it would become a keystone for a generation of collectors who grew up watching the Braves on WTBS. 

The 1977 Topps Baseball Set

The 1977 Topps set is iconic in its own right. Comprising 660 cards, it features a clean design with the team name in bold, colorful letters at the top and a facsimile autograph for each player. The set captures a transitional era in baseball, with many players from the 1970s featured alongside rising stars like Dale, Andre Dawson, and pitching phenom Mark “The Bird” Fidrych.

Topps distributed the 1977 set through several traditional means:

Wax packs: Typically containing 10 cards and a stick of gum, sold for 15 cents per pack.

Cello packs: With more cards per pack, often 18–22, priced slightly higher.

Rack packs: Clear-wrapped to display the top cards, aimed at drawing collectors’ attention at retail stores. Packs contained 39 cards for 49 cents.

Vending boxes and full hobby boxes: Distributed to hobby dealers and collectors, a full wax box contained 36 packs, selling for around $5–6 at release—a price that seems minuscule by today’s standards.

Six years ago, Dale sat down with Leighton Sheldon to open a couple of packs of 1977 Topps baseball. Do they pull a Murph Rookie Card? Watch to find out! 

Condition and Collectability

Murphy’s 1977 rookie card remains relatively affordable compared to other Hall of Fame-caliber rookies, partly due to the fact that it’s a shared card. However, it has gained steady appreciation among collectors—especially Braves fans and 1980s baseball enthusiasts.

That said, finding high-grade versions of this card can be a challenge. The centering of 1977 Topps cards is notoriously inconsistent, and print quality issues were common. As a result, PSA 9 or 10 graded examples are significantly rarer and command a premium. Lower-grade raw copies remain accessible, making it a great entry point for collectors new to vintage cards.

Legacy

While Murphy would later switch positions from catcher to outfielder, leading the National League in home runs and RBIs during the 1980s, his 1977 rookie card captures a moment in time—a young player on the brink of stardom. He’d go on to earn seven All-Star selections and five Gold Gloves, becoming one of the most respected and admired players of his era, both for his on-the-field performance and off-the-field character.

Final Thoughts

While it may not carry the six-figure price tags of some hobby grails, Dale Murphy’s 1977 Topps rookie card holds a unique place in the hearts of collectors. It represents the beginning of a career defined by consistency, humility, and leadership — qualities that made Murphy not just a Braves legend, but one of the most respected players of his era.