1968 Topps #575 Jim Palmer PSA GEM MINT 10

1968 Topps #575 Jim Palmer PSA 10 – The Ace of a Dynasty

By 1968, Jim Palmer was quickly emerging as the young anchor of the Baltimore Orioles’ rotation — a poised right-hander with a smooth delivery and Hall of Fame trajectory. Just two years removed from throwing a shutout in the 1966 World Series at age 20, Palmer was already displaying the command and composure that would define his career. The late ’60s marked the dawn of Baltimore’s dominance, and Palmer’s presence on the mound would help the Orioles capture three championships and establish one of baseball’s great pitching dynasties.

The 1968 Topps #575 is a classic of the burlap-border era — a design that perfectly embodies the look and feel of late-’60s baseball. This particular PSA 10 Gem Mint example sits at the absolute top of the population, offering pristine centering, sharp corners, flawless edges, and rich, vibrant color throughout. The photo captures a youthful Palmer in his Orioles cap, confident and composed, with a look that foreshadows years of dominance to come. Given the condition challenges of the ’68 set — from chipping and print snow to off-centering — examples of this perfection are exceptionally rare.

As one of the finest surviving copies of Palmer’s early Topps issues, this card represents more than Gem Mint condition — it’s a piece of Orioles and hobby history.