1980 Topps #482 Rickey Henderson ROOKIE PSA NM-MT+ 8.5
1980 Topps #482 Rickey Henderson PSA 8.5 – A Rookie of Baseball’s All-Time Stolen Base King
The 1980 Topps #482 Rickey Henderson rookie card is one of the defining issues of the modern era. Henderson burst onto the scene with a dynamic mix of speed, swagger, and offensive spark that revolutionized the game. Over his career, he became the all-time stolen base leader with an untouchable 1,406 swipes, paired with 3,055 hits, 297 home runs, and a reputation as one of the most disruptive leadoff hitters in baseball history. His ability to change games from the very first pitch made him a generational talent and a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
The 1980 Topps set is instantly recognizable with its clean, straightforward design and team-colored banners framing the player image. Henderson’s rookie, however, stands above the rest, cementing itself as one of the most iconic cards of the decade. This PSA 8.5 example offers sharp corners, vibrant color, and clean borders, striking a strong balance between eye appeal and condition sensitivity. The half-grade bump above a straight PSA 8 adds meaningful value, placing it just below the elite Mint examples at a more approachable level for collectors.
As the premier rookie card of the greatest leadoff hitter the game has ever seen, Henderson’s 1980 Topps is a cornerstone in any serious baseball collection. This high-grade copy captures both the start of a Hall of Fame career and the card that remains a benchmark for 1980s hobby icons.