On Display: 1975 Topps George Brett Rookie Card PSA 10 Gem Mint
Issued: 1975 by Topps Chewing Gum, Inc.
Card Number: #228
Population: Over 15,200 graded; only 11 PSA 10 examples
Hall of Fame Induction: 1999
Career Highlights: .305 AVG | 3,154 Hits | 13x All-Star | 1980 AL MVP | 3x Batting Champion
“If God had him no balls and two strikes, he’d still get a hit.” — American League umpire Steve Palermo
One of only eleven known PSA 10 Gem Mint examples out of over 15,200 graded, this 1975 Topps George Brett rookie card is among the most coveted modern-era treasures in the baseball card world. Representing a mere 0.07% of the population, its pristine condition mirrors the exceptional career of the Hall of Famer it celebrates.
Over 21 seasons with the Kansas City Royals, George Brett redefined excellence at third base. A 13-time All-Star, Brett retired with a .305 batting average, 3,154 hits, and a reputation for clutch hitting and unwavering intensity. His unforgettable 1980 season, in which he batted .390, remains the highest single-season average since Ted Williams’ .406 in 1941—an achievement that earned Brett his lone American League MVP Award and helped lead the Royals to their first AL Pennant.
While his statistical legacy places him alongside the likes of Mike Schmidt, Chipper Jones, and Brooks Robinson as one of the greatest third basemen in history, Brett’s name is forever etched into baseball lore by the Pine Tar Incident of July 24, 1983. After his dramatic go-ahead home run at Yankee Stadium was nullified due to excessive pine tar on his bat, Brett famously stormed out of the dugout in a moment of raw emotion that remains one of the game’s most iconic scenes. The league later overturned the call, reinstating the home run and the Royals’ lead—a vivid reminder of Brett’s fiery passion and enduring impact.
This 1975 Topps rookie card captures Brett in a crisp batting pose against a two-tone purple and green background—an unmistakable visual signature of the era. It boasts razor-sharp corners, flawless surfaces, and nearly perfect centering, all contributing to its PSA 10 Gem Mint status. Its condition is not just extraordinary—it is historically rare, elevating it to the uppermost echelon of sports collectibles.