Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins is one of the greatest pitchers ever. With a sole RC and a noteworthy variation, we’ve taken the time to check out his best ever rookie options. 

As the first pitcher ever to retire with at least 3,000 strikeouts and fewer than 1,000 walks, Fergie Jenkins is a living legend. He played for the majority of his career with the Cubs, but he started off with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1965.

However, there aren’t many Jenkins rookie cards on the market, as a byproduct of an era in which there was usually only one release per year. In fact, he even has to share his RC with another Phillies player.

The Best Fergie Jenkins Rookie Cards

There are two Fergie Jenkins rookie cards from 1966 to chase. We’ll take you through each release in detail below. 

2. 1966 Venezuela Topps Fergie Jenkins, Bill Sorrell RC #254 (eBay)

Let’s start with 1966 Venezuelan Topps baseball. Similar to the original 1966 Topps set seen below, these cards feature Spanish text on the reverse, and were printed differently to the US version. They lack the premium glossy finish, and they’re far darker due to the card stock. 

PSA notes that “the Venezuelan versions can be as much as 1/8” smaller than their counterpart.”

Billy Sorrell shares this dual rookie with Jenkins. The stock and the lack of a glossy finish make it easily recognizable compared to the US version. 

Check prices of 1966 Venezuela Topps Fergie Jenkins, Bill Sorrell RC on eBay

1. 1966 Topps Fergie Jenkins, Bill Sorrell RC #254 (eBay)

The original 1966 Topps RC, this card focuses on two top Phillies rookies from the 1966 season. 

The card is split in half to fit both Jenkins and Sorrell. You’ll also be able to find hand-signed versions, typically filled on Jenkins’ side only. 

At the current time of writing, there are only 7 PSA 10 copies according to the registry. The last Gem Mint version sold for $37,200, with 9 grades selling for just over $2,000. 

As is often the case, there’s a serious aftermarket for buyers of Jenkins’ true RC. 

Check prices of 1966 Topps Fergie Jenkins, Bill Sorrell RC on eBay

Why Are Fergie Jenkins Rookie Cards So Valuable?

There’s only one true option, with a sole Venezuelan variation. It’s valuable due to the relative scarcity, as well as the fact it was released back in 1966. Then there’s the fact that the international version is also tough to locate. 

Jenkins is also a hero in his homeland, and was named the Canadian Press male athlete of the year four times (1967, 1968, 1971, and 1974). There’s a solid aftermarket for his best releases. 

Fergie Jenkins Rookie Cards: Final Thoughts 

Produced way back in 1966, there aren’t many copies of the Jenkins RC that have made it to the present day. Regardless, higher grades are worth a considerable sum of money. The Venezuelan release does mean that it’s not as expensive as it could be. 

One of the more important players from his era, Jenkins is a true legend of the sport. We’d also keep an eye on PSA 10 sales. 

As long as there are fewer than 10 Gem Mint copies, they’re going to be worth a lot of money. If you’d prefer Jenkins in a more familiar Cubs uniform, 1967 Topps is the best place to begin.