Baseball card collecting has long been a beloved hobby for fans of America's pastime. The thrill of ripping open packs as a kid and searching for that one rare card keeps people collecting into adulthood. The New York Mets have had their fair share of iconic baseball cards over the years. Let's explore the top 5 most valuable Mets cards that collectors would love to get their hands on.

1. 1984 Darryl Strawberry Rookie Card

Darryl Strawberry was one of the most hyped rookies of his era. Nicknamed "Straw," he could mash with the best of them. Strawberry burst onto the scene by winning the 1983 National League Rookie of the Year award. As a result, demand for his rookie cards was through the roof.

The 1984 Darryl Strawberry Topps rookie card remains his most iconic. Graded copies in pristine condition can fetch over six figures at auction. Even well-worn copies in decent shape can command over $1,000.

Strawberry would go on to make 8 All-Star teams while hitting over 250 home runs with the Mets. Injuries derailed the latter part of his career, making his rookie card a lasting piece of memorabilia for Mets fans.

2. 1968 Nolan Ryan Rookie Card

Nolan Ryan is famous for being the all-time strikeout king in MLB history. What collectors may not know is that Ryan actually started his Hall of Fame career as a member of the New York Mets.

Ryan's rookie card comes from the 1968 Topps set. High-grade copies of this card easily sell for over $20,000. That's because Nolan Ryan went on to have one of the most dominant careers ever for a pitcher.

The flamethrower won 324 games and racked up a stunning 5,714 strikeouts. He tossed a record 7 no-hitters as well. Ryan may have gone on to star for the Astros and Rangers, but collectors recognize his early days with the Mets on this valuable rookie card.

3. 1962 Tom Seaver Rookie Card

Speaking of legendary Mets pitchers, Tom Seaver anchored the Miracle Mets team that amazingly won the 1969 World Series. His long career included 3 Cy Young awards and 12 All-Star game appearances.

Seaver's rookie card was in the 1962 Topps set. There are two Seaver rookie variations: one with a team name and one without. The more valuable card leaves off the team name, as Seaver had not yet signed. This rare "no-team" Seaver rookie can sell for over $5,000 in top condition.

Any Tom Seaver rookie card is a prized item for Mets fans and collectors alike. He's considered by many to be the greatest player in franchise history.

4. 1986 Mets World Series Team Signed Ball

No surprise here, as the 1986 New York Mets won one of the most dramatic World Series in MLB history. This team was full of colorful characters, such as pitcher Bill Buckner letting a routine ground ball go through his legs in Game 6.

A full team-signed ball featuring stars like Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, Keith Hernandez, and Gary Carter is a dream piece of memorabilia. Limited edition balls featuring every member of the '86 champs often auction for over $3,000. Individual signed balls generally sell between $100-$500, depending on the key names.

For Mets fans, owning a ball signed by the miracle '86 team represents the glorious pinnacle of franchise history. These are incredibly desirable and valuable artifacts.

5. 1969 Topps Nolan Ryan Rookie Card (#533)

Okay, one more Nolan Ryan rookie card for good measure! Ryan's first card as an established Met was in the 1969 Topps set. Interestingly, the '69 Ryan rookie is far more attainable than the scarce '68 version.

Mint condition copies can still sell for over $1,000 due to Ryan's legendary career. However, even lower-grade copies in the $50-$100 range give collectors a chance to own a Ryan rookie.

The 1969 season saw the Miracle Mets win the World Series after Ryan contributed mightily in the regular season with a 2.28 ERA. The #533 Nolan Ryan rookie card memorializes the early career of one of baseball's most dominating pitchers.

Wrapping Up Our Mets Card Collection

Baseball cards let us vividly remember our childhood heroes decades later as adults. Iconic players like Tom Seaver, Nolan Ryan, and Darryl Strawberry created endless memories for New York Mets fans.

Their vintage rookie cards and other rare collectibles allow fans to proudly display a piece of Mets history. Next time you're browsing for baseball cards, keep an eye out for these top 5 most valuable Mets cards that can anchor any collection.