Biff Pocoroba Baseball Card: Why This Braves Catcher Is Still a Fan Favorite

If you grew up watching the Atlanta Braves in the mid-70s, you probably remember the name Biff Pocoroba. Not just because he was a solid backstop who could handle the likes of Phil Niekro, but let's be honest—it’s the name. "Biff." It’s a name that sounds like a comic book sound effect or a 1950s protagonist.

For many collectors, the biff pocoroba baseball card isn't just a piece of cardboard; it's a nostalgia trip back to a time when the Braves were struggling to find their footing in the National League West. While Biff might not have the Cooperstown pedigree of a Johnny Bench or a Carlton Fisk, his cards have a dedicated following that persists even in 2026.

The Allure of the Biff Pocoroba Baseball Card

What makes a guy with a .257 lifetime average a staple in so many collections? It’s a mix of cult hero status and some genuinely interesting cardboard history. Biff played his entire ten-year career in Atlanta. He was a switch-hitter, which was rare for catchers at the time, and he even made an All-Star team in 1978.

But for the "junk wax" era and vintage hunters, his cards represent a specific flavor of baseball history. You aren't buying a Biff card because you think it'll pay for your kid's college. You're buying it because he was the heart of those scrappy 70s Braves teams.

The 1976 Topps Rookie Card (#103)

Most hobbyists consider the 1976 Topps #103 to be his official rookie card. It’s got that classic 70s Topps design—the little colorful banners and the somewhat grainy photography.

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Price-wise, you can usually snag a raw, ungraded version for less than a buck at most card shows. If you’re looking for a PSA 9 or 10, though, the price jumps significantly. Why? Because these cards were printed on notoriously poor stock. Centering issues and "print snow" (those little white dots) make finding a gem-mint copy surprisingly tough. A PSA 9 has been known to fetch between $20 and $50 depending on the day, while a PSA 10 is a true rarity that can push even higher.

The 1975 SSPC Card

Now, if you want to get technical, his first appearance is often cited as the 1975 SSPC #15. This wasn't a "mainstream" pack-pulled set like Topps, but it's a favorite for its clean photography and lack of clutter. For many Biff completionists, this is the "true" rookie, even if the hobby at large defaults to the 1976 Topps.

The Weird and the Rare

Most people think Biff only exists on standard Topps cards. Nope. If you really want to dive deep into the world of the biff pocoroba baseball card, you have to look at the oddball stuff.

1. 1978 Hostess #99: These were literally cut off the back of Twinkie and Ding Dong boxes. Finding one with clean "hand-cut" edges is the holy grail for oddball collectors.
2. 1982 Topps "Wrong Back" Errors: There are copies of Biff's 1982 card that have the stats of Mike Witt or Amos Otis on the back. These are the kind of "mistakes" that drive collectors wild.
3. 1981 Braves Police/Safety Sets: These were given out by local law enforcement. They’re harder to find than standard Fleer or Donruss and usually feature Biff looking a bit more "official."

Honestly, I’ve seen these go for more than the Topps counterparts just because the supply is so much lower.

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Why collectors still hunt for Biff today

He passed away in 2020, and that sparked a renewed interest in his career. People started sharing stories about his walk-off grand slam in 1977 and his transition into the sausage business after baseball. He was a real person, not just a stat line.

Collectors today are moving away from just chasing the "big hits." There’s a growing movement of "character collectors"—people who want the guys who made the game fun. Biff fits that mold perfectly. He was a switch-hitting catcher who played third base when needed and had a name that invited "Biff!" chants from the stands.

Current Market Value Trends (2026)

Right now, the market is fairly stable. You aren't going to see a "Biff bubble."

• 1976 Topps (#103) Raw: $0.50 - $1.50
• 1976 Topps (#103) PSA 9: $25.00 - $45.00
• 1977 Topps (#594): $0.25 - $1.00
• 1979 Topps (#555): Around $1.00 for a nice copy.
• Autographed Cards: A certified autograph (like the 2015 Topps Buybacks) can range from $20 to $50.

The 1979 O-Pee-Chee version—the Canadian equivalent—is also worth a look. They usually have a smaller print run and are much harder to find in high grades because of the "rough cut" edges typical of O-Pee-Chee's cutting wire.

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Building a Biff Pocoroba "Master Set"

If you’re serious about this, don’t just stop at the Topps run. Look for the 1981 Fleer, the 1983 Donruss, and those weird regional issues. Biff was featured in almost every major set from 1976 through 1984.

The 1984 Topps Tiffany card is another one for the "serious" hunters. It looks exactly like the regular 1984 card but has a high-gloss finish and was only available in complete sets. It’s a bit of a "luxury" version of a standard common card.

Actionable Steps for Collectors

If you're looking to add a biff pocoroba baseball card to your collection, or maybe you found one in an old shoebox, here is what you should do next:

• Check the Edges: On the 1976 rookie, the white borders show wear instantly. If the corners are "soft" or rounded, it’s a buck-bin card. If they’re sharp enough to cut paper, consider getting it graded.
• Look for the O-Pee-Chee Logo: Many people mistake the Canadian O-Pee-Chee cards for Topps. Look at the small print. O-Pee-Chee versions generally command a 20-30% premium over the US Topps versions.
• Verify the "Wrong Back": If you have a 1982 Topps Biff, flip it over. If the name at the top of the stats doesn't say "Biff Pocoroba," you’ve found an error card that a specialist collector would love to have.
• Browse Local Georgia Shows: Since Biff was a career Brave, you’re much more likely to find his rare regional cards and police issues at card shows in the Atlanta area than anywhere else in the country.

Owning a piece of Biff's career isn't about the money. It's about owning a piece of 70s baseball culture. Whether it's the 1978 Hostess card or the 1976 Topps rookie, these cards keep the memory of one of the game's most uniquely named players alive.

Go through your old binders. You might just have a Biff waiting for you.