The 1988 Donruss baseball set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the entire brand’s history. While not the flashiest or most innovative design compared to other years, the ’88 Donruss roster featured several young superstars that would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. As such, many of the top rookie and star cards from that set have increased tremendously in value over the past 30+ years. Here are the 10 most valuable 1988 Donruss baseball cards based on PSA 10 Gem Mint grades:
Ken Griffey Jr. – At just 18 years old in 1988, Griffey Jr. was already lighting up the majors with his combination of power and stellar defense in center field. His Donruss rookie card showed incredible promise and it’s graded a PSA 10 would fetch around $3,000 today. Even in PSA 9 Excellent condition, it commands over $1,000. Griffey would go on to have one of the greatest careers in baseball history and is still one of the most popular players ever.
Gregg Olson – As the closer for the Baltimore Orioles’ dominant pitching staff of the late 1980s and early 90s, Olson established himself as arguably the best reliever in baseball during this time period. He led the AL in saves from 1989-1992. His ’88 Donruss rookie is one of the key short print cards from the set and a PSA 10 would sell for around $3,500. Even raw, it still has significant value due to the rarity of high grade examples.
Mark McGwire – Big Mac’s iconic power bat was already on full display by 1988 when he smacked 49 home runs as a rookie. His intimidating presence in the batter’s box translated well to his baseball cards and his ’88 Donruss rookie remains highly sought after by collectors. A pristine PSA 10 McGwire would fetch $4,000-5,000. In PSA 9 condition, expect to pay at least $1,500-2,000 still.
Barry Larkin – One of the greatest shortstops of all-time, Larkin was a rookie sensation for the Cincinnati Reds in 1986 and only continued establishing himself as a perennial All-Star and Gold Glove winner throughout the late 80s. His slick fielding and bat control made him a fan favorite. A PSA 10 rookie would sell for around $5,000 today. Even raw, it holds value in the $1,000-2,000 range.
Tom Glavine – Future Hall of Famer Glavine had already racked up 16 wins for the Atlanta Braves as a 22-year-old in 1988 and looked primed for stardom. His ’88 Donruss is considered the key rookie card for the legendary lefty and examples that grade PSA 10 in pristine condition can demand $5,500-6,000. PSA 9s still bring in $2,000-3,000.
Randy Johnson – At just 25 years old in 1988, it was evident “The Big Unit” had the talent and intimidating 6’10” frame to dominate hitters for years. His combination of blazing fastballs and slippery sliders was rarely seen. As one of the short prints from the set, his rookie is highly coveted by collectors. A PSA 10 ‘Johnson” could sell for $6,000. Even in PSA 9 condition, they bring $2,500-3,500 still due to his legendary career.
Cal Ripken Jr. – The Iron Man was already demonstrating his consistency and durability by playing in every single game from 1982 through 1987 for the Baltimore Orioles. His smooth swing and rocket arm at shortstop translated to some of the most iconic baseball cards of the 80s/90s. A pristine PSA 10 ’88 Donruss Ripken would demand $7,000-8,000. Even well-centered PSA 9s hold $3,000+ value.
Frank Thomas – At just 20 years old for the 1988 season, “The Big Hurt” was annihilating American League pitching to the tune of a .289 average with 16 home runs and 54 RBI in only 77 games. Scouts were already pegging him as a future superstar and MVP – which he absolutely lived up to. His ’88 Donruss rookie is among the scarcest short prints and grades extremely tough in high condition. A flawless PSA 10 “Frank The Tank” would fetch $8,000-10,000. Even PSA 9s still sell for $3,500+.
Barry Bonds – Though he had played parts of 3 seasons prior, ’88 was essentially Bonds’ true rookie season as he broke out with 24 HR and a .283 average in only 113 games. His sweet lefty swing and effortless athleticism were mesmerizing. As a short print, his ’88 Donruss rookie is exceedingly rare in top condition and highly important to collectors. A pristine PSA 10 Bonds can bring $10,000-12,000. Even well-centered PSA 9s still demand $4,000-6,000.
Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck – While not technically part of the 1988 Donruss set, no article highlighting the most valuable late 80s rookie cards would be complete without mentioning Griffey’s monstrously popular and iconic Upper Deck rookie. Considered the first true “modern era” baseball card release that sparked the early 90s collectibles boom, this Jr. rookie is perhaps the most significant and valuable card in the entire hobby. Just ask YouTube star Logan Paul, who paid over $3.84 million for a PSA 10 Griffey Upper Deck rookie in 2021, setting a new record. Even raw, pristine PSA 10 copies can still demand well over $100,000 today due to extreme scarcity and historical importance.
While not the flashiest design, the 1988 Donruss set provided collectors with some future superstars that have stood the test of time. From the mighty arms of Glavine and Johnson to dominant bats of McGwire, Thomas and Bonds, this issue showcased pure raw talent that paid huge dividends in the long run. 34 years later, these young guns have become all-time greats and their rookie cards from that set remain among the most valuable and coveted in the hobby. Condition is king, and finding high grade examples of stars like Ripken, Larkin, and Griffey continues to be a challenge – which is why they command premium prices when they surface. The 1988 Donruss baseball issue was truly ahead of its time in capturing rising legends at the start of their careers.
