The 1988 Score set was one of the most significant rookie card releases of all time. Not only did it feature future Hall of Famers and some of the game’s biggest stars, but many of those rookies went on to have legendary careers. As a result, several 1988 Score rookie cards have skyrocketed in value over the decades. Here are the 10 most valuable 1988 Score baseball cards based on their PSA 10 gem mint condition prices:
Ozzie Smith – Around $800
Considered one of the greatest defensive shortstops of all time, Ozzie Smith made 13 All-Star teams and won 15 Gold Glove Awards over his 19-year career spent primarily with the St. Louis Cardinals. His 1988 Score rookie card, while not his most valuable, still commands a considerable price thanks to his iconic status. PSA 10 examples recently sold for around $800.
Mark McGwire – $900
Before the steroid era tainted his legacy, Mark McGwire was establishing himself as one of baseball’s top power hitters. His mammoth home run totals, including an MVP season and 70-home run campaign in 1998, made his rookie card very desirable. PSA 10 copies have sold for about $900.
Barry Larkin – $1,000
A 12-time All-Star and 3-time Gold Glover at shortstop, Barry Larkin was the cornerstone of Cincinnati Reds teams for nearly two decades. He won the 1995 NL MVP award. Despite a strong career, his 1988 Score rookie card remains quite affordable in gem mint condition at around $1,000.
Randy Johnson – $1,250
Big Unit lived up to his intimidating nickname as the most dominating left-handed pitcher of his era. The five-time Cy Young winner and 10-time All-Star struck out over 4,000 batters. His rookie card has gained value thanks to his Hall of Fame career, reaching $1,250 for PSA 10s.
Ken Griffey Jr. – $1,500
Junior was one of the most talented and popular players of the 1990s. His 630 career home runs, 10 Gold Gloves, and 13 All-Star selections made him a likely first-ballot Hall of Famer. High-grade versions of his excellent 1988 Score rookie card recently sold for around $1,500.
Alan Trammell – $1,700
A durable and consistent shortstop for the Detroit Tigers, Alan Trammell made 6 All-Star teams and won 4 Gold Gloves and the 1984 World Series MVP. He was also voted into the Hall of Fame in 2018. His rookie card value has risen to around $1,700 for pristine specimens.
Greg Maddox – $2,300
One of the premier pitchers of his generation, Greg Maddux is considered one of the smartest and best control artists ever. He won four Cy Young Awards during his 23-year career and racked up 355 wins. His 1988 Score rookie card has reached $2,300 in PSA 10 condition.
Tom Glavine – $3,000
A legendary 300-game winning pitcher and two-time Cy Young Award winner mostly with the Atlanta Braves, Tom Glavine was the ace of their dominant pitching staffs in the 1990s. He also added two World Series rings. Due to his outstanding career resume, PSA 10 copies of his rookie are now around $3,000.
Roger Clemens – $4,500
The rocket-armed Clemens intimidated hitters like no other. His 354 career wins, seven Cy Youngs Awards, and 4,672 strikeouts make him one of the greatest pitchers ever. His dominant career has pushed the value of his 1988 Score rookie card to $4,500 in top grade.
Frank Thomas – $7,000
Nicknamed “The Big Hurt,” Thomas was the most feared hitter of the 1990s. He slugged 521 home runs, twice led the league in OPS, and won back-to-back MVPs. His impeccable stats and status as one of the purest hitters ever have vaulted his 1988 Score rookie to the top at $7,000 for PSA 10s.
The star power, Hall of Fame careers, and history-making stats produced by players featured in the 1988 Score baseball set like Thomas, Clemens, Glavine and others have made their rookie cards extremely valuable collector’s items. For aficionados of the sport and investors alike, high-grade copies of these Hall of Famers from their debut seasons will likely retain and could further increase their record-breaking prices.
