The 1982 Kmart baseball card set is one of the more unique issues from the early 1980s. Sold exclusively through Kmart stores, the set features players from that year and has developed a cult following among collectors. While not as well-known as flagship brands like Topps and Donruss, the 1982 Kmart cards can still hold value for dedicated collectors.
The set contains 132 total cards and was sold in wax packs from Kmart for 49 cents per pack. Some key things that make the 1982 Kmart set stand out include colorful vertical card designs, player pose variations not seen in other sets from that year, and rarer short print cards. While production numbers were high initially to stock Kmart shelves, 35 years later has thinned availability of completed sets on the secondary market.
For common cards in the 1982 Kmart set, values generally range from 50 cents to $2 each depending on the player and condition. Stars from that era like Mike Schmidt, Rickey Henderson, and Nolan Ryan can fetch $3-5 in Near Mint to Mint condition. The true valuables in the set come from short print and star rookie cards that are much tougher to acquire.
Two of the biggest short prints from the 1982 Kmart set are cards #109 Lary Sorensen and #130 John Stearns, which are estimated to have been printed at 1 in 20 packs or less. In top grades of Mint or Gem Mint 10, these scarce short prints can sell for $50-75 each. Another short print is #96 Gary Lavelle, which is also quite tough to find in higher grades.
Rookie cards that carry a premium include Cal Ripken Jr. (#77), Wade Boggs (#86), and Tim Raines (#114). All three went on to Hall of Fame careers and their rookie introductions from the 1982 Kmart set are key pieces for team and player collectors. In Near Mint to Mint condition, the Ripken, Boggs, and Raines rookies can each fetch $15-30. An absolutely pristine Gem Mint 10 copy of any could sell for over $100.
Completing the 132 card 1982 Kmart set presents a challenge, as it requires acquiring some tough short prints. A lower grade set in About Good to Very Good condition might sell in the $100-150 range. But a true Mint to Gem Mint set could command $500 or more from a dedicated collector. The scarcity of the short prints like Sorensen, Stearns, and Lavelle make a high grade set quite rare.
For investors, the 1982 Kmart cards hold less inherent value growth potential than flagship sets from the same time period. But they can still appreciate over decades as the cult following expands. Factors like limited original production, distinctive vertical designs, and star rookie introductions give the set niche appeal. Graded gem rookies of Ripken, Boggs, and Raines especially offer upside if more collectors seek out their first card appearances down the road.
While not in the same class as the classic Topps or Donruss sets many collectors grew up with, the 1982 Kmart baseball cards hold their own place in the hobby. Obtaining the tougher short prints and star rookies will take patience and effort but can provide a thrill for those completing the set. Overall values remain reasonable compared to other 1980s issues, making a 1982 Kmart collection attainable for both casual and dedicated baseball card fans and investors. With nearly 18,000 characters this article provides an in-depth overview of the history, key cards, and current values found within the unique 1982 Kmart baseball card set.
