The 1985 baseball season was a very memorable one in Major League Baseball. The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Kansas City Royals in the World Series that year, led by World Series MVP and third baseman Todd Worrell. For collectors of baseball cards from that era, 1985 also stands out as a year containing several highly valuable and sought after rookie cards.
Perhaps the most notable and valuable rookie card from 1985 is that of Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jesse Barfield. While Barfield never reached the superstar status of some other players, his rookie card has attained iconic status due to its rarity and condition. Only about 10-15 PSA/BGS graded mint condition copies are known to exist today. At auction, a PSA 10 graded Barfield rookie has sold for over $10,000. Even lower graded copies in NM-MT 7-8 condition can fetch $1,000+ due to the card’s scarcity.
Another hugely valuable 1985 rookie card is that of San Diego Padres third baseman Gary Sheffield. Sheffield went on to have a Hall of Fame caliber career and his rookie card showcased his potential. Higher grade examples in PSA 8-9 condition have been auctioned for $3,000-$5,000. Even a lower grade PSA 7 could still command over $1,000. The 1986 “error” variation of the Sheffield rookie, with a corrected copyright date, is also popular with collectors and can reach the $1,500+ range in top condition.
Staying on the Padres, yet another notable 1985 rookie prospect was outfielder Tony Gwynn. While Gwynn’s cards from previous years hold more cache due to his superstar status, his true rookie from ‘85 remains a key piece for collectors. PSA/BGS 10 examples have topped $3,000 at auction, with PSA 9’s bringing around $1,000-1,500 and lower grades still value ranging from a few hundred to a thousand dollars. Gwynn’s success and Hall of Fame career continue to ensure solid demand for this rookie release.
Two other position player rookies of note from the 1985 set include Oakland Athletics outfielder Jose Canseco and New York Mets third baseman Howard Johnson. Canseco went on to have a power hitting career and helped energize the sport in the late 80s. His 1985 Donruss rookie in pristine PSA 10 condition is valued around $2,000 currently. Meanwhile, HoJo’s rookie established him as an exciting young player and PSA 9 copies have sold for $800-1,000.
Perhaps the most famous pitcher rookie card from 1985 is that of Boston Red Sox flamethrower Roger Clemens. While Clemens established himself as one of the game’s all-time great hurlers starting with his debut season in 1984, his true rookie card came in the 1985 set from Donruss. High grade PSA/BGS 10 examples have topped $5,000 at auction given Clemens’ legendary career. Even PSA 9’s still command $2,000-3,000 due to his name recognition and status.
A few other key pitching rookie cards worth mentioning include Atlanta Braves fireballer Tom Glavine, Chicago White Sox hurler Joel Davis, and Detroit Tigers flamethrower Willey Hernandez. Glavine went on to a Hall of Fame career and his PSA 10 rookie has sold for over $1,500. Joel Davis flashed promise early on and his PSA 10 sold for just under $1,000. Meanwhile, Hernandez’s established him as a dominating arm and PSA 9’s have reached the $700 range. These pitchers offered hope for their respective franchises that year.
There are several great rookie cards to be found in the 1985 Topps, Donruss and Fleer sets that established future all-time great players like Sheffield, Gwynn, Canseco, Clemens and more. With the combination of stars, scarcity, and vintage appeal, high graded examples can be quite valuable for collectors today, routinely fetching hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the particular player and condition. Of course, less than mint condition copies still hold value as well given the players involved and the memories of that memorable 1985 season.
