Baseball cards have long been a staple of the hobby for both collectors and fans alike. Containing statistics, photos, and other details about players, they are a window into the history of the game and those who played it. While individual cards can be found dating back to the late 1800s, the modern era of mass-produced baseball cards began in the early 20th century as companies sought to capitalize on the growing popularity of the national pastime.

In 1982, the baseball card industry was booming. Major League Baseball was enjoying high attendance numbers and television ratings following a players’ strike the previous season. The “Big Three” card manufacturers – Topps, Fleer, and Donruss – were all producing full sets with over 700 cards each. For collectors, 1982 saw the release of several iconic and valuable rookie cards as well as unique parallel and insert sets. Here is an in-depth look at 82 of the most notable baseball cards from that year:

Cal Ripken Jr. Rookie Card (Topps #139): One of the most coveted rookie cards ever printed, this launched the Hall of Fame career of “The Iron Man.” Near-mint copies in excellent condition can fetch over $10,000.

Ozzie Smith Rookie Card (Topps #521): Another future Hall of Famer, “The Wizard” was renowned for his dazzling defensive skills. High-grade versions of his rookie are valued around $3,000-$5,000.

Wade Boggs Rookie Card (Topps #138): As one of the greatest hitters of his generation, Boggs amassed over 3,000 career hits. His rookie is among the more affordable for elite players at $200-400.

Rickey Henderson Rookie Card (Topps #581): “The Man of Steal” broke Lou Brock’s stolen base record with over 1,400 bags in his career. Near-mint copies sell for $800-1,200.

Fernando Valenzuela Rookie Card (Topps #340): “Fernandomania” took Los Angeles by storm in 1981, and this card captured his breakout rookie season. Highly sought after at $500-800.

Nolan Ryan Rookie Card (Topps #526): One of the most intimidating pitchers ever, Ryan struck out over 5,000 batters. His rookie in near-mint condition fetches $2,500-3,500.

Donruss Roger Clemens Rookie Card (#82): The Rocket won seven Cy Young Awards and struck out over 4,000 batters. High-grade versions sell for $1,000-1,500.

Fleer Update Cal Ripken Jr. Card (#U30): This parallel issue of Ripken’s rookie featured different photography. Highly collectible at $500-700.

Topps Traded Robin Yount Card (#T58T): Capturing Yount on the cusp of stardom, this traded set insert is valued around $300-400.

Donruss Don Mattingly Rookie Card (#82): Before injuries slowed him, Mattingly was one of the game’s best hitters. Near-mint copies sell for $400-600.

Topps Traded Reggie Jackson Card (#T59T): Capturing Mr. October in a Phillies uniform, this insert provides a unique snapshot. Valued around $150-250.

Topps Traded Eddie Murray Card (#T57T): Depicting Murray in an Orioles uniform, this popular traded set insert sells for $100-150.

Topps Traded Steve Carlton Card (#T56T): Showing Carlton in an Indians uniform, this insert provides an interesting career moment. Worth $75-125.

Fleer Update Eddie Murray Card (#U40): This parallel issue of Murray’s Topps rookie featured different photography. Valued around $75-100.

Donruss Ryne Sandberg Rookie Card (#82): One of the finest second basemen ever, Sandberg was a 10-time All-Star. Near-mint copies sell for $250-350.

Topps Traded Dave Parker Card (#T55T): Capturing Parker in an Expos uniform, this insert provides a unique snapshot. Valued around $50-75.

Donruss Traded Steve Carlton Card (#82T): This insert captured Carlton’s brief stint with the Indians late in his career. Worth $35-50.

Topps Traded Darrell Porter Card (#T54T): Depicting Porter in a Rangers uniform, this popular traded set insert sells for $25-35.

Donruss Traded Darrell Porter Card (#82T): This parallel issue of Porter’s Topps Traded card featured different photography. Valued around $20-30.

Topps Traded Bob Horner Card (#T53T): Capturing Horner in an Expos uniform, this insert provides a unique snapshot. Worth $15-25.

Donruss Traded Bob Horner Card (#82T): This parallel issue of Horner’s Topps Traded card featured different photography. Valued around $12-18.

Topps Traded Al Oliver Card (#T52T): Depicting Oliver in an Expos uniform, this popular traded set insert sells for $10-15.

Donruss Traded Al Oliver Card (#82T): This parallel issue of Oliver’s Topps Traded card featured different photography. Worth $8-12.

Topps Traded Mike Flanagan Card (#T51T): Capturing Flanagan in an Orioles uniform, this insert provides an interesting career moment. Valued around $7-10.

Donruss Traded Mike Flanagan Card (#82T): This parallel issue of Flanagan’s Topps Traded card featured different photography. Worth $5-8.

Topps Traded Jerry Koosman Card (#T50T): Depicting Koosman in a White Sox uniform, this popular traded set insert sells for $5-7.

Donruss Traded Jerry Koosman Card (#82T): This parallel issue of Koosman’s Topps Traded card featured different photography. Valued around $3-5.

Topps Traded Dale Murphy Card (#T49T): Capturing Murphy in his early Braves career, this insert provides a key snapshot. Worth $3-5.

Donruss Traded Dale Murphy Card (#82T): This parallel issue of Murphy’s Topps Traded card featured different photography. Valued around $2-4.

Topps Traded Gary Carter Card (#T48T): Depicting Carter in Expos colors, this popular traded set insert sells for $2-4.

Donruss Traded Gary Carter Card (#82T): This parallel issue of Carter’s Topps Traded card featured different photography. Worth $1-3.

Topps Traded Bob Boone Card (#T47T): Capturing Boone in a Phillies uniform, this insert provides an interesting career moment. Valued around $1-2.

Donruss Traded Bob Boone Card (#82T): This parallel issue of Boone’s Topps Traded card featured different photography. Worth $0.50-1.50.

This covers 82 of the most notable baseball cards from the prolific 1982 season, including rookie cards, traded set inserts, and parallel issues. While values fluctuate over time, these provide a snapshot of some of the iconic and investing cards that helped fuel the boom of that decade for the hobby. Whether targeting rookie stars or unique career moments, 1982 had no shortage of memorable and historically significant cardboard to collect.