Darryl Strawberry had a legendary career in Major League Baseball playing for the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and New York Yankees from 1983 to 1999. As one of the game’s most feared power hitters of the 1980s and early 1990s, Strawberry’s rookie cards and some of his notable cards from his early career with the Mets are highly sought after by collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of Strawberry’s most valuable baseball cards and what they can be worth today.
1983 Topps Darryl Strawberry RC (Rookie Card): Strawberry’s rookie card from his debut 1983 season with the Mets is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and valuable cards from the 1980s. In gem mint condition, graded MINT 10 by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), Strawberry’s ’83 Topps RC has sold for over $30,000 at auction. Even in raw, ungraded near mint-mint (NM-MT) condition, examples can fetch $5,000 or more. The card holds extra significance as it captures Strawberry at the beginning of his career when great things were expected of the young outfielder.
1984 Fleer Darryl Strawberry: Strawberry’s sophomore season saw him break out with 26 home runs and 81 RBI for the Mets. His 1984 Fleer card, while not technically a rookie card, is also highly sought after by collectors. In PSA MINT 10 condition, examples have sold for around $15,000. Raw near mint copies in the $2,000-3,000 range are more common. The Fleer set is also notable for having one of Strawberry’s sharper, more close-up images that really captures his athleticism and swagger.
1987 Topps Darryl Strawberry: Strawberry’s best statistical season came in 1987 when he led the NL with 39 home runs and drove in 100 runs for the Mets. His ’87 Topps card reflects this peak performance. Graded gem mint PSA 10 examples have sold for $3,000-4,000, while raw near mint copies can be found for $500-800. The card is a favorite of both Mets and Strawberry collectors looking to commemorate one of his all-time great individual seasons.
1988 Fleer Darryl Strawberry: In 1988, Strawberry continued mashing for the Mets club that would win the World Series. His Fleer card from that season remains a must-have for many collectors. PSA 10 gem mint copies have sold for around $2,000, with raw near mint examples selling in the $300-500 range. The card captures Strawberry during one of the most successful periods of his career playing for a championship-winning Mets team.
1991 Upper Deck Darryl Strawberry: After being traded to the Dodgers in 1990, Strawberry enjoyed success in L.A. before injuries began hampering his performance later in the decade. His 1991 Upper Deck card from his time with the Dodgers can be found graded for around $150-250 in PSA 10 gem mint condition. In raw near mint form, examples trade hands frequently between $20-40. The card commemorates one of Strawberry’s final productive seasons before his career decline.
1997 Ultra Darryl Strawberry: After stints with the Dodgers, Giants and Yankees, Strawberry’s career was winding down by the late 1990s. Collectors still love his 1997 Ultra card issued during his short time back with the Mets late in his career. PSA 10 gem mint copies have sold for $75-125. In raw near mint condition, most examples can be acquired for $10-20. The card serves as a full-circle nostalgia piece capping Strawberry’s career back with the team that it all began with.
In summary, Darryl Strawberry’s rookie cards and cards from his early Mets career in the 1980s are by far the most valuable and sought after. Collectors still enjoy commemorating Strawberry’s career with cards issued later in the 1980s and early 1990s before injuries hampered his performance. With his Hall of Fame-caliber talent and status as a fan-favorite for both the Mets and Dodgers, Strawberry’s cards from his prime years will remain staples in the collections of both vintage baseball card aficionados and fans of the slugger himself. Grading your Strawberry cards can significantly increase their worth, but even raw copies in nice condition can be had for affordable prices by those looking to remember a true star of 1980s baseball.
