The year 1988 produced some incredibly valuable baseball cards that are highly sought after by collectors today. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most notable rookie cards and stars from the 1988 sets that can fetch high prices in the current market.
One of the most valuable 1988 cards is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was drafted number one overall by the Seattle Mariners in 1987 and burst onto the MLB scene in 1988. His smooth left-handed swing and dazzling defense in center field immediately marked him as a future superstar. The Griffey rookie card is from Donruss and Fleer and pictures “The Kid” swinging a bat. High grade versions have sold for over $10,000 due to Griffey’s iconic status and the card’s sharp photo and design. Even well-worn copies still trade for hundreds due to Griffey’s enduring popularity.
Another hugely valuable rookie card from 1988 is Barry Larkin’s. Larkin was drafted fourth overall by the Cincinnati Reds in 1985 and made his MLB debut in 1986. He saw limited playing time those first two seasons. 1988 was Larkin’s first full year in the bigs and he did not disappoint, batting .296 with 60 RBI from the shortstop position to finish third in Rookie of the Year voting. Larkin would go on to a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Reds, winning an MVP in 1995. His iconic rookie card showing excellent action photos in Reds threads are highly coveted. High grade Larkins in PSA 10 condition have sold for over $8,000.
The rookie card of Greg Maddux from 1988 Donruss is also tremendously valuable. Maddux was drafted 31st overall by the Chicago Cubs in 1984 but didn’t reach the majors until late in the 1987 season. Like Larkin, 1988 was Maddux’s first full MLB campaign and he was nothing short of dominant, posting a 2.18 ERA as a 22-year old. Maddux would go on to have one of the greatest pitching careers ever, winning 4 Cy Young awards between 1992-1995 with the Atlanta Braves. His impeccable control and ability to change speeds made him a nightmare for hitters. High grade Maddux rookies in PSA 10 shape have exceeded $6,000 at auction.
Steroid suspicions aside, the 1988 Topps Traded Jose Canseco rookie is a hugely sought after card for good reason. Canseco was named American League Rookie of the Year in 1986 after mashing 33 home runs for the Oakland A’s. But 1988 Topps Traded was the first regular Topps issue to feature Canseco after his breakout 1986 campaign. The card proudly shows Canseco flexing his muscles in an A’s uniform. Canseco was one of baseball’s first true power hitters at a time before PED usage became rampant. PSA 10 Canseco rookies have sold for over $5,000.
Another star of the late 80s/early 90s whose rookie card held tremendous value is Frank Thomas. Thomas broke into the majors with the Chicago White Sox in 1990 but 1988 Donruss featured his first baseball card. Thomas exploded onto the scene in the early 90s as arguably the best pure hitter in baseball, winning back-to-back American League MVPs in 1993-1994. Nicknamed “The Big Hurt,” Thomas showcased prodigious power to all fields. High grade copies of his attractive 1988 Donruss rookie have exceeded $4,000 at auction.
The 1988 Topps Traded Mark McGwire rookie was also one of the most valuable commons from the year. McGwire debuted with the A’s in 1986 and really started to hit his stride in 1988, mashing 33 home runs. Of course, McGwire would later go on to break Barry Bond’s single season home run record in 1998. Prior to the steroid era, McGwire was already showing his tremendous raw power. The ’88 Topps Traded card, which has McGwire swinging away, has fetched over $3,000 in PSA 10 condition.
Randy Johnson’s rookie card from 1988 Fleer is another big money item for baseball card investors despite Johnson not reaching his true potential until later in his career with the Seattle Mariners. A 6’10” left-handed flamethrower, Johnson possessed one of the nastiest fastball/slider combos ever. He struggled to harness his stuff early on though. His ’88 Fleer RC showing a youthful “Big Unit” winding up captures the intrigue surrounding his monster arm. PSA 10 Johnson rookies have sold for over $2,500.
While not rookies, the 1988 Donruss cards of longtime superstars like Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith and Rickey Henderson also hold immense secondary market value today. Each player was in the prime of their careers in 1988 and their photos and stats from that season are iconic. High grade versions of these stars in their respective team uniforms frequently trade hands for $2,000 or more.
The 1988 baseball card season produced a veritable who’s who of future Hall of Famers and produced some of the most iconic and valuable vintage cards available in today’s extremely hot collecting market. Thanks to the star power and on-field productions of players like Griffey, Larkin, Maddux, Canseco and Thomas, their 1988 rookie cards will likely continue appreciating for decades to come.
