The 1985 Fleer baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable issues in the history of the hobby. While it lacked licensing rights from MLB Properties and Topps at the time, Fleer pulled off an impressive feat by securing rookie cards and portraits of many of the future superstars just starting their careers. Among the most notable rookies featured were Dwight Gooden, Roger Clemens, Barry Larkin, and Bret Saberhagen. But one card in particular stands out as perhaps the single-grail item coveted by collectors worldwide – the Mark McGwire rookie.
Released at the dawn of the “junk wax” era in the mid-1980s, the 1985 Fleer set signaled a shift towards overproduction that flooded the market with cheaper and more plentiful cardboard. Within this larger issue containing 398 total cards are found some true gems that have only increased in value and demand as the years have passed. Let’s take a closer look at the key rookie and star players highlighted in the set and what makes their respective cards so desirable today.
Dwight Gooden’s rookie card is undoubtedly one of the crown jewels of any baseball card collection. As the 1985 NL Rookie of the Year and Cy Young winner with the New York Mets, “Doctor K” became an instant superstar and workhorse on the mound. His sweet left-handed delivery and electric 95+ mph heat made him must-see TV during the mid-1980s. Nearly 40 years later, a Gooden rookie PSA 10 can command well over $10,000. Even low-grade copies still fetch hundreds due to his awesome ’84/’85 seasons and highlight reel career.
Another pitching phenom’s rookie that gained legendary status is Roger Clemens with the Boston Red Sox. Like Gooden, Clemens blew away hitters with a blazing fastball and went on to collect 7 Cy Young Awards and pitch into his 40s. The 1986 AL Rookie of the Year and MVP, Clemens rookie PSA 10s now sell for over $5,000. His intimidating stare and postseason success as a clutch big game pitcher add to the cachet. Low-grade Clemens are still over $100 even after all these decades.
While Gooden and Clemens rookies rightfully get top billing, the rookie card of Cincinnati Reds’ Hall of Famer Barry Larkin deserves more attention and respect from collectors. The smooth-fielding shortstop was an elite defensive wizard and .300 hitter for nearly two decades in the Queen City. His balanced all-around game and leadoff skills as the captain of the “Nasty Boys” era Reds teams makes #130 one of the more undervalued gems in the set. A high-grade Larkin can still be acquired for a fraction of the prices paid for pitchers.
In addition to rookie standouts, the 1985 Fleer set also delivered portrait cards of superstars in the prime of their careers. Don Mattingly’s iconic mustached image in a Yankees uniform is a fixture in the memories of 80s baseball fans. “The Hit Man” would go on to win the AL batting title that season with a career-high .353 average. His popularity and offensive production at first base ensure any Mattingly from the ’85 Fleer holds value, even as a common non-rookie card.
Perhaps no card from the 1985 Fleer roster is more legendary than the rookie issue of Mark McGwire. As one of the first true prominent prospects to make the cover of Sports Illustrated as a prospect, “Big Mac” drew immense attention and hype as he approached the Majors with Oakland. His rookie card skyrocketed in desirability and price after he shattered Roger Maris’ single season home run record in 1998. A high-grade McGwire rookie is now among the most expensive baseball cards ever, consistently breaking records at auction above $200,000 even in PSA 8-9 condition.
While produced at the dawn of the overprinted “junk wax” era, the 1985 Fleer baseball card set stands out for highlighting some of the genuine future Hall of Fame stars of the 1980s just starting their MLB careers. Rookies of Dwight Gooden, Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire, and Barry Larkin plus established talents like Don Mattingly make ‘85 Fleer a true classic in the hobby. Carefully preserved high-grade examples command top dollar prices befitting their incredible roster of future superstars in team portraits and rookie cards. After 35+ years, this iconic Fleer issue remains coveted and recognizable to fans old and new.
