The 1988 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues from the late 1980s. While it didn’t feature any true superstar rookies, the set does contain several cards that have increased significantly in value over the past 30+ years. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the 1988 Donruss cards that are currently among the most valuable from the set.
One of the priciest cards from the 1988 Donruss set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey emerged as one of the true five-tool superstars of his generation and is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. Naturally, his rookie card holds exceptional value. In top gem mint PSA 10 grade, the Griffey Jr. rookie has sold for over $15,000 at auction. Even in high grade PSA 9 condition, the card can fetch thousands. What makes the Griffey Jr. particularly valuable is his iconic swing on the front of the card combined with his rookie card status and all-time great career. It’s one of the most iconic and investment-worthy rookie cards in the entire hobby.
Another very pricey card from the 1988 Donruss set belongs to fellow Hall of Famer Randy Johnson. Johnson’s rookie card isn’t technically from the 1988 Donruss issue, as he debuted in 1989. The 1988 Donruss card represents one of his earliest mainstream baseball cards available. In PSA 10 condition, Johnson’s 1988 Donruss has sold for upwards of $6,000. Even in PSA 9 grade, the Big Unit’s rookie-year issue can command over $2,000 due to his overpowering career and status as a true inner circle Hall of Famer. Johnson is regarded as one of the most dominant pitchers who ever lived based on his achievements and statistics. Naturally, any early cards depicting his career hold exceptional value.
Several key star rookie cards have gained notable value from the 1988 Donruss baseball set. For example, the Mark McGwire rookie in a PSA 10 grade has sold for over $3,000 at auction. McGwire is famously known for breaking Roger Maris’ single season home run record in 1998. While PED controversy has cooled McGwire fever a bit in recent years, his rookie card remains a highly sought after piece from the late 80s due to his starring role in baseball’s most hallowed home run chase.
The Nolan Ryan rookie card is also very valuable from the 1988 Donruss set. Ryan is remembered as one of the all-time great strikeout pitchers and holds iconic status among baseball card collectors and investors. In a PSA 10 grade, Ryan’s rookie has exceeded $2,000 at auction. Even in PSA 9 condition, expect to pay well over $1,000. What makes the Ryan rookie particularly rare is the set’s lack of true breakout star rookies that year. As a result, Ryan remains one of the most significant hits from 1988 Donruss three decades later.
A few other high value cards from the 1988 Donruss checklist include the Kirby Puckett rookie (over $1,000 PSA 10), the Roberto Alomar rookie (over $800 PSA 10), and the Barry Bonds rookie (over $650 PSA 10). Each of these players went on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers, giving their rookie issues staying power in the collecting marketplace. While the 1988 Donruss base set lacks true all-time great prospects like Griffey was in 1989 Upper Deck, these few star rookies have gained exceptional long term value for savvy investors and collectors.
While the 1988 Donruss base set lacks the true megastars of other late 80s/early 90s issues, several key cards have proven to be long term keepers in the hobby. Headlined by the iconic Griffey Jr. and Randy Johnson rookies, along with star debuts from McGwire, Ryan, Puckett, Alomar and Bonds, the 1988 Donruss issue has created multiple opportunities for tremendous ROI over the past 3+ decades. Forsethetic reasons and playing ability alone, Griffey Jr. claims the top spot among 1988 Donruss valuations. But the entire checklist shows there is usually long term potential in even the most unheralded rookie classes when future Hall of Famers are part of the mix.
