The 1985 Donruss baseball set was issued during one of the most exciting years in Major League Baseball history. While not one of the flashiest or most widely collected Donruss sets, it does feature several rookie cards and players that would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. For savvy collectors, there are also some relatively inexpensive options that have risen greatly in value over the past few decades.

One of the most notable rookie cards in the 1985 Donruss set is Felix “Acid Arm” Fernandez’s #138 card. Although not a true rookie as he pitched 54 innings in 1984, Fernandez’s ‘85 Donruss marks his first major baseball card. Fernandez would go on to become one of the greatest pitchers in Mariners history, winning four ERA titles and one Cy Young award over his 17-year MLB career spent entirely in Seattle. In Near Mint condition, his 1985 rookie card now sells for around $100-150, a noticeable uptick from just a few years ago.

Another rising star rookie card is #134 Ozzie Guillen. The future White Sox manager and 2005 World Series champion debuted with the White Sox in 1985 at just 20 years old. Considered one of the best defensive shortstops of his era, Guillen was also an exciting catalyst at the top of the batting order. In high grades, his ‘85 Donruss rookie has increased in value to around $50-75 in the past five years as Guillen has cemented his coaching legacy.

Some of the biggest movers long term have been the Hall of Fame inductee rookie cards in the 1985 Donruss set. One is #276 Tim Raines, who broke into the major leagues in 1981 but is considered a rookie by baseball card standards in 1985. Raines went on to steal at least 70 bases four times in his career and rack up over 800 stolen bases total, cementing him as one of the greatest base thieves of all-time. In Near Mint condition, his ‘85 Donruss now fetches $150-250, up significantly from just a few dollars a decade ago.

Another Hall of Famer rookie card is #280 Ryne Sandberg. The smooth-fielding second baseman emerged as the 1984 NL Rookie of the Year and a perennial Gold Glover for the Cubs. In 1986, he was named MVP after batting .314 with 40 doubles and 19 home runs. Considered one of the greatest second baseman ever, Sandberg’s ‘85 Donruss rookie has seen high end versions sell for over $500 in recent years as more Hall of Fame honors were bestowed. Even in average condition, Sandberg’s ‘85 Donruss moves for $75-150 depending on centering and corners.

While not rookies, several established superstars of the era like #131 Roger Clemens and #164 Wade Boggs also command premium prices in high grades from the 1985 Donruss set as future Hall of Famers. Clemens was already a two-time Cy Young winner by 1985 while Boggs had finished third in MVP voting in both 1983 and 1984 on his way to becoming the all-time leader in career batting average. Both saw their values steadily rise in recent decades along with their growing legends to six figures in pristine condition.

There are also some relatively inexpensive gems still available if collectors can find them well-centered and in sharp condition. One underrated example is #92 Dwight Gooden, who in 1985 was just beginning his historic rookie campaign where he struck out 268 batters en route to being named NL Rookie of the Year and starting the All-Star Game. Gooden was one of the most dominant pitchers of the late 1980s, but injuries slowed him prematurely—leaving many of his early cards like the ‘85 Donruss still affordable compared to peers. In high grades, it sells in the $50-80 range.

Another example is #13 Dave Stieb, who posted a 2.92 ERA in over 100 innings for the Blue Jays in his rookie year of 1985 after being drafted third overall in 1981. While not a Hall of Famer, Stieb had five solid seasons in Toronto before injuries shortened his career. His ‘85 Donruss rookie in Near Mint can still be found cheaper than many of his contemporaries at $40-60. For collectors building full 1985 Donruss sets, cards like Stieb and Gooden provide realistic options at affordable grades compared to the superstars.

While not the most storied Donruss release, the 1985 set does reward savvy investors and collectors. Hall of Fame rookie cards like Tim Raines and Ryne Sandberg have shown strong appreciation over the decades. Established 80s stars Roger Clemens and Wade Boggs also perform well. Even relatively obscure examples like Felix Hernandez, Ozzie Guillen, Dwight Gooden and Dave Stieb can deliver value when found in sharp condition. For those chasing specific players, affordable diamonds in the rough do remain across the entire 762 card checklist from this exciting year in baseball history.