1988 Fleer Baseball Cards Price Guide
The 1988 Fleer baseball card set was the second series issued by Fleer after they regained the license to produce baseball cards in 1986. The set contains 264 total cards and features players from both the American and National Leagues. While not as iconic or valuable as some other Fleer and Topps sets of the late 80s, the 1988 Fleer cards provide a snapshot of the game at that moment in time and include several stars who were in their prime. In this in-depth price guide, we will explore some of the top rookies and stars from the 1988 Fleer set and provide estimated price ranges for high-grade versions of key cards.
One of the top rookie cards in the 1988 Fleer set is that of Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jesse Barfield. Barfield had established himself as an elite power-hitting outfielder by 1988 after hitting 27 home runs in 1987. His rookie card, card #53 in the set, typically sells in PSA 10 Gem Mint condition for $150-200. Another star rookie is Oakland Athletics pitcher Bob Welch on card #150. Welch won the American League Cy Young award in 1990 and his rookie is valued around $75-100 in PSA 10. Cardinals pitcher Joe Magrane on card #238 is also a sought-after rookie, valued at $50-75 in top grade.
Some of the set’s biggest stars in their primes include Toronto’s George Bell on card #11, Chicago Cubs first baseman Mark Grace on card #74, and Oakland slugger Jose Canseco on card #131. All three were MVP candidates in 1988. High-grade versions of their base rookie cards from other sets command the highest prices, but their flagship cards in the 1988 Fleer set still carry value. A PSA 10 of the Bell would sell for $50-75, a PSA 10 Grace around $40-60, and a PSA 10 Canseco $30-50 based on recent sales data.
Another star who had broken out in 1987 was New York Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden, seen on card #99. “Doc” Gooden won the 1985 NL Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards and was still in his early prime in 1988. His card typically sells for $25-40 in top condition. Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kirk Gibson, on the mend from a back injury in 1988 but still a star when healthy, can be found on card #122. A PSA 10 of his card would sell for $15-25. And Boston Red Sox star Wade Boggs, in the midst of a decade+ of batting titles, is featured on card #138. His card has a PSA 10 value of $10-15.
The 1988 Fleer set also provides a first-look at future Hall of Famers like Toronto’s Roberto Alomar on card #2, Atlanta’s Tom Glavine on card #115, and Cincinnati’s Barry Larkin on card #171. While their rookie cards came in other sets, their early Fleer cards still hold value. A PSA 10 of the Alomar would sell around $25, the Glavine $15-20, and the Larkin $12-18 based on recent sales. The set also gives a glimpse of future stars like San Diego’s Gary Sheffield on card #230, Seattle’s Ken Griffey Jr. on card #244, and Oakland’s Terry Steinbach on card #258 – all of whom went on to great careers after 1988.
In terms of chase cards at the very top of the set’s price guide, the 1988 Fleer Update issue card of Oakland’s Jose Canseco, where he is shown flexing after a home run, on card #U15 is the most iconic and valuable in the base set. A PSA 10 recently sold for over $1,000 due to its rarity and subject matter. Chicago Cubs superstar Andre Dawson, in the midst of his 1987 NL MVP season and on card #1, also commands big prices. The combination of his on-field dominance and low card number make a PSA 10 worth $300-500.
While not in the same class as the classic 1986 or 1987 Fleer sets, the 1988 Fleer baseball cards provide a fun look at the game during that season. Rookies and stars from the set like Barfield, Welch, Magrane, Bell, Grace, and Canseco remain collectible and hold value, especially in top grades. And cameo cards of future Hall of Famers like Alomar, Glavine, and Larkin add to the set’s nostalgic appeal. For collectors and investors, the 1988 Fleer cards represent an affordable vintage baseball card set with solid long-term appreciation potential.
