The 1988 Fleer Update baseball card set saw Fleer add new rookie cards and update cards mid-season to capitalize on the rising MLB stars from that year. While not as iconic or valuable as sets like the 1952 Topps or 1988 Upper Deck, the 1988 Fleer Update does feature some cards that hold value for collectors today.
The 1988 Fleer Update was issued in packs from July to September 1988, consisting of 132 total cards featuring current MLB players. What makes this set unique compared to the typical yearly release is that it contained ‘update’ cards to depict how players and teams were performing at the mid-season point. Rookie cards were also included for players who had debuted since the initial 1988 Fleer series in the spring.
Some notable rookie cards found in the 1988 Fleer Update include Ken Griffey Jr. of the Seattle Mariners, Barry Larkin of the Cincinnati Reds, and Mark McGwire of the Oakland Athletics. While not the true rookie cards for these future Hall of Famers, the Update cards captured their early careers and have gained collector interest over the decades. In terms of value, a Griffey Jr. rookie from this set in PSA 10 Gem Mint condition can fetch over $1,000. A PSA 9 Excellent-Mint Larkin has sold for around $800.
In addition to rookie talent, the 1988 Fleer Update also had ‘update’ cards showing statistical or team changes for veteran players. For example, the Milwaukee Brewers had a breakout season in 1988 led by Robin Yount and Paul Molitor. Their updated stats cards from the set hold value as a commemorative piece of that championship team. Molitor’s update card in near-mint to mint condition typically sells for $50-$75.
Another interesting updated card is that of San Diego Padres slugger Tony Gwynn. His regular base card in the initial 1988 Fleer release showed his .313 batting average from 1987. The update correctly portrays his leading NL batting title from 1988 at .313. For serious Gwynn collectors, this subtle statistical change makes the card a key component of following his season. Problem-free copies in PSA 8 have sold for around $150.
While the biggest stars and hits dominate discussions of value, there are also more affordable gems to be found in the 1988 Fleer Update. Journeyman outfielder Devon White had his rookie card in this set before a 15-year MLB career. Well-centered, near-mint White rookies can be obtained for under $20. Another under-$20 find is the update card for Chicago Cubs first baseman Mark Grace, which pictures his early years before winning multiple batting titles in the 1990s.
For team and player collectors, there are also opportunities in the 1988 Fleer Update. The Oakland A’s and Dodgers both had magical seasons reaching the World Series. Their complete team roster subsets from the set can often be found for $30-50 depending on condition. Dedicated collectors of players like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, or Dennis Eckersley can build their collections with affordable copies of their Update issue cards as well.
As with most sports card releases, the scarcer and more visually appealing the card, the greater its long-term value potential. The 1988 Fleer Update included ‘Spitballing’ insert cards featuring blurred action photos of hurlers like Orel Hershiser and Dwight Gooden. High-grade versions of these unique memorabilia inserts can sell for $100-200. Similarly, the ‘Call to the Hall’ retrospective insert focusing on Hank Aaron is a tough pull that has sold for over $300 in gem condition.
While not in the same category as iconic vintage sets, the 1988 Fleer Update does offer collector value – especially for its rookie debuts of future stars. Finding problem-free copies of the Griffey Jr., Larkin, and McGwire rookies in top grades will retain and increase in value for decades to come. Meanwhile, fans of specific players or teams from that 1988 season can build satisfying collections at affordable prices from the set’s array of stars, prospects, and statistical updates captured during a memorable year in Major League Baseball.
