Eric Davis was a star outfielder in Major League Baseball from 1981 to 1998, playing for several teams including the Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds again, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Boston Red Sox. Due to his athleticism and ability to hit for power and average during his prime years in the 1980s, Davis’ rookie cards and cards from his early Cincinnati Reds tenure are highly sought after by collectors. Let’s take a closer look at some of Eric Davis’ most valuable baseball cards and what factors influence their prices.
One of Davis’ most valuable rookie cards is his 1981 Fleer card. Fleer was one of the major baseball card manufacturers in the early 1980s and Davis’ rookie card from their 1981 set is quite scarce. In gem mint condition, graded a PSA 10, this rookie card has sold for over $4,000. Even in excellent near-mint condition, a PSA 8 copy can fetch $500-800. What makes Davis’ 1981 Fleer rookie so valuable is that it captures him at the very beginning of his career with the Reds before he emerged as a star. The card has a classic design that transports collectors back to that era as well.
Davis had a breakout season in 1987 with the Reds when he led the National League with 37 home runs and 100 runs batted in. His performance that year is reflected in the high values of his 1987 baseball cards, especially from flagship sets like Topps, Donruss, and Fleer. The Topps version has sold for over $1,000 in mint condition while a PSA 10 of the Fleer card reached $2,100 at auction. Even in lower grades, copies in excellent shape can sell for $300-500. Collectors appreciate these cards for commemorating Davis’ ascent into the elite ranks of MLB sluggers during this peak season of his career.
Injuries limited Davis’ playing time and production in later years, but he enjoyed a resurgence with the Reds in 1992 after being traded back to Cincinnati. His performance that season is captured on cards from 1992 sets that have also gained value with collectors. The 1992 Topps Traded card, which features Davis in a Reds uniform after returning to the team, has sold for $600 in PSA 10 condition. Even well-centered near-mint copies in the PSA 8-9 range can sell for $150-300. 1992 Fleer Update cards showing Davis with the Reds have also cracked $400 in top grades.
Beyond his rookie and standout season issues, Davis has several other cards that hold value based on specific factors. His 1983 Donruss card is highly sought after since it marks one of the earliest mainstream baseball sets to feature photo variations, with Davis appearing on two different photos on ’83 Donruss cards. High-grade examples with the scarcer photo can sell for $500-700. Davis also has valuable oddball and minor league issue cards. His 1981 Bowman minor league card sold for over $1,000 in PSA 10 condition several years ago.
When considering investing in or collecting Eric Davis cards, there are a few things to bear in mind regarding value. As with any player, condition is paramount – the higher the grade, the more valuable the card will be. Rarer and more aesthetically pleasing vintage issues tend to demand the highest prices. Cards that capture Davis’ best statistical seasons or milestone moments hold added significance. Regional attachment to Davis as a star for the Reds may also influence values for Cincinnati-issued cards. With his 5-tool talent and memorable career peaks, Davis’ top baseball cards remain a worthwhile investment area for enthusiasts of the 1980s-early 90s era of the game.
