The 1986 Donruss baseball card set was highly anticipated by collectors as it marked the company’s return to the baseball card market after a two year hiatus. Donruss had been a major player in the baseball card industry during the 1970s and early 1980s, but production issues caused them to sit out sets in 1984 and 1985. Fans were eager to see what Donruss would bring with their relaunch.

The 1986 set consisted of 792 total cards and had the now-familiar design that Donruss would use for several years. Each card featured a color photo of the player on a white background with their name, team, and stats printed in blue or red text below. On the back was more extensive stats and a short career summary. Rookies and stars received special photo or design treatments on their cards. The set also included manager/coach cards for the first time.

Distribution of the 1986 Donruss set was handled through the company’s parent corporation, Pinnacle Brands. This allowed the cards to reach a wide retail audience through channels like convenience stores, drug stores, and hobby shops. The initial print run was substantial to meet anticipated demand after the two year gap.

Some notable rookies in the 1986 Donruss set included Roger Clemens, Barry Larkin, Mark McGwire, and Terry Pendleton. All would go on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers. Clemens’ rookie card stood out with a special blue photo tint treatment. Other stars like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Mike Schmidt had their photos specially colored as well to distinguish them.

The design held up well over the years and created a classic look that is still appreciated by collectors today. Statistics on the back also made the cards very informative for fans even after the players’ careers had ended. This helped the 1986 Donruss set maintain collector interest for decades. The cards were also fairly durable and retained their condition well compared to some other brands from that era.

In terms of rarity and value, the 1986 Donruss set tops out with the star rookie cards as some of the most desirable. A PSA 10 graded Roger Clemens rookie in near mint condition can fetch over $10,000. The Barry Larkin rookie has also gained value in recent years, with high-grade copies selling for $1,000 or more. Other top cards include the Wade Boggs and Ozzie Smith special photo treatments, as well as stars like Mike Schmidt, Nolan Ryan, and Rickey Henderson.

The 1986 Donruss set marked the company’s return to prominence as a major baseball card producer. After a couple years away, they came back with a classic design and high quality production that made the cards a hit with collectors. Landing some all-time great rookie cards like Clemens and Larkin also gave the set lasting appeal. While common players remain fairly inexpensive to collect, the star cards have grown steeply in value. For both casual fans and serious investors, the 1986 Donruss baseball cards remain a memorable and desirable part of the hobby’s history.