The 1988 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable issues from the late 80s. While it didn’t feature any rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, there are still several standout cards that can sell for thousands. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the key 1988 Fleer cards that hold significant value today.
One of the most coveted cards from the 1988 Fleer set is the Ken Griffey Jr. sticker parallel. Griffey had just finished his rookie season in 1987 and was already turning heads as one of the game’s brightest young stars. Fleer produced their standard issue cards alongside sticker variants for many players. The Griffey sticker is an extreme rarity, with analysts estimating fewer than 10 in existence. In pristine Gem Mint condition, a Griffey Jr. sticker has sold at auction for over $25,000. Even well-worn copies in poorer condition can still fetch $5,000+.
Another hugely valuable card is the Nolan Ryan record breaker. In 1988, Ryan tossed his 5,000th career strikeout, becoming the first and still only pitcher to reach that historic milestone. Fleer acknowledge the achievement with a specially crafted card featuring career strikeout stats on the front and a photo of Ryan mid-windup on the back. Only 10 of these rare Ryan 5,000 K cards were inserted into packs, making it an instant hot commodity for collectors. In a PSA 10 Gem Mint grade, a Nolan Ryan 5,000 K 1988 Fleer has sold for over $50,000 at auction. Even well-worn low-grade copies sell for four figures.
Staying with pitchers, the Orel Hershiser rookie/debut card also holds great value since 1988 was his breakthrough season. After toiling in the Dodger bullpen for years, Hershiser finally got his chance to start full-time in 1988 and had one of the greatest seasons for a pitcher in MLB history. He won 23 games while posting a minuscule 2.03 ERA and set the still-standing record with 59 consecutive scoreless innings pitched. Hershiser’s impressive rookie card earns about $150 raw or $400-$500 graded mint.
Moving onto position players, the Mark McGwire rookie card is another major highlight from 1988 Fleer. McGwire was just starting to show flashes of the raw power that would make him a fan favorite for over a decade. This was the first mass-produced McGwire RC and remains the only one from his true rookie season of 1987. High grade Mint PSA 10 versions can go for $800-1000, with well-centered raw copies still getting $80-150 on the open market.
Rickey Henderson’s high-action image on his 1988 Fleer card is often cited as one of the set’s most aesthetically pleasing designs. As arguably the greatest leadoff hitter and base stealer ever, Henderson was already a three-time AL stolen base leader by 1988. Pristine PSA 10 Rickey Henderson rookies sell for $250-350, with raw copies around $30-50 depending on condition.
The 1988 Fleer set also featured early career cards for future Hall of Famers like Cal Ripken Jr, Wade Boggs, and Tony Gwynn. While not true rookie cards, they capture these all-time greats early in their accomplishments. A Ripken or Boggs in high grade can sell for $75-150, with a Tony Gwynn getting up to $200 for a pristine mint copy.
While 1988 Fleer lacks rookie cards for future superstars, it still features valuable keys like the Griffey sticker parallel, rare Nolan Ryan 5,000 K card, plus rookie/debuts of Hershiser, McGwire, and Henderson that are highly sought after today. For newer collectors, it remains a cost-effective set to build compared to the flagship ’87 and ’89 Fleer issues. With strong population control and a nostalgic 1980s design esthetic, the ’88 Fleer cards remain a solid long term investment three decades later.
