Baseball cards from the late 1980s are some of the most valuable from the modern era, with several rookie cards from 1985 breaking records at auction in recent years. While stars like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper and Mookie Betts continue making new heights, certain legendary cards from when they were just starting their careers have become the new most valuable in the collecting world.
The biggest star of the mid-80s was Donruss rookie sensation Wade Boggs. While he had established himself as one of the game’s best hitters by 1985 with back-to-back batting titles, his rookie card was still highly sought after by collectors. In pristine Mint or Near Mint condition, Boggs’ 1985 Donruss rookie has sold for over $15,000 at auction. What makes it so collectible is that it was one of the first “ modern ” issue rookie cards, as Donruss among others truly elevated the collector’s market that year.
Just ahead of the Boggs is Rickey Henderson’s rookie from 1985 Topps, considered one of the iconic cards of the decade. “Henderson holds the all-time records for stolen bases and runs scored, truly cementing himself as the greatest leadoff hitter and baserunner in MLB history. With his dynamic playmaking and flair, he was also one of baseball’s first true superstars off the field. This helped fuel demand for his rookie card, which has topped $20,000 for a Near Mint copy in recent years.
The most coveted and valuable baseball card from 1985 is the Kirby Puckett rookie from Topps. The beloved Twins star would go on to be a 12-time All-Star, 6-time World Series champion and even help bring Minnesota its first championship in 1991. But back in ’85, collectors saw the potential. Puckett’s rookie is widely regarded as one of the most iconic in the entire hobby. In pristine condition with a Mint or Gem Mint grade, it has consistently broken records by fetching $30,000 or higher at major card auctions.
While stars like Boggs, Henderson and Puckett became well known, other valuable 1985 rookies include Dwight Gooden of the Mets and San Diego Padres pitching standout Eric Show. “Doc” Gooden’s rookie from Topps is another ultra-popular card, which has sold for over $10,000 in top condition. He seemed destined for Cooperstown until injuries derailed his career. Over in the National League West, Show burst onto the scene in 1985 by winning NL Rookie of the Year and posting a 2.22 ERA. His Topps and Fleer rookie cards have crossed the $5,000 mark.
Rookie cards are clearly driving much of the interest in 1985 baseball cards. But veterans and career years are also attracting attention. Don Mattingly’s 1985 Topps update card, where he is sporting a moustache and days away from winning the AL MVP and batting title, has brought over $3,000 in pristine form. The same year, San Francisco Giant start Will Clark hit .333 with 28 home runs and 100 RBIs en route to finishing third in MVP voting – driving his excellent 1985 Fleer Update card above $2,000.
In the end, there is no telling what records Puckett’s, Boggs’ and Henderson’s legendary 1985 rookies may hit in the future. As nostalgia grows and new collectors enter the market, these cards will likely become unattainable for all but the deepest of pockets. Meanwhile, stars like Gooden and Clark show there were other gems to be found in the 1985 set as well. It was truly a banner year that introduced stars who would define the game for generations to come.
