Bo Jackson had one of the most incredible athletic careers of all time, even if it was cut short due to injury. While his football career with the Los Angeles Raiders is most remembered, Jackson was also a legitimate major league baseball player for the Kansas City Royals. Naturally, his brief but impressive baseball career has led to some highly sought after baseball cards among collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key Bo Jackson baseball cards and what makes them so desirable decades later.
1986 Topps Traded Baseball #84 – One of Jackson’s earliest baseball cards comes from his rookie season in the minor leagues in 1986 with the Memphis Chicks, the AAA affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. This traded card captures Jackson early in his transition to professional baseball after winning the Heisman Trophy in 1985 playing football for Auburn. The ’86 Traded card is one of the more affordable Bo Jackson baseball cards to acquire in graded form, but still holds value as one of the first glimpses of the athletic phenomenon in a baseball uniform.
1987 Donruss #110 – Jackson’s official rookie card in 1987 Donruss was arguably the most hyped baseball card release of that year. By that point, the sports world was well aware of Jackson’s otherworldly athletic gifts thanks to his college football career. The ’87 Donruss captured the excitement around his major league debut with Kansas City that season. High grade versions of this iconic rookie card still demand thousands of dollars to this day.
1987 Topps #634 – As the flagship brand in the industry, Jackson’s 1987 Topps rookie is among the most iconic in the hobby. The simple design highlights Jackson’s intense gaze and muscular physique. Like the ’87 Donruss, this remains one of the key chase cards for any Bo Jackson collection. Near-mint to gem mint 10 graded copies can sell for over $10,000 when they become available.
1989 Bowman #48 – Jackson’s breakout season with the Royals in 1989 is immortalized in his ’89 Bowman card. That year, he hit .256 with 16 home runs and 47 RBI in only 103 games, showcasing his raw power. He also stole 15 bases. The highlight reel plays he made only added to his growing legend. High grade versions remain quite valuable for collectors.
1990 Upper Deck #1 – As the brand that revolutionized the baseball card industry, Upper Deck released Jackson’s only card in their inaugural set in 1990. By then, Jackson was already a two-time All-Star and one of the most popular players in the game. The ’90 Upper Deck may be his most iconic single card image ever. Near-mint to black label gem mint 10 versions can sell for over $5,000.
1991 Leaf #48 – Jackson’s final baseball card before injuries derailed his promising career came in 1991 Leaf, one year after he led the American League in total bases in 1990. The card depicts Jackson rounding third base, capturing one of his most thrilling attributes – his elite speed and athleticism. Even lower grade versions still hold value for collectors three decades later.
While his baseball career was cut short after just five full seasons in the majors, Bo Jackson achieved enough in that short time to cement his status as one of the most legendary athletes who ever lived. His baseball cards from the late 1980s capture all the hype, promise and excitement around one of the truly unique talents the sports world has ever seen. Top PSA/BGS graded examples of Jackson’s rookie cards and other notable baseball cards remain some of the most sought after and valuable investments in the hobby.
