The 1988 Fleer baseball card set was the 21st series issued by the Fleer Company and featured players from the American and National Leagues. Some key things to know about the 1988 Fleer baseball card checklist and set include:
The 1988 Fleer baseball card set includes a total of 792 cards divided between the base set of 528 cards and sticker cards making up the remaining 264 cards.
This was the first year Fleer issued sticker cards as inserts in their baseball card sets after purchasing the rights from Topps. The sticker cards featured additional photos and stats of major league players not included in the base set.
Perhaps the most notable rookie cards in the 1988 Fleer set were those of Mark McGwire, Barry Larkin, Gregg Olson, and Bobby Thigpen. All would go on to have successful MLB careers and their rookie cards remain highly sought after by collectors today.
Other young stars who were early in their careers and had cards in the 1988 Fleer set include Ken Griffey Jr., Andy Van Slyke, Tom Glavine, and David Cone. Their cards have increased in value as their careers blossomed.
Veteran superstars of the day like Nolan Ryan (in his final MLB season), Don Mattingly, Kirby Puckett, Wade Boggs, and Rickey Henderson are some of the most valuable cards from the set for collectors due to their Hall of Fame caliber careers.
The design theme of the 1988 Fleer cards was primarily white borders with blue and red stripes on either side of each player’s photo and team logo at the top. Statistics were listed on the back along with a short career summary.
Fleer continued their pattern of including traded players in their new uniforms, so the cards can show players with accurate teams from late season trades completed after production of the set had begun.
Notable rookie or early career errors that make some 1988 Fleer cards more valuable include Ken Griffey Jr. being shown without a hat in his photo and the misspelling of Benito Santiago’s first name as “Bentio”.
The 1988 Fleer set includes the final cards issued of players like Jim Rice, Mike Scott, Steve Carlton, and Gary Carter who would retire after the 1987 season ended. Their cards from this set carry additional nostalgia and value.
Insert cards in the 1988 Fleer set beyond the sticker cards included Manager of the Year, Fireman of the Year, Rookie All-Star, MVP Leader, Cy Young Award Winner, and League Leaders cards highlighting statistical achievements from 1987.
The design feature of Fleer cards in the late 1980s was the inclusion of team ticket stubs above the players’ photos. For the 1988 set, these were replaced by strips representing baseball seams.
Error cards that accidentally missing information like the player’s name or have misprints also make appearances in the 1988 Fleer set. These abnormalities increase the collectibility and value of such cards.
The entire 1988 Fleer baseball card set in near mint condition would be worth thousands to a serious vintage collector thanks to the coveted rookies, stars, and historical significance of the cards included from that season in MLB history.
The 1988 Fleer baseball card checklist remains a highly collectible and valuable set for those interested in vintage cards from the late 1980s era. Landmark rookies, career milestone cards, statistical leaders, and astute production flaws all contribute to the lasting appeal and investment potential of this 792 card series for serious collectors and investors. Even over 30 years later, the 1988 Fleer set endures as an integral part of baseball card history from that exciting period of economic growth in the hobby.
