The 1988 baseball card season marked a transition period for the hobby. While the junk wax era was in full swing, producing cards in astronomical numbers, some key rookies from this season would go on to have Hall of Fame careers and make their rookie cards highly valuable.
The huge increase in production that defined the late 1980s is best exemplified by Donruss. Their 1988 set included a record 792 cards, more than double the size of just a few years prior. Fleer also expanded significantly with 528 cards in their 1988 set. The overproduction of cards watered down their value for most of the 1980s and early 1990s issues.
Even in the midst of junk wax, some rookies shined bright enough to retain long term value. Perhaps the most notable is Ken Griffey Jr. who had one of the best careers of all time. His rookie card from Donruss and Upper Deck are among the most valuable from the late 80s. PSA 10 examples of Griffey’s Donruss rookie have sold for over $10,000 in recent years. His Upper Deck rookie in the same grade exceeds $20,000.
Another Hall of Famer with a valuable 1988 rookie is Tom Glavine. The lefty won 305 games and two Cy Young awards over a storied career. High grade copies of his Donruss, Fleer, and Score issues can reach $500-$1,000 each. While not in Griffey’s stratosphere, Glavine rookie cards have held up well compared to most from this period.
Randy Johnson, nicknamed “The Big Unit,” made his debut in 1988 and went on to strike out 4,875 batters and win five Cy Young awards. Like Glavine, Johnson rookie cards have maintained relevance. His Donruss and Score rookies in PSA 10 condition can be found in the $300-$700 range.
Not every valuable 1988 rookie went to Cooperstown of course. Mark McGwire launched his career with 49 home runs that year, a rookie record at the time. While PED controversies have dampened his legacy, “Big Mac’s” rookie cards remain popular. Near mint Donruss and Fleer versions sell for $100-$250.
The 1988 Topps set also contains some standouts. Ken Griffey Jr’s impressive rookie photo and clean design make it the most coveted issue of his first card. High grade examples command $500-$1,000. Even the base rookie card holds value at $75-$150 for a PSA 8.
Rickey Henderson, arguably the greatest leadoff hitter and base stealer ever, is featured prominently on his 1988 Topps rookie card. While production totals for Topps were much lower versus Donruss or Fleer, PSA 10 copies can still reach $300-$500 due to Henderson’s iconic status.
Not every 1988 rookie is a star however. Many were flash in the pans that never panned out. Players like Eric Anthony, Oddibe McDowell, and Shawn Abner had early promise but short careers. Their rookie cards are only sought by die-hard collectors and have little intrinsic value.
Most 1988 commons and stars from that era have little monetary worth. But a few standouts, especially rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, have shown staying power. While the junk wax era diluted the hobby for much of the late 80s and 90s, some special rookies like Ken Griffey Jr. and Tom Glavine still hold significant collector interest and financial value today. For savvy investors, 1988 remains a year to consider for long term holds, despite the glut of production during the time.
