The 1988 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and collectible issues from the late 1980s. While it lacked some of the true classics and rookie phenoms seen in earlier years, the ’88 Topps set still featured many of the game’s biggest stars and containedseveral cards that have grown considerably in value over the past 3 decades. For serious baseball card collectors and investors, here are some of the most valuable and sought-after rookie and star cards found in the 1988 Topps collection.
Ken Griffey Jr. (card #1) – Widely considered the most coveted rookie card from the 1988 set, Griffey’s iconic backwards hat image is one of the defining baseball cards of the entire junk wax era. Even pulled as a common in packs over 30 years ago, Griffey Jr.’s rookie has exploded in value thanks to his legendary playing career and status as a true fan favorite. In top graded gem mint condition, examples regularly sell for well over $1000 today. More commonly available lower graded copies still demand $100-200.
Tom Glavine (card #21) – The lone true rookie card in the set for Braves’ ace and future Hall of Famer Tom Glavine. Like Griffey, Glavine enjoyed incredible success and longevity in the majors that has made his humble rookie one of the most valuable in the set. High graded copies in the PSA 9-10 range have sold in the $300-500 range in recent years.
Greg Maddux (card #81) – Not quite a rookie card since Maddux had debuted the previous season, but his second Topps issue is still one of the key star cards from 1988. Along with Glavine, Maddux formed one of the most dominant pitching rotations in baseball history with the Braves in the 1990s. PSA 10 examples have topped $500.
Barry Bonds (card #305) – One of the more attainable young star cards featuring pre-roids Barry Bonds in a Pirates uniform. Even with the late-career steroid controversy, Bonds’ playing stats have kept his early Topps cards popular with collectors. Low end examples can be found for under $50.
Kirby Puckett (card #529) – One of the most iconic photos in sports card history shows Puckett leaping with all his might to make an amazing catch. As one of the game’s greatest center fielders, Puckett’s cards remain popular. Higher graded versions demand $100-200.
Ozzie Smith (card #595) – Known as the “Wizard” for his spectacular defensive skills, Smith was the best fielding shortstop of his generation. His photo on the card making an acrobatic jump throw is a fan favorite. Higher graded Gem Mint PSA 10s have cracked $400.
Rickey Henderson (card #632) – Considered the greatest leadoff hitter and base stealer of all time, Henderson’s cards became highly sought after collectors items later in his career as his statistical records grew. Even lower end versions command $50-75 thanks to his stolen base prowess with the A’s pictured here.
Wade Boggs (card #690) – As one of baseball’s most consistent hitters through the late 80s and 90s with the Red Sox and Yankees, Boggs’ cards have found new appreciation among collectors. He remains one of few players to hit over .300 for his career. Higher graded versions fetch $100-150.
Roger Clemens (card #716) – One of Clemens’ earliest Red Sox cards from his breakout years in Boston in the late 80s and capturing the start of his legendary Rocket persona on the mound. Since his record-setting career and Hall of Fame induction, common examples now sell for $50-75.
Frank Viola (card #738) – The 1987 AL Cy Young winner, Viola had one of the sweetest left-handed deliveries in the game in the late 80s for both the Twins and Mets. Scarcer high graded versions in PSA or BGS slabs have cracked $200 due to his Cy Young credentials pictured here in Minnesota.
Nolan Ryan (card #768) – One of the final cards issued of the “Ryan Express” during his playing days as a member of the Astros. With over 5,000 career strikeouts and seven no-hitters, anything involving Nolan Ryan remains highly sought after. Common PSA 8 copies sell between $75-100.
Don Mattingly (card #782) – The smooth swinging Yankee first baseman was one of the biggest stars in baseball through the late 80s, capturing two batting titles. Mattingly’s fantastic career was cut short by back issues, keeping his earlier cards scarce and valuable, like this $100-150 copy.
While it may lack some of the true rookie phenoms seen in past years, the 1988 Topps set endures as one of the most iconic issues of the junk wax era. Featuring many of the games greatest players either in their prime or early careers, cards like Griffey Jr., Glavine, Maddux, Bonds, Puckett and more make it a veritable who’s who of 80s/90s baseball. With iconic photos and capturing stars either in their hometowns or new uniforms, these valuable 1988 Topps cards remain some of the most recognizable and sought after issues for serious collectors today.
