The 1988 Donruss baseball card set is highly sought after by collectors due to its sharp photography and memorable rookie cards of future Hall of Famers. While the majority of cards from this set hold little value, there are some real gems that can fetch big money from serious collectors. Here’s a look at some of the most valuable 1988 Donruss baseball cards that fetch the highest prices on the secondary market today.
Ken Griffey Jr. (#1) – Widely considered the most valuable modern-era baseball card in existence, Griffey’s rookie is the crown jewel of the 1988 Donruss set. Not only was Griffey a can’t-miss prospect who lived up to the hype, but his smooth left-handed swing and effortless grace in center field turned him into a fan favorite. The sharp photography of Griffey’s rookie also accentuates his youthful enthusiasm for the game. In mint condition, this iconic card will set a collector back thousands, with PSA 10 examples selling for upwards of $10,000. Even well-centered near-mint copies still fetch over $1,000.
Tom Glavine (#20) – Glavine’s rookie card is the key pull for Falcons fans collecting the 1988 Donruss set. The smooth left-hander went on to amass over 300 career wins and 2 Cy Young Awards, cementing his Hall of Fame status. In mint condition, his rookie has sold for around $900 due to its significance. Even well-worn copies in EX or worse shape still sell for $100-200 depending on centering. Glavine remains one of the more affordable star rookie cards from the late 1980s.
Greg Maddux (#105) – Like Glavine, “Mad Dog” Maddux burst onto the scene in 1986 and had an illustrious career that landed him in Cooperstown. Considered the best control pitcher of his generation, Maddux’s rookie is highly sought after. PSA 10 copies have sold for as much as $2,000 due to his pitching mastery and the card’s sharp image. Most comps have it valued between $400-700 depending on condition, with even well-loved copies selling for over $100.
Frank Thomas (#149) – “The Big Hurt” announced his greatness on this rookie and went on to smash the ball all over the yard during the 1990s steroid era. His mammoth home runs and Triple Crown season in 1994 made him a fan favorite on the South Side. Mint PSA 10 copies of his rookie routinely sell between $300-600 depending on the market. Most near-mint or excellent graded versions trade hands for $150-250.
David Justice (#244) – One of the game’s most prolific power hitters during Atlanta’s 1990s dynasty run, Justice slammed over 200 career dingers. His sweet lefty swing was a joy to watch in Atlanta. His rookie card is much scarcer than his Donruss Preferred rookie and sells accordingly – a PSA 10 recently sold for a jaw-dropping $900. Even well-centered near-mint copies still move for $150-300 due to Justice’s prolific power game.
Barry Bonds (#265) – Before the steroid allegations changed public perception, Bonds was already building a Hall of Fame resume as one of the game’s greatest sluggers. His sweet lefty swing produced prodigious power numbers throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Bonds’ Donruss rookie is coveted and rare in top condition, with PSA 10 gems selling between $500-1000 to patient collectors. Even lower graded versions graded 8 and under still fetch $75-200 based on centering.
Gregg Jefferies (#274) – Considered a can’t-miss prospect in the late 1980s, Jefferies made his big league debut with the Mets in 1987. While injuries derailed his career potential, his rookie card retains value due to his huge prospect pedigree. PSA 10 copies have sold for $450-600, while lower grades around 8 still sell in the $100-200 range. Jefferies remains a nostalgia piece for collectors who followed his career path.
Ben McDonald (#341) – The Orioles power righty dazzled scouts with his blazing mid-90s heat as a can’t-miss pitching prospect in the late 1980s. Arm issues prevented sustained success, but his rookie retains value due to that prospect hype. PSA 10s have sold around $300, with copies graded 8 still fetching $75 or more due to name recognition from his prospect days.
Sandy Alomar Jr. (#406) – The slick-fielding catcher was a defensive standout for Cleveland teams in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He also proved a capable offensive threat with occasional power. His Donruss rookie is very scarce in high grades like PSA 10, with a recent sale around $500. Most copies grade out around 8 and sell between $75-150 based on aesthetic appeal. His name holds cachet amongst Indians fans.
So in summary – while huge singles like Griffey and Maddux dominate this iconic 1988 Donruss set, there remains strong collector demand for the rookie cards of stars like Glavine, Justice and Bonds. Even role players with big prospect pedigree like McDonald and Jefferies retain value. For a vintage 1980s set, the 1988 Donruss release holds up incredibly well in the modern collecting marketplace.
