The 1980s were a transformative decade for baseball cards. After a lull in the late 1970s, the baseball card industry boomed in the ’80s thanks to increased collecting interest and the rise of star players who would define the era. Several rookies from the 1980s went on to have Hall of Fame careers and their rookie cards are among the most valuable in the hobby. Here are some of the best and most coveted baseball rookie cards from the 1980s:

Ken Griffey Jr. (1989 Upper Deck): Widely considered the best and most iconic rookie card of the 1980s, Griffey’s Upper Deck rookie is the crown jewel for collectors from this decade. Griffey was one of the first big-name players to have his rookie card in Upper Deck’s inaugural set in 1989, which helped skyrocket the brand to new heights. With his sweet swing and effortless style of play, Griffey was an instant star as a 19-year old for the Mariners in 1989. He would go on to have a legendary 22-year career. In pristine gem mint condition, his rookie currently ranks as one of the most expensive baseball cards ever, selling for well over $100,000.

Barry Bonds (1986 Topps): Bonds’ rookie card came at the start of one of the most decorated careers in MLB history. Despite playing just 16 games in 1986, Bonds’ prodigious talent was evident from the beginning. He would win 7 MVP awards and break Hank Aaron’s all-time home run record. In high grade, his iconic 1986 Topps rookie has sold for over $30,000.

Frank Thomas (1991 Upper Deck): The Big Hurt’s rookie card was another early Upper Deck gem that has held its value tremendously. Thomas was rookie of the year in 1990 with the White Sox and went on to have a Hall of Fame career. His smooth left-handed swing made him a fan favorite. In mint condition, his 1991 Upper Deck RC has sold for over $10,000.

Chipper Jones (1991 Fleer Ultra): Jones was an 18-year old phenom when he made his debut with the Braves in 1995. His rookie card came in 1991 Fleer Ultra, which was one of the premier baseball sets of that year that also featured Griffey and Piazza rookies. Jones went on to a Hall of Fame career spent entirely with Atlanta, where he won an MVP and hit over 400 home runs. His rookie has sold for over $5,000 in high grades.

Derek Jeter (1992 Bowman): As the captain and longtime face of the Yankees dynasty, Jeter’s rookie card from 1992 Bowman is a must-have for collectors. Still just a prospect in 1992, Jeter’s smooth defense and clutch hitting would define his career. The 1992 Bowman set is also highly coveted by collectors because it was one of the first mainstream baseball card releases to feature rookie cards after a long absence. Jeter’s iconic rookie has sold for over $4,000 in top condition.

Greg Maddux (1986 Donruss): Maddux debuted with the Cubs in 1986 and immediately established himself as one of the game’s best pitchers, winning 4 Cy Young awards between 1992-1995. His rookie card came from 1986 Donruss and featured the unassuming pitcher who would become one of the best control artists in MLB history. High graded examples have sold for over $3,000.

Tom Glavine (1987 Topps): Another pitching great who debuted in 1987, Glavine’s rookie card stands out from his first Topps issue. The lefty went on to win 305 games and 2 Cy Youngs between the Braves and Mets. With over 25 years in the big leagues, Glavine had one of the longest and most durable careers of any pitcher in history. His 1987 Topps rookie has reached $2,000.

Mark McGwire (1986 Topps): McGwire’s rookie season with the A’s was relatively light, but his prodigious power was evident even in limited playing time. He’d explode onto the national scene in 1987 by smashing 49 home runs, a rookie record at the time. His career took an even bigger turn in 1998 when he and Sosa engaged in a epic home run race. Despite controversies later in his career, McGwire’s rookie card remains a key piece for 80s collectors, selling for over $1,000.

Randy Johnson (1988 Fleer): The Big Unit’s intimidating presence was already evident in his rookie season split between the Expos and Mariners. His blazing fastball would make him one of the most dominant pitchers ever, piling up over 4,000 strikeouts. Johnson’s rookie card came from 1988 Fleer and has increased steadily in value in recent years, as interest grows in his legendary career. High graded examples have sold for over $800.

Sandy Koufax (1956 Topps): While not technically a 1980s rookie card, Koufax’s legendary 1956 Topps rookie is included because it marked one of the most dramatic rookie cards ever issued. Koufax didn’t break out as a star until 1959, but that only adds to the intrigue of his early rookie card, which in gem mint condition has sold for over $50,000 given his epic run with the Dodgers.

The 1980s produced some of the most iconic and valuable rookie cards in baseball history, headlined by the likes of Griffey, Bonds, Thomas and Jeter. For collectors, owning high quality examples of these rookies serves as a portal back to that exciting decade when these future legends were just getting their start in the major leagues. The cards themselves have grown into valuable pieces of pop culture and sports memorabilia from one of the golden eras of the game.