The 1988 Score baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and desirables sets from the junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While most cards from sets released during this time period are fairly common and hold little monetary value today, there are a select few 1988 Score cards that have attained significant value over the years to become the most expensive and sought after from the set. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable 1988 Score baseball cards and why they have attained such prestige.
Heading the list of the most valuable 1988 Score cards is none other than the Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the greatest rookie card of all-time, the Ken Griffey Jr. RC from 1988 Score is the undisputed star of the set. In pristine mint condition, Griffey Jr.’s rookie now commands prices well into the thousands of dollars. What makes this card so special is that it captures Jr. at the very beginning of what became one of the most electrifying careers in baseball history. Griffey was destined for superstardom from a young age and this is the first trading card to feature the future Hall of Famer. Even in well-worn condition, a Griffey Jr. 1988 Score RC can sell for hundreds due to its sheer historical significance. In gem mint 10 grade, online auction prices for this coveted rookie have currently been known to exceed $15,000.
Another extremely valuable 1988 Score card is that of slugging outfielder José Canseco. As one of the first true “superstars” of the steroid era, Canseco made an immediate impact after debuting with Oakland in 1985. His power numbers quickly rose up the stats ladder and by the late 80s, Canseco was one of the most feared power hitters in baseball. His 1988 Score issue chronicles what was arguably the first season of his prime, as José slugged 42 home runs and drove in 124 runs on his way to American League MVP honors. High grade Canseco rookies from this set can sell for well over $1,000. Like Griffey Jr., Canseco’s card became one of the most identifiable from the entire 1988 Score checklist due to his early superstardom.
Staying in the Athletics organization, perhaps the third most expensive 1988 Score card is that of slugging first baseman/DH Mark McGwire. Big Mac’s rookie season was 1987 so by 1988 he had fully established himself as a force in the middle of the Oakland order. That season he belted 33 home runs and knocked in 95 runs while batting .289, displaying the raw power that would later break baseball’s single season home run record. Pristine McGwire rookies from Donruss and Topps are worth thousands, and his more common 1988 Score issue still fetches big money in high grades – recently selling for around $800-$900 in mint condition. It’s a significant card as one of the final trading cards to feature McGwire before he went on to smash Maris’ record in 1998.
Shifting to the National League, one of the iconic rookie cards of the late 80s/early 90s that comes from the 1988 Score set is that of “Nails” Dwight Gooden. Having already accomplished so much at such a young age after bursting onto the scene in 1984 and winning the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards, Gooden was electric on the mound for the New York Mets entering 1988. This Score rookie captured “Doc” at the absolute height of his powers before injuries started to derail his career. In pristine condition, a Gooden 1988 Score rookie card can sell for $500-600 due to its ties to one of the most dominant pitchers across the 1980s. It remains one of the most visually striking and memorable of all his rookie cards issued.
Rounding out the top five most valuable 1988 Score cards is the rookie issue of power-hitting slugger Mark Grace. While not achieving the superstar status of the aforementioned players, Grace put together a very respectable career highlighted by his prowess at the plate and as a versatile defender at first base. He would go on to play 16 seasons in the majors and capture the 1989 National League batting title. His 1988 Score rookie neatly chronicles Grace’s debut season with the Chicago Cubs and fetches $350-450 in top grades due to its status as the first card issued of the future All-Star. Like other rookies on this list, it holds significance for showcasing a player at the start of what became a memorable big league tenure.
While 1988 Score contained almost 800 total baseball cards released during the junk wax era, it’s these select few rookies and star players that have stood the test of time to become the true gems of the set. Cards like Griffey Jr, Canseco, McGwire, Gooden, and Grace earn top dollar today because they captured iconic players at the exact moment they were emerging as future Hall of Famers or all-time greats. Nearly 35 years later, the 1988 Score checklist remains beloved for chroncling some of the biggest names to ever play the game.
