The 1988 baseball card season marked another transition year for the hobby. The late 1980s saw the rise of obsessive card collecting and chasing an entire set as young collectors had more disposable income. For seasoned collectors, it was a time when childhood favorites from the late 1950s started achieving higher values as the generation who first opened those packs matured with the hobby. The ’88 set itself while not the flashiest, contained some true gems that have increased greatly in value in the ensuing decades. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable and sought-after pieces from the 1988 roster.

Ken Griffey Jr. RC #1 – Widely considered one of if not the best rookie card of all time, Griffey’s debut offering from Donruss holds immense significance. Even back in 1988, Junior was already garnering mainstream attention for his prodigious skills. Now, the card is one of the crown jewels in any collection. High graded examples in PSA 10 can fetch over $10,000 while even well-centered raw copies sell for thousands. It’s iconic photo and subject matter ensure this RC remains hugely collectible for years to come.

Barry Bonds RC #91 – Like Griffey, Bonds was already a budding superstar by his rookie year of 1986. But ’88 Donruss marked his first “traditional” rookie card in the set. Seen as the second most coveted RC of the time period, a PSA 10 can sell for $3,000+ due to Bonds’ leading the Steroids Era home run chase. Even loose near mint copies sell for $100-200 today showing its lasting appeal.

Tom Glavine RC #180 – Not the biggest name rookie of the year but Glavine went on to have a hall of fame caliber career. His card was fairly common in ’88 but has greatly increased in demand from Atlanta Braves PC collectors seeking their favorite players. High grades in the $500-$1000 range reflect Glavine’s lasting brand and continued hobby interest.

Brady Anderson #221 – One of the major short prints and errors in the set, Anderson’s card was vastly underproduced compared to normal. It was also omitted from factory sets altogether making it a true ODdball vintage piece. Even in poor shape, examples can sell for well over $100 due to scarcity and intrigue around the story. Top PSA 10s have reached $5000+ at auction.

Cal Ripken Jr. Update #76U – Following Ripken breaking Gehrig’s consecutive games record in ’95, all things Ripken spiked in value. This ’88 Update issue showing him during his hitting streak was hugely scarce. Now recognized as one of the rarest Ripken inserts in existence, a PSA 10 can sell for upwards of $2500 due to the story behind the shyly produced parallel issue.

Bo Jackson #343 – The “Bo Knows” marketing push was in full swing in ’88 leading to huge demand for Jackson’s rookie offerings like this Donruss number. Even dinged up raw copies sell for $50-100 as dedicated PC collectors seek out one of the most iconic athletes of the late 80s/early 90s era. High grades can break $1000 with the right auction hype.

Ben McDonald RC #512 – The first overall pick in the ’89 draft, McDonald was expected to be a future ace. Arm issues limited his career but his ’88 Donruss RC remains a sought-after piece for Orioles fans and investors. PSA 10s have reached $500 in sales with most graded copies selling for $100-200 range still.

Roger Clemens #90 – Already a superstar by 1988, Clemens’ dominance continued well into the late 90s. His popularity during the peak of the card boom era ensures his vintage Donruss rosters hold considerable value. Even well-centered raw copies can fetch $50-100 for Clemens PC collectors three decades later.

Ozzie Smith #244 – A true batting and fielding wizard, Smith was already a fan favorite by 1988 as his graceful skills resonated with many. His cards remain very collectible for Cardinals and vintage aficionados alike. PSA 10s have reached $400-500 in sales showing staying power.

Wally Joyner #588 – Joyner’s ’88 Donruss had an absurdly low print run making it one of the true oddball short prints from the set. Only a handful are believed to exist in high grades. An elusive PSA 10 would likely be a $1000+ card today if one ever crosses the block. Even well-centered raw copies sell for $100+.

While not the most visually pleasing base set of the time, the 1988 Donruss roster housed some true contemporary superstars and rookie talents that have only increased in popularity and cachet with collectors in the ensuing decades. Cards like Griffey Jr, Bonds, and Ripken Updates lead the way in value but rarities like the Brady Anderson continue to intrigue. For building a complete high grade set over the long run, ’88 Donruss remains one of the more enjoyable and collectible issues to accumulate.