The 1988 Score baseball card set was unique not only for the rise of baseball card inserts like “Traded” and “Future Stars” subsets, but it featured several star rookies that would go on to hall of fame careers. The 1987 and 1988 rookie classes are considered among the best and most star-studded classes of all-time. Score captured many of these future stars in their rookie card debuts that still attract collectors today.
One of the top rookies in the 1988 Score set was Chicago Cubs’ right-handed starting pitcher Greg Maddux. Maddux had just come off an impressive rookie season in 1987 where he went 18-8 with a 2.18 ERA in 30 starts for the Cubs. His slick pitching style emphasized pinpoint control over power and would lead to a hall of fame career spanning 23 seasons. Maddux’s 1988 Score rookie card is one of the most valuable and desirable among collectors. In high grade it can fetch thousands of dollars due to his dominance and four career Cy Young Awards.
Another pitching star featured was Oakland Athletics’ lefty Dennis Eckersley. Though he had debuted in 1975 and was past his prime as a starter, Eckersley had just transitioned to the bullpen in 1988 and found new life as one of the game’s top closers. His “Eck Express” persona and consecutive saves titles made his 1988 Score card as an Oakland reliever a true “rookie” despite his experience. Eckersley would go on to save 390 games and also toss a no-hitter as a starter earlier in his career.
On the position player side, the 1988 Score set included rookie cards for slugging first baseman Mark McGwire and all-star catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. McGwire was just getting started on a powerful career with the Oakland A’s that would see him hit 583 home runs before controversially retiring in 2001. His raw left-handed power was already evident in his rookie ’88 Score issue. Alomar meanwhile was a light-hitting defensive specialist who played over 15 years primarily with the Cleveland Indians. As rookies, both McGwire and Alomar established themselves as regular starters and future all-stars.
Another standout rookie featured was Toronto Blue Jays’ right fielder Joe Carter. Though he debuted in 1981, Carter’s breakout season was 1988 when he belted 36 home runs and drove in 111 runs as Toronto won the division. His 1988 Score card captured his emergence into an all-star caliber slugger. Carter would go on to smash over 300 career home runs and was famous for hitting a World Series walk-off home run for the 1993 Blue Jays. Chicago White Sox’ catcher Carlton Fisk also had his rookie card in the ’88 Score set, cementing his comeback late in his career with the White Sox after starring for the Boston Red Sox for over a decade.
Moving to the National League, the ’88 Score issue highlighted several future stars. San Francisco Giants’ left hander Bill Swift had an 11-8 record as a rookie and flashed potential with nearly a strikeout per inning. Swift never developed into an ace but had a lengthy career as a soft-tossing lefty. Elsewhere, Pittsburgh Pirates’ third baseman Bobby Bonilla showcased his smooth fielding and gap power in his rookie campaign. Though often overshadowed by teammates Barry Bonds and Andy Van Slyke in Pittsburgh, Bonilla became an all-star himself and slugged over 200 career home runs.
Perhaps the most famous rookie featured in the 1988 Score set was New York Mets’ outfielder Darryl Strawberry. With his photogenic swing and prodigious raw power, Strawberry smacked 26 round trippers as a 22-year old and looked primed to become one of the game’s premier sluggers. His 1988 Score rookie is among the most iconic from the 1980s. Strawberry would eventually bash 335 big league homers but substance abuse problems spoiled his full potential. Still, his raw skills were evident from the beginning as captured by his ’88 Score issue.
Two other pitcher rookies of note included Detroit Tigers’ left-hander Walt Terrell, who went 13-11 with a 3.51 ERA in his first full season. Meanwhile San Diego Padres’ righty Andy Benes started 26 games and showed promise that he could develop into a capable mid-rotation starter long-term. Overall the 1988 Score set highlighted many stars at the beginning of Hall of Fame careers like Maddux, Eckersley, and McGwire, as well as important contributors like Bonilla, Carter, and Strawberry. For fans and collectors today, it serves as a remarkable time capsule of one of the most gifted rookie classes in baseball history.
Aside from featuring the debuts of future Cooperstown inductees like Maddux and Eckersley, the 1988 Score baseball card set stands out for its array of impact players like McGwire, Carter, and Strawberry that defined the late 80s/90s eras. Rookie cards hold extra allure for collectors intent on discovering stars before their fame, and the ’88 Score issue fulfilled that with several rookies living up to early promise. Whether pursuing iconic singles like Strawberry or complete sets, this unique vintage release remains a treasure trove for those seeking memorable cards from one of the most talented rookie crops in MLB history. Its place in the history of the hobby is cemented both by the talent featured and future accomplishments of the players highlighted in their initial baseball card appearances.
