The 1988 Upper Deck baseball card set was groundbreaking in the hobby. It was the first highly successful professional sports card release issued by a company other than Topps in decades. The sleek design, sharp photo quality, and heftier cardboard stock made Upper Deck cards instantly collectible. While many common cards from the set can still be found for a dollar or less, some examples have skyrocketed in value thanks to superstar players, low print runs, and strong demand from enthusiasts. Here are some of the most coveted and expensive 1988 Upper Deck cards to look out for:
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Card #1): Widely considered the crown jewel of the 1988 Upper Deck set, Griffey’s dazzling rookie is the undisputed king of the crop. Often hailed as the greatest baseball player of his generation, Griffey dominated on the diamond and was a fan favorite known for electric plays and pure joy for the game. His rookie card from Upper Deck is the pinnacle of MLB card collecting. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples regularly sell for $10,000-$25,000. Even well-centered near-mint copies can fetch over $1,000. Griffey’s success and popularity ensured this would become one of the most iconic and valuable modern sportscards ever made.
Nolan Ryan (Card #116): As one of the most intimidating power pitchers in MLB history, Ryan’s legend and records helped make this card a desirable collectible. Widely known as “The Ryan Express” for his blazing 100 mph fastball, Ryan holds the all-time records for no-hitters and strikeouts. PSA 10 examples of his ’88 Upper Deck card have sold for over $7,000. In high grades, it’s one of the set’s second most valuable behind only Griffey’s rookie.
Ozzie Smith (Card #27): Nicknamed “The Wizard” for his acrobatic defensive skills, Ozzie Smith was a fan-favorite and one of the greatest shortstops who ever played. His smooth, graceful style of play made him must-watch TV. Highly sought after by collectors, PSA 10 versions of Smith’s Upper Deck card have reached $3,000 at auction. Even well-centered copies still fetch $100-$200 regularly for this Hall of Famer.
Kirby Puckett (Card #234): One of the catalysts that led the Twins to two World Series titles in the late 1980s, Puckett was a megastar in baseball’s heartland of Minnesota. His infectious smile and clutch hits made him hugely popular. Sadly Puckett passed away in 2006 from eye disease, adding significance to his collectibles. PSA 10 examples have sold for $2,000, with 8s and 9s still worth $300-$500 for this American League star.
Rickey Henderson (Card #308): As arguably the greatest leadoff hitter and basestealer in MLB annals, “Rickey Being Rickey” was must-see TV in the late 80s. Snagging over 1,400 career stolen bags, Henderson was a game-changer on the bases. His ’88 Upper Deck rookie is a highly coveted piece for collectors. PSA 10s have reached $1,500, with 8s and 9s still retaining $200-$400 in value for one of the sport’s true unicorns.
Cal Ripken Jr. (Card #416): The “Iron Man” played in a record 2,632 consecutive games and was a cornerstone of the Orioles for two decades. Winning two MVPs, he perfectly embodied grit, determination and toughness. Ripken’s rookie card remains extremely popular, with PSA 10s pushing $1,000 and lower grades retaining $50-$150 in prices. A true workhorse who was beloved by Baltimore fans.
Jose Canseco (Card #568): As one of the original “Bash Brothers” alongside Mark McGwire for Oakland, Canseco helped usher in baseball’s new “Steroid Era” of mammoth home runs in the late 80s. His 40/40 season in 1988 was the stuff of fantasy leagues. While his post-career controversies mar his legacy, his big stats and rookie card are still compelling to collectors. PSA 10s have topped $700, with lower grades keeping $50-$150 steady value.
Don Mattingly (Card #630): A smooth-swinging left-handed slugger, “Donnie Baseball” was the heart and soul of some great late 80s Yankees teams. Winning an MVP in 1985, Mattingly embodied old-school class and skill at the plate. Always a fan favorite, his ’88 UD card remains a widely sought Yankee collectible. PSA 10s have reached $500, with 8s and 9s staying $75-$150 in the marketplace.
Roger Clemens (Card #763): As one of the most decorated and dominant pitchers ever, “The Rocket” mowed down batters with a blistering fastball and splitter combo. Clemens’ accomplishments on the mound, including a record seven Cy Young Awards, make this his major rookie card one of the set’s key pitchers. PSA 10s command $400, with lower grades retaining steady $50-$100 prices.
Mark McGwire (Card #795): Forming a legendary home run tandem in Oakland alongside Canseco, “Big Mac” rewrote the longball record books in the late 80s and 90s. Breaking Maris’ single season home run record in 1998, McGwire was must-see power hitting at its finest. His ’88 UD rookie regularly fetches $250 raw or $300-$500 graded 8s and 9s.
While not every card will reach Griffey levels of value, savvy collectors realize the enduring significance of 1988 Upper Deck. Featuring stars from baseball’s golden era and some of the game’s all-time great rookies, it remains one of the hobby’s quintessential sets. Even well-loved, played copies still hold monetary value decades later thanks to the high-quality production and star power packaged between its borders. For dedicated card collectors, hunting a Gem Mint Griffey or landing any of these blue-chip cards makes the search through waxed packs well worth the effort.
