The 1985 Fleer baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the 1980s. Produced during baseball’s peak period of popularity, the ’85 Fleer set featured several young superstars and Hall of Famers that would go on to have incredible careers. While it didn’t contain as many rookie cards of future legends as some previous years, several keys cards from the ’85 Fleer set have stood the test of time and appreciated greatly in value. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable and desirable 1985 Fleer baseball cards.
Perhaps the most well-known and coveted card from the ’85 Fleer set is the Roger Clemens rookie card. As one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, Clemens’ rookie is highly sought after by collectors. Fresh off winning the AL Cy Young Award in his first season, Clemens’ monster career was just beginning. In top gem mint condition, his rookie now routinely sells for well over $10,000. Another pitching legend with an extremely valuable ’85 Fleer rookie is Dwight Gooden. As one of the most dominant starting pitchers of the 1980s, Gooden’s iconic rookie card is a must-have for any serious collection. High grade examples can go for $5,000+ today.
Two other ace pitchers with noteworthy rookies from the ’85 Fleer set are Bret Saberhagen and Orel Hershiser. Saberhagen would win two AL Cy Young awards himself in the late 80s/early 90s. His solid career and Hall of Fame caliber numbers make his rookie a big ticket item, climbing above $1,000 for top grades. Hershiser, of course, is best known for his record setting 59 consecutive scoreless innings in 1988 which led to a World Series MVP. His stellar career has his ’85 Fleer RC reaching $800-1,000 for gems. Both Saberhagen and Hershiser remain two of the most historically significant pitchers with rookie cards in the ’85 Fleer set.
While pitchers dominated the rookie card scene that year, a few position players also debuted that would achieve baseball immortality. Hall of Famer Barry Larkin had his first cardboard in 1985 Fleer. The smooth fielding shortstop and perennial All-Star would accumulate nearly 3,000 career hits and bring home an MVP award. High grade Larkin rookies crack $1,000 today. Another inner circle Hall of Famer with his bow in ’85 Fleer is catcher Gary Carter. “The Kid” was already an eleven-time All-Star and had won the ’81 NL Batting Title by the time of this card issue. His rook is valued around $500 for top condition.
In addition to future legends, the ’85 Fleer set featured many young superstars who were already well on their way. This includes a duo of surefire Hall of Famers in Tim Raines and Andre Dawson. “Rock” Raines was a dominant leadoff man and baserunner for the Expos and White Sox in the 80s. His speed and offensive skills have his ’85 Fleer RC reaching $300 for gems. Meanwhile, “Hawk” Dawson took the NL by storm winning back-to-back MVPs in ’87-88 for the Cubs. High grade examples of his star-studded rookie have broken $400. Raines and Dawson went on to have standout careers that rank among the sport’s all-time greats.
A few other notables from the ’85 Fleer set that can still offer value depending on condition include Lance Parrish, Don Mattingly, and Cal Ripken Jr.. Parrish was a premier catching talent throughout the 80s and his RC peaks at $150-200. Mattingly’s rookie comes from his spectacular 1984 season where he took home an MVP award. Near-mint to mint copies can reach $250. And of course, no discussion of vintage Ripken would be complete without mentioning his electrifying career at shortstop for Baltimore. Even worn condition examples of his first card still trade hands for $50-75 based purely on nostalgia alone.
While it may lack the true rookie card gems of some other Fleer and Topps issues, the 1985 Fleer baseball set still carries significant nostalgia and demand from collectors decades later. Bolstered by the emergence of young stars like Clemens, Gooden, and the prolific careers of Raines, Dawson, and others, key cards have retained value as investments. For the serious vintage collector, high grade examples of the all-time greats like Clemens, Gooden, Larkin, and Carter will cost thousands to acquire in today’s market. The ’85 Fleer release was a pivotal year that captured a who’s who of talent from baseball’s golden era.
