The 1988 Donruss baseball set is considered one of the most iconic and collectible card issues from the 1980s. While it may lack the flashy designs and photography of some other sets from that era, the 1988 Donruss cards are still heavily sought after by collectors decades later for a few key reasons. Several extremely valuable rookie cards were introduced in this set that can fetch big money if found in pristine condition. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the 1988 Donruss cards that hold significant collector value today.

One of the most noteworthy rookies from the 1988 Donruss set is pitcher Tom Glavine. The Atlanta Braves lefty went on to have a Hall of Fame career that included two Cy Young Awards. Glavine’s rookie card is considered the key card from the 1988 Donruss issue. In a PSA 10 Gem Mint grade, Glavine’s rookie consistently sells for well over $1000. Even lower graded copies in PSA 8 or 9 condition will still fetch $200-$500 depending on the market. What makes Glavine’s rookie so valuable is his iconic status paired with the relatively low print run of Donruss cards in the late 1980s. Finding his card in mint condition is challenging.

Another ace pitcher who debuted via the 1988 Donruss set is David Cone. Like Glavine, Cone put together an excellent career highlighted by a perfect game and five All-Star appearances. Cone’s rookie card isn’t quite as coveted as Glavine’s but still holds value, especially in high grades. A PSA 10 could sell for $800-900, while a PSA 9 would go for $300-400. Considering Cone’s accomplishments and status as a postseason performer, his rookie card remains a key piece for completionists looking to assemble sets from the late 80s.

While pitchers get much of the glory on baseball cards, there were also some tremendous hitters who had their rookie cards released in 1988 Donruss. Arguably the best of the bunch was Philadelphia Phillies shortstop John Kruk. Like Glavine, Kruk hailed from the Atlanta Braves organization before being traded early in his MLB tenure. Kruk went on to enjoy six All-Star seasons while batting over .300 four times. His unconventional style made him a fan favorite. Kruk’s rookie card in PSA 10 condition can sell for upwards of $500 due to his cult following. Even poorly graded copies in PSA 5 or 6 territory will attract bids in the $50-$75 range.

Another potent 1988 Donruss rookie hitter is Sandy Alomar Jr. Alomar broke into the league with the San Diego Padres but is best known for his years with the Cleveland Indians which included six All-Star nods and a Gold Glove at catcher. Like Kruk, Alomar developed a loyal fanbase. His rookie card has increased in value over the years, with a PSA 10 now worth $250-300 and a PSA 9 fetching $100-150. While not in the same esteemed class as Glavine or Cone, Alomar Sr.’s card remains a strong choice for Indians collectors three decades after its initial release.

In addition to star rookie cards, the 1988 Donruss set featured several established superstars entering their prime years. Arguably the biggest name was Oakland A’s slugger Jose Canseco. Already a Rookie of the Year and budding MVP candidate, Canseco was on the verge of 40-40 history in 1988 after mashing 42 home runs and stealing 40 bases the previous season. His featured card from that year’s Donruss print run is among the most iconic MLB cards ever designed. high-grade Canseco rookies in PSA 10 can sell for north of $1000. But even well-centered PSA 8 copies still command $200-300 due to Canseco’s huge fanbase and popularity during the late-80s baseball card boom.

Another offensive force showcased in 1988 Donruss was Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Bell. Coming off back-to-back 100+ RBI seasons, Bell had blossomed into a true superstar by his late 20s. He would follow up 1988 with an MVP award the very next year. Bell’s featured card is highly sought after, with PSA 10s selling between $500-700. The card holds extra cache due to Bell’s iconic status in Toronto. He personified the Blue Jays’ rise to prominence throughout the 1980s. Even lower graded versions still sell briskly for $100-200 given Bell’s place in baseball history.

While players like Canseco, Bell, and Cone had already achieved stardom, one established veteran featured in 1988 Donruss was still early in his Hall of Fame journey. That was Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Steve Garvey. A mainstay in L.A. throughout the 1970s, Garvey’s power numbers had dipped but he was still widely popular for his leadership qualities. His familiar smile andDodgers uniform made Garvey’s ’88 Donruss card a staple in collections. PSA 10s can sell for $300-400 despite his later career status. Even poorly graded copies around PSA 5 find buyers for $15-25 based on Garvey’s iconic pedigree alone.

While production values and photography quality may not match the finest NHL or NBA sets from the pre-90s era, 1988 Donruss baseball cards remain a highly collectible component of the vintage card landscape. Powered by star rookies like Glavine, Cone, Kruk and Alomar alongside veterans Canseco, Bell, and Garvey, the set endures as an investment trove for savvy collectors. Even 34 years later, ungraded examples can be picked up relatively cheaply with patience. But pristine specimens verified by PSA or BGS in the highest attainable condition levels command healthy premiums due to the iconic players, designs, and nostalgia still radiating from Donruss’ 1988 baseball offering. For condition-sensitive vintage set builders, 1988 Donruss delivers value across multiple tiers.