The 1985 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set is one of the most popular and valuable sets from the 1980s. This set featured some of the all-time great players in the midst of their primes, making the cards hold significance for collectors. While the prices of cards have fluctuated over the decades, the 1985 set stands out for containing rookie cards of future Hall of Famers and stars who would go on to have incredible careers. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the key players and cards from this iconic 1985 O-Pee-Chee set and how their values have changed over time.
Perhaps the most valuable and sought-after card from 1985 is the rookie card of Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Tony Fernandez. Fernandez had a stellar career that saw him play until 2007 and make five All-Star teams. As a rookie who broke into the big leagues in 1983, his 1985 card was the first widely distributed card featuring Fernandez in a Blue Jays uniform. High grade Fernandez rookies have sold for over $1000 in recent years. Another highly valuable rookie is that of Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Morris. Morris went on to win 254 career games and spearhead the Tigers’ 1984 World Series championship team. PSA 10 graded examples of his shiny 1985 card have reached almost $2000.
Two other Hall of Famer rookies that hold great value are those of Seattle Mariners slugger Ken Griffey Jr. and Cincinnati Reds flamethrower Tom Browning. While Griffey Jr. didn’t debut until 1987, his outstanding minor league stats and pedigree as the number one overall pick created huge hype that drove early demand for his rookie. Pristine copies have sold for over $500. Browning won the NL Cy Young award in his rookie season of 1985 after posting a 20-9 record and 2.47 ERA. High graded versions of his rookie are around the $300-400 range nowadays. Staying in Cincinnati, receiver Barry Larkin also had his rookie card in this set. Larkin went on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Reds and his card remains a favorite of collectors, with PSA 10s selling for around $150-200.
When it comes to superstar veterans, two of the most iconic cards from 1985 were those of Boston Red Sox slugger Jim Rice and New York Mets ace Dwight Gooden. As one of the game’s premier power hitters in the 1970s and 80s, Rice’s career was nearing its end during this time but his stats remained impressive. His 1975 and 1983 rookie cards were also highly sought after. Graded PSA 10 examples of Rice’s 1985 O-Pee-Chee card have reached well over $1000. Gooden built on a sensational rookie campaign in 1984 by winning the NL Cy Young and posting another stellar season in 1985. He became one of the most dominant pitchers of the last 40 years. In high grades, his 1985 card is valued around $300-500 today.
Staying in New York, Mets centerfielder and 1986 World Series hero Lenny Dykstra had a breakout season in 1985 and his card grew in popularity over the years. While not a huge star over his whole career in retrospect, “Nails” captivated New York during their championship season. PSA 10 graded versions of his 1985 card have sold for up to $250. Another fan favorite was Atlanta Braves reliever and franchise icon Gene Garber. Garber was a stalwart of the Braves for over a decade and became a local hero. In pristine condition, his 1985 card has traded hands for over $150 before. Two other strong veterans were Dodgers ace Fernando Valenzuela and Cardinals ace Darryl Kile. “Fernandomania” was still going strong in 1985 and high grade examples of his card reach the $150-200 range. Kile excelled over his career and unexpectedly passed away in 2002, adding significance to his rookie season cards from sets like 1985.
When assessing condition and grading, certain players see more premiums than others for receiving high marks. Obviously the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers hold the most luster in mint condition. Stars of the era like Jim Rice, Dwight Gooden, and Fernando Valenzuela tend to command top dollar when their 1985 O-Pee-Chee cards are Near Mint to Mint. Conversely, cards of solid but less heralded players like Gene Garber won’t increase in value as dramatically with higher grades. The grading scales of SGC and PSA are most applicable, with PSA 10s bringing the largest returns. Of course, every card is different on its own merits and condition is far from the only factor – personal connections and statistical milestones play big roles too.
The 1985 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set remains a set of utmost importance to collectors due to housing rookie cards of Hall of Famers like Ken Griffey Jr., Tom Browning, and Barry Larkin as well as capturing stars in their primes like Dwight Gooden, Jim Rice, and Fernando Valenzuela. Key Canadian content like Tony Fernandez at the start of his Blue Jays career adds historical significance too. While the direct financial value of some top cards has dipped after booms in the 1990s and 2010s, the lasting nostalgia and player pedigree ensure this vintage 1985 checklist will stay a prime target for buyers. With premiums still existing for high quality samples, savvy collectors can uncover savings or profit opportunities by thoroughly researching individual player histories and recent sales data.
