The 1988 baseball card season featured several rookie cards and notable veterans that have gone on to become very valuable over the years. While not every single card from 1988 holds significant value today, there are quite a few options that are definitely worth something to baseball card collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top 1988 baseball cards that could be worth money:
Ken Griffey Jr Rookie Card – Considered one of the most iconic and valuable rookie cards ever printed, Griffey’s 1988 Donruss card is truly in a class of its own. In near-mint to mint condition, examples regularly sell for thousands of dollars. Graded examples through services like PSA or BGS that grade 9+ can fetch over $10,000. Even well-worn copies still move for hundreds. Jr was already showing off his electrifying skills as a teenage rookie that would later make him a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Roger Clemens – The Rocket’s dominance on the mound made him one of the most sought-after pitching cards through the late 80s and 90s. His 1988 Fleer card lists around $200-300 in top condition. Higher graded copies can easily double that price. Clemens won the AL Cy Young award in 1986 and 1987 before capturing the first of his seven career titles. He remains one of the most accomplished hurlers in MLB history.
Barry Bonds Rookie Card – While Bonds broke countless records later in his career, collectors remember his big league debut season with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1988. His Topps and Fleer rookie cards are stable at $150-200 each for top-quality examples. Like Griffey, pristine copies with perfect centering and no flaws can net thousands due to his all-time great career stats. At the time, collectors couldn’t have predicted he’d smash the home run record.
Bobby Bonilla Rookie Card – Bonilla had a productive 16-year MLB career hitting over .279. As a rookie with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1988, collectors took notice of his promising skills. His Topps and Fleer rookie cards are worth $50-75 depending on condition. With his trademark thick mustache and batting stance, Bonilla became a formidable power hitter worth following as a rookie.
Mark McGwire Rookie Card – Big Mac arrived in Oakland with huge hype after mashing 49 homers in Triple-A the prior season. His 1988 Topps and Fleer rookie cards typically sell in the $60-100 range when top-graded. McGwire went on to crush 583 career long balls and take the single-season home run record from Roger Maris with 70 in 1998. Even now, collectors love chasing his iconic early Cardinals and Athletics cards.
Randy Johnson Rookie Card – The Big Unit’s rookie season was spent primarily in the minors, but collectors recognized his flame-throwing talents right away. His scarce 1988 Topps Traded and Score RC’s have increased in value to $75-150 based on condition. Within a few years, Johnson became the most overpowering starter in MLB winning five Cy Young Awards between 1995-2002 while striking out over 4,000 batters. He’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Greg Maddux Rookie Card – Already showcasing impeccable control as a 22-year-old, Maddux made his MLB debut with the Chicago Cubs in 1986. While collectors sought his true rookie cards from that season, they also followed the staff ace in 1987 and 1988. His Donruss and Score cards tend to cost $40-75 each depending on overall quality. By the 1990s, Maddux established himself as the best control pitcher in baseball winning four Cy Youngs between 1992-1995 for the Braves.
Tom Glavine Rookie Card – The lone 300-game winner still active in the sport, Glavine made his first MLB appearance in 1987 but had his actual rookie card year the following season with the Atlanta Braves. His 1988 Donruss RC and others range $30-60 based on condition. Like Maddux, Glavine enjoyed years of success for the Braves pitching staff and was nearly unhittable at times using pinpoint control from the left side. He ranks among the greatest hitting pitchers ever with a terrific career .270 average.
Wally Joyner Rookie Card – A solid hitter and baserunner for the California Angels in the late 80s, Joyner produced a rookie campaign of .290 with 18 HR. As a result, his inaugural cards gained interest from collectors. His 1988 Donruss RC trades between $20-40 depending on overall attractiveness and centering quality. With doubles power and reliability, Joyner gave the Angels lineup a consistent threat for several seasons.
Tom Brunansky Rookie Card – As an outfielder for the Minnesota Twins, Brunansky muscled his way to 16 homers and 73 RBIs as a rookie in 1988. His Donruss and Fleer RC’s command $10-25 each based on condition. The lumbering lefty hitter complemented the Twins attack with extra-base hits and produced a decent thirteen-year MLB career. Not a huge star, but collectors saw potential in Brunansky early on.
This covers some of the most notable and valuable 1988 baseball cards on the collector market today. While not every single release from that year holds significance, there are definitely options worth owning graded and preserved in the proper sleeves and holders. The rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds remain hugely collectible and will likely retain value for dedicated fans. More obscure issues can also surprise based on condition rarity factors. With patience and diligence, 1988 baseball cards offer potential as worthwhile long-term investments.
