The 1988 baseball card season produced some of the most valuable and sought after rookie cards in the modern era. Fueled by stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Mark McGwire, and Barry Bonds, the 1988 Donruss, Fleer, Score, and Topps sets all feature cards that have increased tremendously in value over the past 30+ years. For collectors looking to potentially cash in, here is an in-depth look at some of the most valuable 1988 baseball cards worth investing in.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Donruss #156, Fleer #416, Score #340, Topps #340)

Widely considered one of the most iconic rookie cards of all-time, Griffey’s 1988 cards are arguably the most valuable from the entire set. With his smooth left-handed swing and effortless style of play, Griffey quickly became a fan favorite. His rookie cards have increased exponentially in value since he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016. High grade PSA 10 Griffey Jr. rookies now sell for $10,000+. Even well-centered PSA 8 or BGS 9 examples can fetch $1,000+. For collectors, Griffey’s ’88 rookie remains one of the safest long-term investments in the hobby.

Mark McGwire Rookie Card (Donruss #277, Fleer #400, Score #365, Topps #526)

As one of the game’s most prolific home run hitters, McGwire’s rookie cards have also seen a huge surge in demand and value in recent years. His prodigious power made him a fan favorite in Oakland and his record-breaking home run chase with Sammy Sosa in 1998 captivated the country. PSA 10 McGwire rookies have sold for over $5,000 while PSA 9 copies still command $1,000+. Even in PSA 8 condition, examples can sell for $500+. For McGwire collectors, his ’88 rookie cards represent a can’t-miss addition for any collection.

Barry Bonds Rookie Card (Topps #680)

While Bonds only has a rookie card in the 1988 Topps set, it remains one of the most historically significant in the hobby. As arguably the greatest pure hitter of all-time, Bonds smashed the single-season and career home run records. His controversial personal life and PED use overshadowed his playing career for some, but there’s no denying his talent and impact on the game. High-grade Bonds rookies have exploded in value, with a PSA 10 recently selling for over $30,000. Even well-centered PSA 8s can sell for $2,000+ making his rookie one of the single most valuable cards from the 1988 season.

Greg Maddux Rookie Card (Topps #492)

Maddux cemented his Hall of Fame status with a pitching career defined by pinpoint control, movement, and exceptional baseball IQ. While he only has a rookie card in the 1988 Topps set, years of dominance as one of the best pitchers of his generation has made it a highly sought after key card. PSA 10 Maddux rookies have sold for over $3,000, with PSA 9s still reaching $1,000+. For ’88 collectors, his rookie represents an excellent long-term investment opportunity given his legendary playing career.

Tom Glavine Rookie Card (Topps #492)

Like Maddux, Glavine has just the one rookie card which comes in the 1988 Topps set. Another Hall of Famer, Glavine won 305 games and 2 Cy Young Awards over 22 seasons for the Braves and Mets. His pinpoint control made him a workhorse atop Atlanta’s rotation. PSA 10 Glavine rookies have reached $2,000, with PSA 9 copies still selling for $500-700. For ’88 collectors, owning rookie cards of the dominant Glavine-Maddux duo is extremely desirable.

Randy Johnson Rookie Card (Topps #672)

The Big Unit’s intimidating 6’10” frame and 100 mph fastball made him one of the most unhittable pitchers ever. While he broke in with the Expos in ’88, Johnson’s true superstardom came later with Seattle and Arizona. Still, his lone rookie in the ’88 Topps set holds significant value. PSA 10 copies have sold for over $1,500, with PSA 9s reaching $500. Given his place as one of the most dominant pitchers ever, Johnson’s rookie remains a key piece for any ’88 collector.

The 1988 season was a banner year that produced Hall of Fame talents like Griffey, McGwire, Bonds, Maddux, Glavine, and Johnson. Their rookie cards from Donruss, Fleer, Score and Topps have increased tremendously in value as their careers have progressed. For collectors and investors, high-grade examples from this epic class still represent enticing long-term opportunities, especially as the players continue gaining induction into the Hall of Fame. The 1988 season was truly a golden year that cemented its place as one of the most historically significant in the hobby.