The 1997 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most iconic releases from the popular sports card manufacturer during the 1990s. While it did not feature any rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, the 1997 Donruss set contained several chase cards that have become highly valuable over the years for collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top cards from the 1997 Donruss baseball release.
Ken Griffey Jr. Refractor (#138) – Widely considered the most coveted card from the 1997 Donruss set, Griffey’s refractor parallel stands out as one of the true gems. Refractor parallels featured an eye-catching, colorful refractive coating on the front of the card that makes the image seem to shimmer and shine in different lighting. At the time, refractors were still a relatively new and exciting parallel for collectors. Griffey was also arguably the most popular player in baseball in the late 90s, making this one card every collector wanted. In gem mint condition, the Griffey refractor now sells for thousands of dollars and is a true Holy Grail card for many.
Derek Jeter Autograph (#226) – Jeter was already establishing himself as a superstar shortstop for the Yankees in the late 90s. His autographed card from the 1997 Donruss set is one of the most significant Jeter rookie autos in existence. It features a simple on-card signature with no additional memorabilia. Jeter’s autos from this era in the hobby are extremely rare to find in pristine condition today. A PSA 10 gem mint example would easily fetch over $10,000. Even well-centered near-mint copies sell for thousands. This iconic card captures Jeter at the very beginning of his Hall of Fame career.
Chipper Jones Refractor (#291) – As one of the game’s all-time great third basemen, Chipper Jones’ rookie season was highly anticipated in 1997. His refractor parallel from Donruss that year has become one of the most sought-after rookie cards for the Braves legend. While not quite as valuable as other stars’ refractors, a mint Chipper Jones refractor still commands a premium price in the thousands of dollars range. It’s a must-have for any Braves or Jones PC. The colorful refractor coating makes this one really “pop” in a collection.
Ken Griffey Jr. Superstar Signature (#SS1) – Moving beyond base cards, one of the true big ticket cards in the 1997 Donruss set was the Griffey Superstar Signature parallel. These featured unique on-card autographs of the game’s top talents on special signature cards with photo variations. Griffey’s was arguably the most iconic. Fewer than a dozen PSA 10 Gems are known to exist today in a population of under 100 total graded copies. Values start well into the five-figure range even for lower-grade examples. This is the true blue-chip card from the 1997 Donruss release.
Cal Ripken Jr. Superstar Signature (#SS2) – Right behind Griffey’s Superstar Signature for prestige and value would be Cal Ripken’s from the same parallel. Ripken was still going strong as one of baseball’s all-time greats in the late 90s. His on-card auto, while not quite as rare in population as Griffey’s, remains a true heavyweight in the hobby. Even well-centered PSA 9 Near Mint copies can fetch $5,000+. In a PSA 10, expect to pay a high five-figure sum or more for this iconic Ripken rookie auto from his final seasons.
Derek Jeter Autograph Patch (#AP1) – For Jeter collectors, one of the true big ticket cards was his Autograph Patch parallel from 1997 Donruss. These featured unique on-card autos with jersey swatches for certain stars. Jeter’s was among the most coveted. Population reports show fewer than 50 total graded copies exist today across all services. In a PSA 10 pristine gem, Jeter’s rookie auto patch would command an asking price well into the mid five-figures. Even in a PSA 9 NM+ state, values are easily four figures or more. This is the true blue-chip Jeter rookie relic from the era.
Chipper Jones Autograph (#226) – While not quite as rare pop number-wise as some of the above cards, Jones’ basic on-card autograph from his true rookie season remains a highly significant and valuable card today. In PSA 10 condition, a Jones autographed rookie would fetch $3,000+ on today’s market. Even PSA 9 copies sell for over $1,000. For Braves PC collectors, this serves as a more attainable option compared to 1/1 patches or parallels. It captures Jones at the very start of his Hall of Fame career.
Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck (#138) – A notable parallel in the 1997 Donruss set was the inclusion of various Upper Deck photo variations for certain stars. Griffey’s was among the most popular. While not true “short prints,” these photo swaps created additional chase cards within the base set. Griffey’s Upper Deck variation of his base card remains a strong seller even in lower grades. In a PSA 10 Gem Mint, expect to pay well over $1,000 today. This parallel served as an exciting additional option for Griffey collectors within the base set.
While lacking any true rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, the 1997 Donruss baseball card set delivered several true gems that have stood the test of time. Autographs, patches, refractors and photo variations of stars like Griffey, Jeter, Jones and Ripken make this one a true powerhouse release from the era. Values have grown exponentially for the top rookie and star cards. It serves as one of the most iconic Donruss releases from the 1990s boom period in the hobby.
