Introduction to Donruss Baseball Cards

Donruss is a company that has produced various trading cards since the late 1970s. While they are known for producing cards featuring multiple sports, their baseball cards have developed quite a following among collectors. Donruss baseball cards were produced from 1981 through the late 1990s and some key sets have maintained strong collector demand and value over the decades. This price guide provides an overview of notable Donruss baseball card sets from the 1980s and 1990s along with estimated price ranges for common cards and highlights of valuable rookie and star player cards that can fetch higher prices at auction.

1981 Donruss Baseball (First Year)

The 1981 Donruss set was the company’s inaugural baseball card release and included a total of 524 cards. Some highlights of cards that can demand good prices include:

Nolan Ryan (#1) – One of the best pitchers of all-time, Ryan’s first Donruss card from 1981 typically sells for $15-30 in near mint condition. Graded gems have sold for over $100.

Fernando Valenzuela (#498) – As one of the most hyped rookie cards of the early 1980s, a near mint Valenzuela can sell for $50-75. Higher grades have sold for several hundred dollars.

Ozzie Smith (#480) – Considered one of the best defensive shortstops ever, Smith’s rookie card sells for $10-20 in near mint condition.

Most common players from the 1981 set sell for under $5 in near mint condition. The set overall remains very affordable for collectors to build.

1982 Donruss Baseball

The 1982 Donruss set included 660 cards and had a photo on the front of each card instead of the team logo design used in 1981. Key cards include:

Cal Ripken Jr. (#481) – The future Hall of Famer’s rookie card typically fetches $15-30 in near mint condition. Higher grades have sold for over $100.

Wade Boggs (#660) – As one of the best hitters of the 1980s, Boggs’ rookie card sells for $10-20 in near mint condition.

Rickey Henderson (#1) – One of the game’s all-time stolen base leaders, Henderson’s card sells for $8-15 in near mint condition.

Most common players sell for $1-5. The set has maintained strong, affordable prices for collectors over the decades.

1983 Donruss Baseball

Donruss released two sets in 1983 – the standard 660 card base set as well as an update/reprint set of 180 cards. Key cards include:

Kirby Puckett (#660) – The future Twins star’s rookie card typically sells for $15-30 in near mint condition. Higher graded examples have sold for over $100.

Dwight Gooden (#180) – As one of the most hyped rookie cards of the 1980s, a near mint Gooden can reach $50-75. Higher grades exceed $200.

Darryl Strawberry (#1) – Another star from the 1980s Mets, his rookie card sells for $8-15 in near mint condition.

Most common players sell for $1-5. The 1983 sets remain very affordable for collectors.

1984 Donruss Baseball

Donruss released two sets again in 1984, a 660 card base set and an 180 card update set. Key cards include:

Roger Clemens (#660) – The future Rocket’s rookie card sells for $15-30 in near mint condition. Higher grades reach $100+.

Barry Bonds (#180) – Even in his rookie season, Bonds was one of baseball’s top prospects. His 1984 update rookie typically sells for $20-40 in near mint condition.

Mark McGwire (#1) – Before the home run records, Big Mac’s rookie card sells for $10-20 in near mint condition.

Most commons are $1-5. The 1984 Donruss sets represent a great opportunity to acquire stars’ rookie cards at affordable prices.

1985-1986 Donruss Baseball

From 1985-1986 Donruss released standard size 660 card base sets. Key rookie cards include:

Greg Maddux (#660) – One of the best pitchers ever, his rookie typically sells for $15-30 in near mint condition. Higher grades reach $100+.

Tom Glavine (#660) – The 300 game winner’s rookie card sells for $8-15 in near mint condition.

Jeff Bagwell (#660) – Sells for $10-20 as the future Astros star’s rookie card.

Most commons are $1-3. The mid-1980s Donruss sets remain very budget friendly for collectors.

1987-1991 Donruss Baseball

From 1987-1991 Donruss kept producing standard size sets with the following notable rookie cards:

Ken Griffey Jr. (#1) – The future MLB home run king’s rookie typically sells for $20-40 in near mint condition. Near-gem have reached $500+.

Frank Thomas (#660) – The “Big Hurt’s” rookie sells for $10-20 in near mint condition.

Chuck Knoblauch (#660) – The former star’s rookie sells for $5-10.

David Justice (#660) – Fetches $5-10 for the former All-Star’s rookie card.

Most commons are $1-3. The late 1980s-early 1990s Donruss sets provide many affordable star player rookie cards.

1992-1998 Donruss Baseball

The final Donruss baseball releases saw the following notable rookie cards:

Derek Jeter (#660) – As one of the most iconic rookies ever, a near mint Jeter typically sells for $30-50. PSA/BGS 10 examples have reached $2,000+.

Nomar Garciaparra (#660) – Fetches $10-20 for the former AL batting champ’s rookie card.

Jason Giambi (#660) – His rookie sells for $5-10.

Kerry Wood (#660) – As one of the game’s hardest throwers, his rookie has sold for $10-20.

Most commons are around $1. The late 1990s Donruss sets wrap up this iconic brand’s baseball card run.

In summary, Donruss baseball cards produced from 1981 through the late 1990s provide collectors an affordable way to acquire the rookie cards and early career cards of many all-time baseball greats. While a few star rookies can demand higher prices, most common cards are very budget friendly. The Donruss brand leaves a strong legacy through its iconic early career cards of Hall of Famers and all-time MLB statistical leaders.