Cal Ripken Jr. is undoubtedly one of the greatest shortstops and players in Major League Baseball history. Known for his incredible consecutive games played streak of 2,632 games, Ripken captivated baseball fans for over two decades with the Baltimore Orioles. Not surprisingly, Ripken’s baseball cards from his playing career are some of the most popular on the secondary market.
Ripken’s rookie card comes from the 1981 Fleer set. While not considered one of the true “holy grail” rookie cards due to lower print runs of that era, it remains a key piece for any Ripken or Orioles collector. PSA 10 graded examples in near-mint to mint condition have sold for over $1,000 on eBay recently. More common lower graded copies from PSA 8-9 can be found for $100-300.
One of Ripken’s most iconic and sought-after card issues is the 1991 Score #770 Cal Ripken MVP baseball card. This was Ripken’s first card showing him as a shortstop after winning the American League MVP award in 1991. It depicts Ripken in his classic Orioles uniform with the word “MVP” across the bottom. What makes this card so special is the photo and the fact it highlights Ripken achieving one of his career milestones by winning MVP. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $4,000 on eBay. In PSA 9 condition, prices range between $1,000-2,000. Even raw near-mint copies in excellent condition can fetch $500-800.
Another highly valuable Ripken card is from the 1987 Topps set. Card #770 shows Ripken swinging a bat with an action photo. This was a breakout season for Ripken where he hit .323 with 34 home runs and 114 RBIs, finishing third in AL MVP voting. The ’87 Topps cards are also notable for their vibrant color and photo quality compared to some earlier ’80s issues. PSA 10 copies have reached $3,000 on the secondary market. PSA 9s go for $1,000-1,500, while raw near-mint copies sell in the $500 range.
While not his rookie, Ripken collectors love his 1983 Topps Traded card due to its rarity and the fact it was one of his earliest Topps issues showing him as a full-time player. Only 150,000 of these cards were printed, making it one of the scarcest Ripken cards from the high production ’80s era. This card often tops $1,000 in PSA 9-10 condition on eBay auctions. Even lower graded PSA 8s can reach $500. Raw copies are still sought after and sell for $200-400 depending on condition.
Ripken collectors also covet his 1995 Finest Refractor parallel card, which was one of the earliest refractors produced by Upper Deck. The parallel rainbow foil adds to the already eye-catching photo and design on this card. Only a small number of these were printed, making high grade PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 examples quite valuable. Recently a BGS 10 sold for over $3,000 on eBay, while PSA/BGS 9s range from $1,000-2,000. Even in raw near-mint condition, these ’95 Finest Refractors pull in $500-800.
One of the more budget-friendly Ripken options is his iconic 1991 Stadium Club card. While produced in much higher numbers than some of his other issues, this card remains a fan favorite due to the unique vertical photo and design. It captured Ripken in the prime of his career during his consecutive games streak. High grades PSA/BGS 10s can reach $200-300. Most commonly, PSA/BGS 9 copies trade hands for $50-150. Even well-centered raw near-mint examples are available for under $50.
Ripken collectors seeking a card from one of his later playing seasons turn to his 1996 Ultra card. This captured one of Ripken’s final seasons still producing at a high level with Baltimore before beginning to wind down his career. While not as scarce as some of his earlier rookie and star cards, PSA 10 examples can still fetch $150-250. PSA 9s are found in the $50-100 range. Even raw near-mint ’96 Ultra Ripkens are reasonably priced under $30.
One of the more budget-friendly Ripken options that also has strong nostalgia and design appeal is his 1990 Score Traded baseball card. This captured Ripken during the heart of his consecutive games streak, showing him in classic Orioles gear from the late ’80s/early ’90s era. PSA 10 examples rarely come around but could reach $150-200 when they surface. More common PSA 9 copies trade between $30-75. Even raw near-mint versions are found for under $20, making it an affordable way to add a Ripken card to a collection.
In conclusion, Cal Ripken Jr.’s baseball cards remain some of the most iconic and sought-after issues in the hobby, particularly his early rookie and star cards from the ’80s. While the true gem mint PSA/BGS 10 examples of his key 1981, ’87 Topps, and ’91 MVP issues will set collectors back thousands, there are also many affordable graded and raw options that can be found in the $50-500 range. For budget-conscious collectors, Ripken’s ’90 and ’96 Score Traded and Ultra cards provide inexpensive opportunities to add this Orioles legend to a collection. Overall, Ripken’s on-field success and popularity continue to make his baseball cards a mainstay in the hobby.
