The 1988 Topps Big set marked a milestone for Topps, as it was the first major set issued following the signing of a licensing agreement with MLB and the MLBPA that granted Topps exclusive rights to produce sticker-type baseball cards for the foreseeable future. The large-format cards stood out amongst other releases of the time. While not the most sought-after vintage set overall, several key rookie cards and outstanding player issues from the 1988 Topps Big set have attained substantial value in the secondary market.
One of the most valuable 1988 Topps Big cards is the Kirby Puckett rookie card (card #76). Puckett went on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Minnesota Twins, where he helped lead the franchise to two World Series championships. His iconic smile and loaded baseball resume have made his rookie card a highly coveted piece for collectors. In top-graded Gem Mint condition, example of Puckett’s rookie have sold for over $10,000 in recent years. Though it’s scarce to find in pristine shape after 30+ years, most Near Mint copies can still fetch $500-$1,000.
Another highly valued rookie from the 1988 set belongs to catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. (card #268). Alomar enjoyed a fine career mainly with the Cleveland Indians and spent over a decade in the majors. He made six All-Star teams and won seven Silver Slugger Awards. Alomar also had playoff success, including being a part of the Indians’ 1995 AL pennant winner. Mint condition copies of his rookie are worth $3,000-5,000 today. Even well-centered Near Mint examples can sell for $500-$1,000.
Hall of Famer Tom Glavine had his rookie card issued in the 1988 Topps Big set as well (card #510). Glavine went on to become one of the greatest left-handed pitchers in MLB history, winning 305 career games and two Cy Young Awards over 22 seasons split mainly between the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets. High-grade copies of his rookie in a PSA/BGS 10 Gem Mint slab have sold for as much as $5,000. Near Mint copies are valued around $300-500.
Another outstanding player featured was Ken Griffey Jr. (card #542). While it wasn’t Griffey’s true rookie card (that honor goes to the more common 1989 Upper Deck issue), his sophomore season appearance in the 1988 Topps Big set remains quite collectible and integral to any Griffey collection. Recent perfect Gem Mint 10 examples achieved in the $2,000 range. Most Near Mint copies can be acquired for $200-400.
The 1988 set is also filled with many star veterans who produced huge from the late 1980s through the early 1990s. This includes stars like Don Mattingly (card #11), Roger Clemens (card #150), Wade Boggs (card #220), Ozzie Smith (card #308), and Roberto Alomar (card #452). High-grade versions of these notable stars can reach $100-300 based on the player and condition.
Some other valuable short prints and serially numbered parallel inserts include the Billy Ripken “F**k Face” error card (card #632), which is one of the most infamous printing mistakes in card history. Mint condition examples have sold for over $10,000. The Mike Schmidt card #1 serially numbered to 1988 copies is also very scarce and valued around $500-1000 in high grade.
While the 1988 Topps Big set lacked the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Greg Maddux, Tom Seaver, and Cal Ripken Jr., it still unleashed several coveted young talent RCs and veteran star player issues. Keys like the Kirby Puckett, Sandy Alomar Jr., and Tom Glavine rookies or star veterans remain solid long-term investments for set collectors and investors. Combined with memorable parallel cards, the 1988 Topps Big release endures as one of the most iconic and collectible vintage issues from the late 80s.
