The 1988 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues from the late 1980s. While it didn’t have the massive rookie class of 1987 or contain the chase cards of some other years, the ‘88 Donruss set featured several young stars who were emerging as franchise players. As a result, many of the top cards from that year have held or increased greatly in value over the past 3 decades. Here’s a closer look at some of the most valuable and sought-after 1988 Donruss baseball cards:
Ken Griffey Jr. – Without question, the most coveted card from the 1988 Donruss set is the rookie card of Ken Griffey Jr. Widely considered one of if not the best player of his generation, Griffey’s rookie is the undisputed crown jewel of the set. With his sweet left-handed swing and effortless athleticism, Griffey was an instant star from the day he broke into the big leagues with the Seattle Mariners in 1989. His rookie card has always been highly prized by collectors but has skyrocketed in value in recent years, now routinely fetching prices well over $1,000 in top-graded Gem Mint 10 condition. In fact, a PSA 10 Griffey Jr. rookie just sold at auction in January 2022 for an astounding $686,000, setting a new record for any Donruss card.
Barry Bonds – Aside from Griffey, no player had a bigger impact on the game in the late 80s and 90s than Barry Bonds. His 1988 Donruss rookie card, showing Bonds as a Pittsburgh Pirate in his early years with the club, is the second most valuable card in the set behind Junior. Bonds would go on to shatter the all-time home run record and put together one of the greatest offensive careers in MLB history. High-grade examples of his ‘88 Donruss rookie have sold for $500-$600.
Tom Glavine – The 1988 Donruss set featured rookie cards for a number of future Hall of Famers, and Atlanta Braves left-hander Tom Glavine is among the most noteworthy. Glavine would win 305 games over a dominant 22-year career and two Cy Young Awards. His rookie card typically sells for $75-$150 in top condition.
Greg Maddux – Another Braves hurler with a Hall of Fame resume, Greg Maddux burst onto the scene in 1986 and cemented his status as one of baseball’s greatest pitchers ever over the following decades. His ‘88 Donruss rookie is highly sought after by Braves fans and collectors alike. Pristine PSA 10 copies can reach $300-450.
Randy Johnson – Big Unit’s monster left arm would lead him to a place in Cooperstown after a storied career primarily with Seattle and Arizona. His explosive fastball made his rookie card an exciting chase in 1988. High-grade Johnson rookies regularly sell for $100-250.
Trevor Hoffman – One of the most prolific and effective closers in MLB history, Trevor Hoffman notched 601 saves and remains the all-time leader. His rookie card from this Donruss set is a valuable pickup for Padres fans and bullpen collectors at $75-150 range.
Ken Caminiti – Before injuries derailed his career, Ken Caminiti was one of the game’s top power hitting third basemen in the late 80s and early 90s. His offensive contributions helped the Houston Astros and San Diego Padres, and his ‘88 Donruss RC has found new interest from Astros PC collectors. Near Mint to Mint copies trade hands for $40-75.
Other Notable Rookies – The ‘88 Donruss set also featured rookie cards for some other future stars like Mark McGwire, Jeff Bagwell, and Dennis Martinez. While not quite as acclaimed as the headliners above, high-quality versions of these rookie cards can still attract $25-50.
While it may lack the true vintage appeal of some earlier Donruss issues, the 1988 edition deserves recognition as one of the most important modern releases from the brand. Anchored by the superstar careers and trophy resumes of players like Griffey, Bonds, Glavine and Maddux, select cards from this set have proven to be great long term investments for savvy collectors. Three decades later, the allure and value of these young stars’ rookie cards continues to grow.
