Randy Johnson is considered one of the most dominant pitchers in Major League Baseball history. Over his 22-year career, Johnson racked up a record of 303-166 with a 3.29 ERA and 4,875 strikeouts. His fame and accomplishments have made some of his baseball cards very valuable collectibles. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable and sought after Randy Johnson cards on the market today.
1989 Donruss Randy Johnson RC (#213) – Johnson’s rookie card came in the 1989 Donruss set. It marks his first appearance in a baseball card product as he was drafted that year by the Montreal Expos. The card captured Johnson early in his career before he blossomed into the legendary power pitcher he would become. In near mint to mint condition, examples of this iconic rookie card can fetch anywhere from $150 to $500. High graded copies in the PSA 8 to PSA 10 range have sold for over $1,000 highlighting the card’s significance as Johnson’s debut.
1990 Bowman Randy Johnson (#494) – Like most modern rookie cards, Johnson also had an offering in the 1990 Bowman set. The design features a solo artist portrait of the pitcher in an Expos uniform. While not quite as scarce as some larger vintage issues, this rookie does command a premium over the 1989 Donruss. Top graded PSA 10 examples have sold for over $600 with most PSA 8s and 9s reaching the $200-$400 range. Condition is critical, as heavily played copies can be acquired for under $100 still making this an attractive option for Johnson collectors.
1991 Upper Deck Randy Johnson (#234) – Upper Deck really took the sports card world by storm in 1991 with its premium card stock and photographic focus. Naturally, Johnson had an inclusion and it’s become one of the most visually appealing cards in his portfolio. With his long locks flowing and trademark high leg kick in motion, the photography grabs your attention. In gem mint condition, a PSA 10 sale can bring upwards of $1,000. Most raw near mint to mint copies trade between $300-$600 depending on centering and edges. The premium materials and photo really make this one a standout amongst Johnson rookie and early career cards.
1992 Bowman Randy Johnson (#365) – As Johnson began transitioning to the Seattle Mariners in 1992 after years in the Expos organization, Bowman again featured him with a new artist rendering. Though not quite the same impact as photos, the clean and modern airbrush style appealed to collectors. PSA/BGS 10 specimens have topped $800 at auction with most pristine raw copies in the $300-$500 range. It’s an iconic card that bridges Johnson’s time in Montreal with his coming of age years dominating in Seattle. Condition, as always, is paramount when evaluating cost.
1994 Leaf Rookie Refractors Randy Johnson (#82) – Arguably one of the biggest “holy grails” in the Johnson collection world is his rookie refractor from 1994 Leaf. Only 100 of these prismatic parallel versions were produced making it incredibly rare compared to standard base cards. When one hits the market in the coveted BGS/PSA Gem Mint 10 grade, it routinely shatters records. In 2017, a PSA 10 sold for $15,595 making it the most valuable non-game used Johnson card available. Even in lesser grades of BGS/PSA 9, auctions have topped $5,000 due to the ultra-low population. Its rarity and flagship rookie status ensure this stays amongst the elite in value.
1995 Stadium Club Randy Johnson (#89) – Stadium Club was renowned for its innovative foil techniques in the mid-90s and this Johnson issue put his name emblazoned against a glittery Mariners skyline. Though not quite the condition-sensitive monster of some other entries, gem mint 10s still pull in $800-1200. Most pristine uncirculated raw copies trade in the $300-$600 range. It’s a true showcase of the photography and design Stadium Club was known for at the time while preserving an iconic Johnson image before his breakout Cy Young seasons. Condition matters but there’s an ample amount obtainable for collectors of all budgets.
1995 Select Certified Randy Johnson (#59) – The Select brand captured Johnson in another one of his classic windups for their 1995 release. What makes this particular issue so valuable is the rarity of finding ones in the highly-sought Certified Authentic parallel stamped subset. Only available through on-card autograph redemption, a PSA 10 graded version sold in 2017 for $6,600. Even PSA 9s can reach $2,000 due to the difficulty of acquiring a professionally authenticated Johnson auto in this prestigious parallel level. It’s a true Holy Grail for collectors with a penchant for signed memorabilia on their baseball cards.
1998 Ultra Randy Johnson (#57) – As Johnson began cementing his Cooperstown resume with back-to-back Cy Young awards in 1995 and 1997, Ultra captured him in the midst of his prime. This clean albeit simple vertical design helps the card really pop in pristine mint condition. Top graded PSA/BGS 10 versions have cracked well into four figures, many topping $1,500. Even well-centered raw near mint to mint copies can be found in the $500-800 range showing there’s appreciation potential regardless of grade. It’s a true “money” card from Johnson’s peak performance era.
1999 Fleer Ultra Rarity Randy Johnson Jersey Patch (#RP3) – For the true relic collector obsessed with combining memorabilia with the cardboard, one of the holy grails is Johnson’s Fleer Ultra Rarity jersey patch parallel from 1999. Numbered to only 10 copies globally, most don’t even come up for public auction with rumors a few still remain in personal collections. But in the few occasions one with a sizable game-worn swatch has hit the market, prices have been astronomical. A 2007 sale fetched a breathtaking $11,300 price tag. Even incomplete patches in top condition could command well into five figures. It’s about as exclusive an item can get in the Johnson PC realm.
2001 Bowman’s Best Refractors Randy Johnson/Unit Hit (#175) – As an added bonus to his inclusion in the set, Johnson had an ultra-short printed parallel where he’s posed mid-pitch but with “Unit Hit” text overlaid. Only 10 of these 1/1 prototypes were produced for an unparalleled level of scarcity. In January 2022, one that achieved BGS Gem Mint 10 grade sold for a record-setting amount of $34,050. No other Johnson card commands the cachet solely due to its impossible-to-find status. For the true trophy hunter, acquiring this is the holy grail definition amongst all options.
While all Randy Johnson cards hold value due to his Hall of Fame resume, the above selections represent some of the most significant issues both historically and financially. Condition is paramount for grading appeal but even well-preserved raw copies provide affordable opportunities to own meaningful pieces of Johnson’s legendary career. Whether a beginner or advanced collector, there are premium options at various price points to enjoy the overpowering Big Unit on cardboard. With his longevity, accomplishments and flair on the mound, interest in Johnson memorabilia will remain strong for years to come.
