The 1988 Donruss baseball card #62 features one of the greatest third basemen in MLB history, Mike Schmidt. Coming off a monster 1987 season where he batted .295 with 37 home runs and 119 RBI’s at age 38, Schmidt was still near the top of his game as he entered his age 39 season in 1988 depicted on this classic Donruss card.
By 1988, Schmidt had long cemented his legacy as perhaps the greatest power hitting third baseman of all-time. In 17 seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies from 1972-1989, Schmidt smashed 548 home runs which at the time of his retirement was the most all-time by a third baseman. His career total stands as third most at the hot corner behind only Adrián Beltré and Eddie Mathews. Schmidt’s career batting average was an impressive .267 and he drove in 1,595 runs which also trails only Beltré and Mathews among third basemen in MLB history. Schmidt’s eight Silver Slugger Awards for being the best offensive player at his position in a league and 12 All-Star selections during his career is a testament to his consistent excellence at the plate for nearly two decades in Philadelphia.
On the 1988 Donruss card #62, Schmidt is shown in his classic Phillies uniform from the waist up in a head shot. He sports his usual mustache and stare with a serious look of determination on his face. The photo selected to represent Schmidt truly captures his legendary toughness and competitiveness that served as the backbone of many Philadelphia playoff and World Series teams throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. The simple blue and white design of the card borders remains largely unchanged from previous Donruss issues and features Schmidt’s key stats and career highlights in small font along the bottom.
Despite battling injuries late in his career, Schmidt continued producing at an All-Star caliber level in 1988. Though limited to 119 games, Schmidt managed to hit 27 home runs and drive in 80 runs with a .245 batting average. His 27 homers ranked 10th in the National League that season and his 80 RBI’s would have been a career-high had he qualified. Schmidt’s superb discipline at the plate and ability to work counts helped him draw 74 walks in 1988. His .344 on-base percentage was testament to this underrated skill and helped him continue contributing value even as his average declined with age.
This 1988 Donruss card is a true keepsake for any Phillies or Mike Schmidt collector. Not only does it capture one of the final seasons of Schmidt’s Hall of Fame career, but it was also the last baseball card produced while Schmidt was an active player in Major League Baseball. Schmidt would play one more season in 1989 before finally retiring after 18 years in a Phillies uniform. His life and career accomplishments would be honored that fall with his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, becoming only the second third baseman ever elected in their first year of eligibility along with George Brett.
Fittingly, Schmidt’s plaque in Cooperstown immortalizes him as “A power hitter without peer in the 1970s and 1980s… Schmidt redefined the hot corner.” The 1988 Donruss #62 captures Schmidt during this legendary peak of his career where he was widely considered the best player in baseball for much of the 1970s and early 1980s. His no-nonsense demeanor perfectly fit the unofficial “Phillies Way” attitude preached under managers like Danny Ozark that led to consistent success. Schmidt battled injuries late but never lost his competitive fire which pushed teammates and helped the Phillies reach the 1983 World Series.
Over 30 years later, the 1988 Donruss Mike Schmidt baseball card remains one of the most desirable in the entire set for collectors. Its rarity, the star power of Schmidt as one of the all-time greats, and nostalgia for Phillies fans of that era make this a true “holy grail” find. In near-mint condition, graded examples of this card have sold for upwards of $500 given its significance and significance. For younger collectors just getting to know the legend of Schmidt through highlights and stats, finding his 1988 Donruss would be a real treat. This card perfectly captures “The Schmitter” during the back end of a first-ballot Hall of Fame career that redefined the hot corner for a generation.
The 1988 Donruss #62 Mike Schmidt card stands out as a true piece of Phillies and baseball history. It commemorates one of Schmidt’s final seasons cementing his status as perhaps the greatest power-hitting third baseman in MLB history. The simple yet iconic design from Donruss enhances the card’s retro appeal. Over 30 years later, Schmidt’s no-nonsense competitive fire still shines through in the classic headshot. For any fan or collector of Schmidt, the Phillies, or 1980s baseball cards in general, finding this gem remains a highly coveted prize.