Tag Archives: 1982

1982 KMART BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

Leave a reply

The 1982 Kmart baseball card set is one of the more unique issues from the early 1980s. Sold exclusively through Kmart stores, the set features players from that year and has developed a cult following among collectors. While not as well-known as flagship brands like Topps and Donruss, the 1982 Kmart cards can still hold value for dedicated collectors.

The set contains 132 total cards and was sold in wax packs from Kmart for 49 cents per pack. Some key things that make the 1982 Kmart set stand out include colorful vertical card designs, player pose variations not seen in other sets from that year, and rarer short print cards. While production numbers were high initially to stock Kmart shelves, 35 years later has thinned availability of completed sets on the secondary market.

For common cards in the 1982 Kmart set, values generally range from 50 cents to $2 each depending on the player and condition. Stars from that era like Mike Schmidt, Rickey Henderson, and Nolan Ryan can fetch $3-5 in Near Mint to Mint condition. The true valuables in the set come from short print and star rookie cards that are much tougher to acquire.

Two of the biggest short prints from the 1982 Kmart set are cards #109 Lary Sorensen and #130 John Stearns, which are estimated to have been printed at 1 in 20 packs or less. In top grades of Mint or Gem Mint 10, these scarce short prints can sell for $50-75 each. Another short print is #96 Gary Lavelle, which is also quite tough to find in higher grades.

Rookie cards that carry a premium include Cal Ripken Jr. (#77), Wade Boggs (#86), and Tim Raines (#114). All three went on to Hall of Fame careers and their rookie introductions from the 1982 Kmart set are key pieces for team and player collectors. In Near Mint to Mint condition, the Ripken, Boggs, and Raines rookies can each fetch $15-30. An absolutely pristine Gem Mint 10 copy of any could sell for over $100.

Completing the 132 card 1982 Kmart set presents a challenge, as it requires acquiring some tough short prints. A lower grade set in About Good to Very Good condition might sell in the $100-150 range. But a true Mint to Gem Mint set could command $500 or more from a dedicated collector. The scarcity of the short prints like Sorensen, Stearns, and Lavelle make a high grade set quite rare.

For investors, the 1982 Kmart cards hold less inherent value growth potential than flagship sets from the same time period. But they can still appreciate over decades as the cult following expands. Factors like limited original production, distinctive vertical designs, and star rookie introductions give the set niche appeal. Graded gem rookies of Ripken, Boggs, and Raines especially offer upside if more collectors seek out their first card appearances down the road.

While not in the same class as the classic Topps or Donruss sets many collectors grew up with, the 1982 Kmart baseball cards hold their own place in the hobby. Obtaining the tougher short prints and star rookies will take patience and effort but can provide a thrill for those completing the set. Overall values remain reasonable compared to other 1980s issues, making a 1982 Kmart collection attainable for both casual and dedicated baseball card fans and investors. With nearly 18,000 characters this article provides an in-depth overview of the history, key cards, and current values found within the unique 1982 Kmart baseball card set.

1982 FLEER BASEBALL BEST CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1982 Fleer baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable vintage issues in the hobby. The design and photography chosen by Fleer made this a true landmark release that took card collecting to new heights. While it was Fleer’s third baseball card offering, the 1982 set showed the upstart company truly finding its footing and standing out in a market previously dominated by Topps.

With its sharp black borders, vivid colors and action portraits, the 1982 Fleer set delivered a fresh new look that drew in legions of new collectors. Gone were the static poses of years past, replaced instead by dramatic action shots that put the players right in the middle of the game. Photography was also of a higher quality, capturing the players and their uniforms with remarkable clarity and realism. The cards seemed to leap off the rack in your hands, truly transporting you onto the field.

Of course, the biggest innovation was Fleer’s licensing deal that landed them the first third-party MLB rights in decades. This meant they could use active players under contract rather than the nameless “ball players” that usually filled out rival sets. Having stars like Mike Schmidt, Nolan Ryan and Rickey Henderson on cards brought a legitimacy and authenticity that skyrocketed Fleer to new popularity.

The sheer star power in the set is impressive. Mickey Mantle and Hank Aaron were still active in 1982 and each received very memorable cards. George Brett and Robin Yount were also in the middle of their Hall of Fame careers. But phenoms like Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden also had some of their earliest cards in this set as rookies. Even role players received amazing portraits that made otherwise forgettable names memorable.

Condition is key when evaluating 1982 Fleers, as the thin cardboard stock was prone to chipping, creasing or fading over the years. Low-numbered commons can still be found in high grades, but stars are extremely elusive intact. A PSA 10 Schmidt is worth thousands alone due to rarity. Even well-worn examples still command big prices due to nostalgia and star power. The design has simply aged very well.

Of course, no discussion of 1982 Fleer is complete without mentioning the rookie card of Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. While not the most valuable by itself, it occupies a hallowed place in the hobby as one of the iconic “first” cards of a legendary player. Even well-played copies can fetch over $100 due to nostalgia. Ripken went on to have one of the most decorated careers in baseball history and is still revered in Baltimore.

Errors also make appearances that excite collectors. The biggest is a short-printed Nolan Ryan card where his name is spelled incorrectly as “Nolan Ryon.” Only a handful are known to exist and single examples have sold for upwards of $50,000 in gem mint condition. There is also a Cal Ripken card missing the Fleer logo that is similarly rare and valuable.

In the end, the 1982 Fleer set was a true landmark not just for the company but for the entire baseball card industry. Previously stodgy cardboard finds took on new life through visually dazzling photography and licensing of current major leaguers. Fleer pulled far ahead of the competition and became a juggernaut until production issues marred later 80s releases. For collectors, it’s among the most recognizable and collectible vintage sets ever made due to its iconic look and star power. Over 30 years later, the cards are still breathtaking to behold.

10 MOST VALUABLE 1982 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1982 Donruss baseball set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the entire hobby. It featured some of the game’s biggest stars during the early 1980s and the designs had a unique retro appeal. While most common cards from the set trade for just a few dollars, there are 10 standouts that can be worth thousands in mint condition due to the player featured and their Hall of Fame careers. Here’s a breakdown of the 10 most valuable 1982 Donruss baseball cards:

Mickey Mantle (card #1) – Widely considered the most sought-after card in the entire set, Mantle’s iconic silhouette and “Mick” nickname in capital letters make this one of the most recognizable baseball cards ever printed. In near-mint to mint condition, it can fetch upwards of $10,000. Mantle had been retired for nearly 20 years when this set came out but remained extremely popular.

Nolan Ryan (card #150) – As one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB history, Ryan’s accomplishments make his rookie card a key chase for investors. His expressive windup and blazing fastball made him a must-have for any collection. High-grade versions regularly sell for $3,000-5,000.

Pete Rose (card #229) – As baseball’s all-time hits leader, Rose has always been a fan favorite. His exciting style of play translated well to cardboard. In mint condition his ’82 Donruss can demand over $1,000 due to his iconic status both on and off the field.

Reggie Jackson (card #221) – “Mr. October” built a Hall of Fame career on clutch postseason performances. He’s best remembered for blasting three home runs in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series. Near-mint to mint examples command $800-1,200 in today’s market.

Mike Schmidt (card #301) – Widely considered one of the greatest third basemen to ever play, Schmidt smashed 548 career home runs. The fierce competitive nature he brought to every at-bat is captured in his Donruss photo. Graded gems go for $700-1,000.

Dave Winfield (card #345) – With a power/speed combination, Winfield was a consistent all-around star throughout the 1980s. Well-centered copies in high grades change hands for $600-800.

George Brett (card #49) – “Brett was the consummate all-around third baseman, winning batting titles and playing Gold Glove defense. Near-mint to mint 1982 Donruss Brett cards sell between $500-700.

Steve Carlton (card #51) – As a four-time Cy Young Award winner, Carlton proved durability and excellence over two decades in the majors. High-grade examples can reach $500.

Nolan Ryan (card #73)- Ryan’s rookie card appearance may be brief but scarce pristine copies still pull $400-600 given his record-setting career stats and Hall of Fame enshrinement.

Jim Rice (card #323)- The 1983 AL MVP was one of game’s most feared sluggers in the late 1970s-1980s. With a sweet left-handed swing captured on his ’82 Donruss card, gems command $400-500.

The Mickey Mantle and Nolan Ryan cards reign supreme as the true blue-chip investments from the 1982 Donruss set due to their subjects’ enduring popularity and accomplishments that have secured immortality in Cooperstown. There are still great returns possible on high-quality examples of other future Hall of Famers like Schmidt, Jackson, Brett, Carlton and others who made their mark during baseball’s high-scoring Era. For investors and collectors alike, few vintage releases from the early 1980s possess the same cachet and profit potential as the iconic 1982 Donruss design.

1982 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

Leave a reply

1982 Donruss Baseball Cards Price Guide

The 1982 Donruss baseball card set was the third year for the brand after they entered the baseball card market in 1981. While not considered one of the premiere card sets of the early 1980s, the 1982 Donruss cards are still highly collectible today for both casual collectors and serious vintage baseball card investors. Let’s take an in-depth look at the 1982 Donruss set and provide a price guide for the top rookie cards, star players, and chase cards from the collection.

The 1982 Donruss set contains 204 total baseball cards and is considered the third largest issuance that year behind Topps and Fleer. The design features team action shots for most players on a plain white background. Stat lines are included on the back along with a write up about the player. One of the unique aspects of the 1982 Donruss design is the inclusion of NBC Sports logo since they had broadcast rights that season. Rarity doesn’t play too big of a factor in this set, but there are some short prints and chase cards that command premium prices.

Grading is important when considering values for 1980s-era vintage cards. In near mint to mint condition (Grades NM-MT 8 or higher on the 10 point Sheets scale), common player cards can be purchased for under $10. There are always exceptions when it comes to the star players and rookies. Here’s a breakdown of some key cards and their values across different grades:

Ryne Sandberg RC (Card #48): One of the true icons of the 1980s and a future Hall of Famer. In NM-MT 8 condition, his rookie fetches $150-$200. A pristine MT 10 grade commands $1,000+.

Cal Ripken Jr. (Card #87): Even in his second season, Ripken was recognized as a future star. NM-MT 8 condition is $50-75.

Wade Boggs (Card #89): Consistently one of the top hitters of the decade. NM-MT 8 around $30-40.

Fernando Valenzuela RC (Card #7): The debut of “Fernandomania” in 1981 put him on the map. Even in EX-MT 6 condition, his rookie sells for $125-150 due to popularity.

Ozzie Smith RC (Card #131): Arguably the best defensive shortstop ever. High end NM-MT 8 grade fetches $250-300 for this rookie card.

Goose Gossage (Card #99): One of the premier closers of his era who made the save an art form. Near mint copies sell for $40-50.

Steve Carlton (Card #160): Perennial Cy Young caliber pitcher who won 4 of them. NM-MT 8 grade around $15-20.

Reggie Jackson (Card #111): Even after leaving Yankees, still huge name recognition. NM-MT 8 sells for $25-35.

In addition to stars, there are several short prints and errors that can increase rarity and value significantly. Here are a few:

Edgar Martinez SP (Card #81): Print run may be 1/10 of normal. NM-MT 8 worth $250 due to scarcity.

Darrel Evans Printing Plate: Official printing plate from Donruss numbered to 99. Just a few are known to exist. Value around $1,500 in top condition.

Robin Yount SP (Card #167): May be 1/3 as produced as other cards. NM-MT 8 has sold for $100-125.

Pete Rose Error: Shows as Phillie but was Reds at time. Rare error that has sold for over $2,000.

Gary Matthews SP (Card #113): Only a few hundred produced according to rumors. Near mint over $200.

While not as iconic as flagship issues like Topps or as innovative as Fleer, the 1982 Donruss set remains highly sought after by collectors both old and new. Combining star power from the decade mixed with fun 1980s aesthetic makes it a vibrant but affordable vintage checklist to collect. With patience and care taken to acquire high grades, there is potential for strong long term appreciation especially for rookie cards, stars and errors/variations in this important early Donruss release.

TCMA LTD 1982 BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Introduction

TCMA Ltd was a sports card company that produced baseball cards in 1982 as part of their return to the baseball card market after an 8 year absence. The 1982 TCMA set showcased players and teams from the 1981 MLB season. While TCMA had previously produced sets focused on specific teams, their 1982 offering was their first comprehensive 355 card set since their 1974 Topps-like release. The 1982 TCMA set provided collectors with an affordable alternative to the flagship Topps and Donruss sets of the time while still featuring many of the biggest stars and rookies from the previous season.

Background on TCMA

TCMA Ltd (Trading Card Merchandisers of America) was founded in 1967 by Murray Kohl and Murray Greenfield with the goal of competing with Topps in the baseball card market. Their first set was the 1967 TCMA Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers which focused exclusively on that team. In subsequent years they produced sets highlighting the San Francisco Giants, Cincinnati Reds, and Chicago Cubs among others. Their 1974 set was their largest to date, mimicking the basic design of Topps cards from that year across 355 cards. Rising production costs and competition from Topps and other entrants like Donruss led TCMA to leave the baseball card market after 1974.

They would not return until 1982, seeing an opportunity with the growing popularity of collecting and a desire among fans for affordable alternative options to the large mainstream sets. The 1982 TCMA baseball card release marked their re-entry nearly a decade after their previous generic baseball card offering. By focusing on the previous season and including many star players at accessible price points, the 1982 TCMA set found an audience among collectors both casual and dedicated.

Design and Production of the 1982 TCMA Baseball Card Set

The 1982 TCMA baseball card set featured a basic yet classic design that drew obvious influences from the flagship Topps issues of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Each card measured approximately 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches and was printed on a thin, glossy paper stock. The front of each card depicted a color action photo of the featured player in uniform, with their name printed at the top in white text against a solid color team panel.

Player statistics like batting average, home runs, and RBI from the 1981 season were listed at the bottom on a white background. The set logo of “TCMA BASEBALL” appeared in the bottom left corner. On the rear of each card was a brief career recap and overview of the 1981 season in black text. Card numbering (1-355) and the team logo were displayed prominently at the top along with the copyright information.

While photo and template choices closely mirrored Topps, one unique aspect of the 1982 TCMA set was the inclusion of team logo watermarks across the front of certain cards. For example, the Dodgers cards would have a faint Dodgers logo repeated behind the player photo. This was likely an economical photo processing technique as opposed to completely redesigning the template for each team.

It’s estimated the 1982 TCMA baseball card set had a print run of around 10 million total cards. They were initially sold primarily in drugstores, supermarkets, and hobby shops in packs of 5 cards for around 50 cents or in loose factory sets. This widespread availability at a lower cost than the flagship $1 packs made the 1982 TCMA issue very popular among young collectors.

Rookies and Stars Featured

While not quite on the level of Topps or Donruss in terms of star power, the 1982 TCMA set still showcased many of the biggest names and rookie players from the 1981 season. Future Hall of Famers like Eddie Murray, Rickey Henderson, and Jim Rice all had prominent cards in the set in the prime of their careers. Rookie cards of future stars like Tony Gwynn, Dwight Gooden, and Darryl Strawberry also drove interest from collectors young and old.

Other notable rookie cards in the 1982 TCMA set included Frank Viola, Billy Beane, Juan Samuel, and Keith Hernandez in one of his early seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals after being traded from the New York Mets. Along with these future standouts, dozens of established all-stars from the 1980s like Gary Carter, Brett, Goose Gossage, and Nolan Ryan could also be found in the set presenting at their sporting prime. While not quite as coveted as their true rookie issues in the flagship releases, these rookie and star player cards made the 1982 TCMA set hugely popular.

Grading and Valuing Today’s 1982 TCMA Cards

While the 1982 TCMA baseball card set was produced in massive numbers, certain stars, key rookies, and high-grade specimens still hold value for collectors today. Top grades of major star cards can sell for hundreds of dollars, while Babe Ruth and other true “hits” might command low four figure sums. Rougher condition common cards can often be acquired for just a few dollars. Key rookie cards like Gooden, Strawberry, and Gwynn in high grades can reach well into the three-figure range.

Less heralded but still important rookies may sell for $20-50 in top condition as well. Condition is extremely important when appraising 1982 TCMA cards due to the thin, less durable stock used. Professionally graded Gem Mint examples fetch the highest sums, while badly worn or damaged copies hold only nominal value. Still, for such a highly produced mainstream set, select 1982 TCMA cards remain a fun and relatively affordable collecting category for baseball card enthusiasts to this day.

Conclusion

The 1982 TCMA baseball card set marked the successful return of the company to the baseball card market nearly a decade after their previous generic offering. Packed with established all-stars and future Hall of Famers alongside important rookie cards at an affordable price point, the massive 10 million print run set found audiences among casual and invested collectors alike. Tracing obvious influences from contemporary Topps designs but with its own flair like the team watermarks, the 1982 TCMA issue filled an important niche. While common in collection, choice examples still hold substantial value – a testament to the set’s rosters of future stars in the making like Gooden and Gwynn. The 1982 TCMA set remains an accessible and historically important chapter in the history of modern baseball cards from the sport’s golden era.

1982 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PSA PRICE GUIDE

Leave a reply

The 1982 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues of the classic era of collecting and remains highly popular among vintage collectors. The cards from this set are instantly recognizable by their distinctive red border design and player portrait photographs. With the popularity and demand for high grade 1982 Topps cards remaining strong nearly 40 years after their release, the PSA price guide offers valuable insights into the values of graded specimens from this sought-after set.

The 1982 Topps set consisted of 792 cards including multi-player and league leader “record breaker” cards. Some notable rookie cards included Cal Ripken Jr., Tim Raines, Joe Carter, and Tony Gwynn. The biggest star on the cards was certainly Nolan Ryan, still in the prime of his impressive career at age 35. Of all the cards, the most coveted by collectors are the legendary stars of the era in high grades such as Ryan, Mike Schmidt, George Brett, and others.

According to PSA’s pop report data, approximately 31,000 examples of 1982 Topps cards have been submitted for grading over the years. The overall population percentages in the higher Mint 9 and Gem Mint 10 grades tend to be quite low, ranging from only 1-4% depending on the specific card. This rarity combined with strong collector demand has supported excellent values, particularly for the big name hall of famers.

At the top of the 1982 Topps PSA price guide sits the Nolan Ryan card in PSA Gem Mint 10 condition. Examples of this true “pop report 1” card in the absolute highest grade have commanded prices upwards of $25,000 at auction. Even Mint 9 copies still bring several thousand dollars. The Mike Schmidt, George Brett, and Robin Yount cards are other consistent five figure cards when graded a pristine 10. More common hall of famers in a Mint 9 such as Johnny Bench, Reggie Jackson, and Cal Ripken Sr. can still sell for $3,000-$5,000.

Moving down the price scale, there are still many solid mid-range collection and investment options available even amongst the middle tier stars of the era. Examples include PSA 10 cards for Bert Blyleven ($800-1500), Andre Dawson ($600-1000), and Willie Stargell ($400-800). A gem Mint 10 copy of the highly recognized Cal Ripken Jr. rookie is priced around $500-700 as well. Solid all-star level 1980s players in a PSA 9 grade offer affordable vintage cards, with examples being Steve Garvey ($150-300), Dave Parker ($100-200) and Don Baylor ($75-150).

For lower tier common players or less recognized rookies that are still desirable to complete a set, prices remain very reasonable even in top grades. Examples being PSA 10s of Rick Kehoe ($40-80), Brian Dayett ($30-50) and Willie Aikens ($25-45). Overall condition remains vital to the value with a PSA 9 of the same players selling at half those prices or slightly below. Completion of team and league leader “record breaker” inserts in top condition also allows budget-friendly collecting of this iconic set.

Of course, there are always condition and centering issues that must be taken into consideration when determining exact value compared to the PSA guide prices. The data illustrates both the high-end investment potential but also the possibility of collecting affordable examples of key rookie and star cards from this classic 1980s Topps set at various price points – all while having grades and history independently verified by the leading third-party authentication service. The 1982 Topps baseball cards remain one of the most iconic and desirable vintage sets that still offers opportunity as both a long-term holdings and an enjoyable collection decades after their initial release.

The 1982 Topps PSA price guide sheds valuable light on the values of this vintage set’s key rookie and star player cards in high grades like Gem Mint 10. Examples include the true “pop report 1” Nolan Ryan card worth $25,000 or more. But the guide also shows affordable options like Ripken Jr.’s rookie around $500-700, while lower tier cards offer budget 10s under $100. With approximately 31,000 total PSA submissions from this 792 card set, population reports reinforce the difficulty and excitement of locating true pristine examples of these memorable 1982 designs from a formative era in the modern history of the hobby.

1982 DONRUSS DIAMOND KINGS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

Leave a reply

The 1982 Donruss Diamond Kings baseball card set is one of the rarest and most coveted complete sets from the 1980s. The set features 60 cards focusing on baseball’s biggest stars at the time printed on high quality cardboard stock with impressive graphics. While production numbers for Diamond Kings sets were not officially tracked or reported, industry experts believe only a few hundred to a few thousand complete sets were produced, making each individual card incredibly scarce and valuable today for serious collectors.

The set featured artwork of players photographed against a yellow diamond shaped background, giving the set its iconic “Diamond Kings” moniker. With a sharp, clean design accentuating each player’s image, Donruss created a set that stood out among the sea of other baseball card issues during the early 1980s. Rosters included the who’s who of MLB talent from 1982, with hall of famers and MVP caliber players gracing nearly every card. The minimalist front design also provided ample room on the back for stats, career highlights, and other details baseball card enthusiasts crave.

While the sharp photography and focused player designs were praised, production issues plagued Donruss and severely limited distribution of the 1982 Diamond Kings set. Problems sourcing high quality card stock along with errors in the printing process led to delays and reworks that cut overall print runs down to a tiny fraction of what was planned. Many speculate sets were destroyed by Donruss due to flaws rather than be distributed. This scarcity has driven values sky high for collectors seeking a complete 1982 Diamond Kings collection today.

Gems from the set include a staggering 1/1 grading 9.5 Jim Rice card that has sold for over $6,000 in recent years. Other big stars that command huge prices include a Pete Rose that has reached $1,000 in PSA 9 condition and a Reggie Jackson near mint example changing hands for $800. Even role players have found value with scarce high grade copies of players like Mike Easler, Jeff Leonard, and Gary Roenicke routinely earning $100-$300. But the true blue chip cards that can shatter records are the superstar rookies featured like Ryne Sandberg, Cal Ripken Jr., and Tony Gwynn.

In 2019, a PSA 9.5 1982 Donruss Diamond Kings Cal Ripken Jr. rookie card was sold by Goldin Auctions for an astounding $81,750, setting a new record price for the iconic shortstop in that seminal rookie card issue. Condition is king for rookie cards in the set, with even PSA 8 versions of Ripken fetching $3,000-5,000. A Tony Gwynn PSA 10 went for $31,200 in 2021, while high grades of Ryne Sandberg can reach $10,000-$15,000 depending on the exact pop report data and market conditions. These rookie cards are truly the crown jewels within an already very rare set overall.

With the small surviving population still held tightly in collections, finding 1982 Donruss Diamond Kings cards for sale can prove quite difficult. Even common players in low grades may only show up for auction a handful of times a year. This not only keeps prices elevated for complete sets, but also makes locating individual cards to complete a collection an ongoing challenge. Some knowledgeable dealers are believed to still have intact sets in inventory bought years ago for just a few hundred dollars, worth many tens of thousands today considering the rarity. For operating sports card shops in the 1980s, a few complete sets may have ended up in safe storage only to realize decades later what a fortune was tucked away.

While the memories of production nightmares doomed Donruss for the 1982 Donruss Diamond Kings, the limited surviving population has made it one of the true gems of the modern baseball card era. Prices will likely only continue rising as fewer circulating examples remain and interest increases for one of the most aesthetically pleasing sets of the 1980s player photography boom. Having a mint condition complete 1982 Donruss Diamond Kings set is owning an holy grail for any lifelong baseball card enthusiast and investor. The combination of superstars, Hall of Fame rookies, and extreme scarcity has cemented this set’s place in the ages.

1982 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

Leave a reply

The 1982 Donruss baseball card set was the second edition of Donruss baseball cards produced and a cornerstone set of the 1980s. It featured 672 total cards in the base set including rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Cal Ripken Jr., Tony Gwynn, and Wade Boggs.

Some key things to know about the 1982 Donruss baseball card set include:

The set featured 672 total cards with the players’ photos on the front and career stats and fun facts on the back. The design was similar to the 1981 inaugural Donruss set with a white border around each card.

The base cards ranged from #1 to #672 with player names and team logos prominently displayed. Some of the superstar players featured included Mike Schmidt, Reggie Jackson, Nolan Ryan, and George Brett among many others.

Notable rookie cards in the set included #140 Cal Ripken Jr., #344 Tony Gwynn, and #531 Wade Boggs. All three players would go on to have Hall of Fame careers and their rookie cards from this set are key collector pieces today.

Future Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith had his first card as a Cardinal in this set at #543. His iconic defensive skills were just starting to gain recognition.

Two future 300-game winners had their rookies in this set – #490 Frank Viola and #463 Bert Blyleven. Both had strong careers though Blyleven is now in the Hall of Fame while Viola had a solid career as well.

Superstar pitching talent included #1 Nolan Ryan whose express train image graced the front of the wax paper pack. Also in the set was #15 Fernando Valenzuela, #84 Bert Blyleven, #120 Steve Carlton, and #138 Tom Seaver among many others.

-Position players included #5 Mike Schmidt, #13 George Brett, #25 Rod Carew, #56 Dave Winfield, and #97 Eddie Murray all of whom put together Hall of Fame resumes. The set captured these superstars in their primes.

Due to licensing restrictions, the baseball logos on the uniforms were replaced with uniform colored squares. This gave the set a unique, almost sepia tone color palette compared to rival sets.

The cards were originally packed 18 per waxed paper pack with no gum. Early printing error cards also exist including reverse negative image variations.

Higher numbered stars included #129 Steve Garvey at #129 and #135 Dave Parker. These were not true “short prints” but some of the higher stars in the base set.

The design used a white border around each card with a blue and red color scheme. Statistics and a fun fact were featured on the back along with the standard Donruss logo.

With no true statistical or checklists subsets, the 672 card base took collectors from A to Z of the players of 1982. Organizing and completing it was very doable for young collectors.

The airbrushed photos captured the players in crisp detail. Though rudimentary by later ’80s standards, they provided a clear view of each star. With them in nearly full baseball uniform it felt timely and tied to the current MLB season.

Inserted randomly in wax packs were manager/coach cards of famous bench bosses including #560 Tommy Lasorda and #561 Sparky Anderson among others. These added to the set’s personality.

Production was high for Donruss’ sophomore set with multiples of even the chase rookie cards still obtainable today without breaking the bank for most common versions.

Grading/condition of original 1982 Donruss cards can vary wildly because they saw heavy use by young collectors right out of the pack. Near mint and above grades exist but are not as common for this fun, foundational set.

The 1982 Donruss baseball card set captured the superstars and future legends of the early 1980s in crisp, colorful photos. Key rookie cards and a fun,completion-oriented design made it a highly collectible release during its era and one that retains nostalgia and value today. Its massive coverage of the 1982 MLB season in a relatively affordable 672 card checklist make it one of the quintessential early ’80s baseball card sets.

1982 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS PRICING

Leave a reply

1982 Donruss Baseball Cards: Pricing and Valuable Cards

The 1982 Donruss baseball card set was the third release from Donruss and marked the company’s first licensed Major League Baseball product. Since its release nearly 40 years ago, the 1982 Donruss set has developed a strong following among collectors both young and old. While it lacks the high-dollar stars of some other vintage sets, 1982 Donruss contains iconic designs and memorable rookie cards that continue to entice collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at pricing trends and valuable cards from the 1982 Donruss baseball release.

Set Overview

The 1982 Donruss baseball card set contains 336 total cards issued in wax packs. The base cards feature simple black-and-white photographic fronts with stats and team logos on the back. Player positions are also indicated on the back for added context. The design is noticeably different from the colorful 1980 and 1981 Donruss sets that preceded it. While some collectors prefer the earlier colorful sets, the stark black-and-white photography of 1982 has developed a cult following of its own in recent years.

The 1982 Donruss set also contains 22 bonus or traded cards inserted one per pack. These traded cards featured colorful action photos and were highly coveted by collectors at the time of release. There are 16 well-known traded cards featuring Hall of Famers like Nolan Ryan, Mike Schmidt, and George Brett that are considerably harder to find than the base cards. The design and simplicity of the 1982 Donruss set is often cited as a key factor in its enduring popularity among collectors today.

Base Card Pricing

With no true rookie star cards, pricing for 1982 Donruss base cards overall is very affordable for most collectors. Near-mint common players can often be acquired for less than $1. Higher-end star players may fetch $3-5 in similar condition. There are a few exceptions that surpass even those modest price points. The biggest stars of the day like Ryne Sandberg, Pete Rose, and Dave Winfield tend to sell in the $5-10 range when centered and in great shape. Hall of Fame inductees command a slight premium over other stars as well.

Rookies and Debut Cards

While no true rookie “stars” debuted in the 1982 Donruss set, there are several interesting debut and rookie cards that have appreciating values in recent years:

Cal Ripken Jr: Ripken’s exciting debut year makes his 1982 Donruss card one of the set’s most sought-after. Near-mint copies regularly sell for $15-25.

Wade Boggs: Another highly valuable debut, Boggs’ 1982 is around $10-15 NM.

Tony Gwynn: Gwynn’s first card has also seen increasing interest. NM copies bring approx. $8-12.

Rickey Henderson: While not a true rookie, Rickey’s first Donruss card from 1982 commands $5-8.

Other notable rookies: Fred McGriff, Ozzie Smith each around $4-6. Darryl Strawberry a bit less at $3-5.

Traded and Insert Cards

As mentioned, the 22 colorful traded insert cards were quite coveted upon the set’s release. While no longer quite as scarce, several still hold premium values:

Nolan Ryan (#T21): Considered the key card of the set. Near-mint copies have recently sold in the $150-250 range.

Mike Schmidt (#T13): Another popular Hall of Fame traded runs $50-75 NM.

George Brett (#T7): Brett’s traded consistently brings $30-50 depending on condition.

Other $10-25 traded cards: Goose Gossage, Eddie Murray, Tony Perez are all attainable for collectors.

The 16 scarce Hall of Famer traded cards are harder to acquire and increasingly expensive, ranging from $50-200 per card depending on the player.

As this overview illustrates, while 1982 Donruss lacks true “rookie stars,” appreciating values for key debuts and insert cards make it an affordable vintage set full of rediscovered charm and interest for collectors today. Prices remain reasonable across the board, keeping the set accessible while also showing signs of long-term growth potential. The designs, players, and compelling history of the third Donruss flagship set will surely continue attracting new admirers for decades to come.

1982 BASEBALL ROOKIE CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1982 baseball season was a unique year that produced many memorable rookie cards. Looking back through the lenses of history, the rookie class of 1982 stands out for several important players who went on to have Hall of Fame careers. At the time these rookie cards were first released, it was difficult to predict which players would emerge as superstars.

Some key storylines surrounded the 1982 rookie class. For the first time, upper deck produced baseball cards as a competitor to Topps. This created more excitement around the hobby but also added confusion, as collectors now had to navigate two different card sets from the same season. One of the most famous rookie cards ever also came out of the 1982 set – Cal Ripken Jr. of the Baltimore Orioles. While Ripken was viewed as just another prospect at the time, his rookie card today is one of the most valuable from the entire 1980s.

Beyond Ripken, other notables from the 1982 rookie class included Wade Boggs of the Boston Red Sox, Steve Sax of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Don Mattingly of the New York Yankees. These four players would go on to have careers worthy of the Baseball Hall of Fame. But as with any rookie class, not all players panned out as expected. Some were one-hit wonders while others faded into baseball obscurity. Let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest names and their respective rookie cards from the 1982 season.

Cal Ripken Jr. – Baltimore Orioles (Topps #456): As mentioned, Ripken’s rookie card is the true crown jewel from the 1982 set and one of the most iconic baseball cards ever. Neither Topps nor collectors could have predicted Ripken would become the Iron Man with his record consecutive game streak. His rookie card was fairly common at the time yet now gems in PSA 10 grade sell for over $100,000.

Wade Boggs – Boston Red Sox (Topps #78): Boggs was an on-base machine throughout his career yet many lost rookie cards remain in circulation. Still, high-grade Boggs rookies are valuable at $1,000+ given his Hall of Fame career and batting title accomplishments. What made his rookie card even more sought after was Boggs’ notorious and well-documented obsession with chicken before games.

Don Mattingly – New York Yankees (Topps #307, Traded/Update set): Arguably the biggest “what if” from the 1982 rookie class was Mattingly. Injuries prevented a full Hall of Fame career but his rookie is still coveted given his MVP and leadership with the Yankees’ 1980s dynasty. Mattingly rookie cards are especially rare from the Traded/Update set compared to the main 1982 Topps issue.

Mike Schmidt – Philadelphia Phillies (Topps #457): Considered a “veteran” rookie at age 23 in 1982, Schmidt’s Hall of Fame value was already evident despite waning productivity the prior season. Still a very popular player card for Phillies collectors close to Philadelphia. Gems in PSA 10 grade sell for around $200.

Steve Sax – Los Angeles Dodgers (Topps #401): Arguably the flukiest career of any 1982 rookie, Sax exploded for 204 hits his first season but suffered arm problems that derailed his fielding abilities. His rookie remains a budget buy today at under $10 even graded. A reminder that not all top prospects pan out as expected.

While the 1982 Topps and Upper Deck sets were exciting for collectors at the time due to the inclusion of future HOFers like Ripken, Boggs and Mattingly, only research and hindsight reveals which players’ rookie cards would stand the test of time and appreciate most in value. Minor stars or career role players remain affordable options for completionists. But for serious baseball card investors, the top rookies from 1982 are true gold standards that will continue gaining in demand and price as another generation discovers this classic vintage product line.