The 1988 Donruss baseball card set featured some of the biggest names and future superstars in the game. While it may not be one of the most coveted vintage card releases, there are still quite a few highly valuable rookie and star cards that collectors seek out today. The set marked another iconic Donruss design with players featured in action shots on a colorful painted baseball backdrop. For the time, it was a modern and visually appealing look.

One of the most notable rookies from the 1988 Donruss set is Ken Griffey Jr. (card #49). Junior was already being hyped as a future superstar coming up through the minors and did not disappoint in his rookie season with the Seattle Mariners. His smooth lefty swing and effortless play in center field made him a fan favorite. Not surprisingly, his rookie card has stood the test of time as one of the most iconic and valuable from the late 80s. In near mint to mint condition, Griffey Jr.’s 1988 Donruss rookie will fetch prices consistently over $1000 today. Pristine, gem mint copies in the proper holder have even sold for upwards of $3000-4000.

Another highly valuable rookie, and one of the biggest names of the steroid era, is Mark McGwire (card #120) from the 1988 Donruss set. Big Mac burst onto the scene with the Athletics and immediately began crushing mammoth home runs. His rookie card prices reflect that, with near mint and better copies selling in the $400-600 range. The price bump even higher for specimens receiving the highest available grades from authentication and grading companies like PSA or Beckett. Like Griffey, a true gem mint McGwire rookie could sell for well over $1000 to serious collectors.

But rookie cards were just part of what made the 1988 Donruss set a treasure for collectors. Future Hall of Famers and stars of the late 80s/90s like Barry Bonds (card #240), Greg Maddux (card #262), Tom Glavine (card #266), and Randy Johnson (card #273) had some of their earliest mainstream trading cards in this release as well. In high grades, their cards from ’88 Donruss can approach $100-200 each. The true elite veterans and champions of the era commanded the highest prices within the set.

Don Mattingly’s (card #320) dominance as the Yankees’ superstar first baseman made his 1988 Donruss card a constant in high-end vintage collections. In near mint or better condition, his card regularly sells between $150-300. But for the true mint specimens, authenticated and graded 9s or 10s, a Mattingly can surge up near or over $500. Another consistently high-priced card was that of Oakland’s ace, Dave Stewart (card #328). As one of the most successful pitchers in the late 80s, Stewart’s card is highly sought and his mint copies trade hands for $150-250 each.

Perhaps no card from the 1988 Donruss set holds higher values than that of San Diego’s all-time hits king, Tony Gwynn (card #377). Mr. Padre was already establishing himself as a perennial batting champion in ’88. His smooth lefty swing and ability to spray line drives to all fields made him a fan-favorite as well. In top condition with strong centering, Gwynn’s ’88 Donruss can demand prices of $300-500.But for the rare PSA/BGS graded gems in the 9.5-10 range, his card has been known to sell for an astounding $1000-1500.

While age and condition are vital in determining values, certain parallels and variations within the 1988 Donruss set have also proven very collectible – and valuable – over the decades. The ‘black-border’ parallel inserted roughly 1 per pack is significantly rarer across the entire set. Owners of these elusive black-borders of major stars could perhaps double or even triple typical prices for those players. Other highly sought variants include ‘foils’,which featured a rare foil treatment on the borders, and ‘indigo’, which was printed with an innovative colored ink not seen on many 80s cards.

In the over 30 years since its original release, the 1988 Donruss baseball card set has proven to stand the test of time. Rookie stamps of future Hall of Famers and inserts of the game’s biggest 1980s stars continue to entice collectors and drive values higher. For today’s vintage card investor, a properly graded Griffey Jr., McGwire or Tony Gwynn from ’88 Donruss could deliver lucrative returns. Their icons remain as relevant as ever in the hobby.

The 1987 Donruss baseball set was produced during a transitional time in the baseball card industry. While Donruss had produced sets since 1981, 1987 saw the rise of Upper Deck which would go on to dominate the hobby. As such, the 1987 Donruss set contains several valuable rookie cards and stars of the day that make it a set card collectors still pursue.

Perhaps the most notable and valuable card from the 1987 Donruss set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the best player of his generation, Griffey’s rookie season was one of the most anticipated in baseball history coming into the 1987 season. His sweet lefty swing and all-world talents in center field quickly made him a fan favorite. This popularity translated to his rookie cards, with the 1987 Donruss Griffey being one of the most iconic and sought after in the hobby.

In high grade condition like a PSA 10, Griffey’s 1987 Donruss rookie card can fetch tens of thousands of dollars. But there’s high demand for it in any grade, with even well-worn copies trading hands for hundreds due to Griffey’s status among collectors and fans. The card captures “The Kid” in an action shot during his debut 1987 season with the Seattle Mariners uniform before they switched to their trident logo designs. It remains among the most valuable baseball cards ever produced.

Another star rookie card to come from the 1987 Donruss set is that of Mark McGwire. Like Griffey, McGwire was anticipated to be a future superstar and did not disappoint in his first season with the Athletics. Though overshadowed throughout his career by Griffey and later Barry Bonds, McGwire still went on to have one of the best power hitting careers ever. Collectors recognized his potential from the start and his Donruss rookie card followed Griffey’s in value through the late 80s and 90s boom.

Today graded examples can bring thousands as McGwire’s name remains well known for his offensive prowess even if tainted by steroid links later on. The card features “Big Mac” in an Athletics uniform during his hyped rookie campaign. It’s a classic piece of cardboard to have for any collection focusing on stars and highly valuable cards from the late 80s period.

Continuing with sluggers who debuted in 1987, the Donruss set also delivered the starting point for collectors with the Frank Thomas rookie card. “The Big Hurt” emerged from a decorated college career to immediately tear up major league pitching for the Chicago White Sox. He finished second in rookie of the year voting that season while showcasing his impressive home run power.

This power potential converted into future success which made Thomas a highly demanded player card early on. Though not at Griffey or McGwire levels, graded PSA 10 copies of his 1987 Donruss rookie have still sold in the four figure range showing strong collector interest. Plus there’s the added rarity factor since Donruss only produced one rookie card for Thomas compared to other sets with multiple variations. It’s among the key pieces for constructing a full White Sox or power hitting collection.

Not every big name rookie panned out after their ’87 Donruss debut, but the cards still hold value based on expectations. Steve Avery was hailed as one of baseball’s next aces coming out of Georgia, as evidenced by his action shot rookie in a Braves uniform. Though injuries derailed his career, graded versions still bring over $100 in auctions. Same goes for Bobby Witt’s first card as doubts about his power started to creep in. The aggressive follow through pose with the Rangers captures his top prospect status at the time.

The 1987 Donruss set greatly benefited from capturing stars very early in the primes as well. One example is the Kirby Puckett card that shows him launching a pitch into right field in Twins light blue. Puckett emerged as one of the decade’s top all-around players and this card was a hot commodity while he was in his hitting and baseball prowess heyday. PSA 10 editions remain around the $1,000 range given Puckett’s enduring popularity in Minnesota.

Another star who was just getting warmed up was the Yankees’ Don Mattingly. After coming off the 1985 AL MVP season, Mattingly’s 1987 Donruss card depicts him fielding at first base which underscored his excellent glovework. Though injuries hamstrung his career peak, Mattingly is still revered by Yankees fans for his hustling style which this card exuberates. High grade versions can fetch upwards of $500 with motivated collectors.

The coveted 1987 set also captured young talent on the rise like Will Clark of the Giants and Wally Joyner for the Angels. Clark’s dynamic pose is one of the most visually appealing from the checklist as he swings for the fences. It captured the anticipation of him building off a strong ’86 year. Joyner’s Angels rookie provides fans of that era squad a key piece of memorabilia from their World Series runs. Together they highlight stars that were leading their franchises.

While stars and rookies were a major part of the set’s appeal, the 1987 Donruss checklist still featured numerous other talents who had achieved success already as well. Hall of Famer Robin Yount’s card with the Brewers established him as one of the game’s best all-around players in the late 80s. Ozzie Smith’s Cardinals issue with him backhanding a grounder emphasized why he was the best fielding shortstop in MLB.

Even role players received due representation to satisfy team collectors. Pinch hitter extraordinaire Mario Diaz landed his lone rookie card and action shot with the Blue Jays. Chris Brown’s unconventional batting pose highlighted his skills for the Red Sox. They add colorful variety to any collection focused on teams from that era.

In summation, the 1987 Donruss baseball set carries immense nostalgia and value for hobbyists and investors alike because it captured so many future Hall of Famers and stars during formative seasons. From Griffey and McGwire’s iconic rookies to stars in their primes like Puckett, Yount and Smith, it has long been a sought after release. High grade examples of stars like Thomas and Mattingly as well as players on the rise boost values further. When combined with eye catching designs that still hold up over 30 years later, it’s clear why 1987 Donruss remains a set that created evergreen collectibles.