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1997 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1997 Donruss baseball card set was the 21st edition of Donruss’ long-running baseball card series. It marked a return to form for Donruss after several years of experimenting with different designs and sets. The 1997 set featured traditional vertical card designs and focused on current major league players. It contained 396 total cards and was a favorite among collectors looking for an affordable and straightforward set from that era.

Some key things to know about the 1997 Donruss baseball card set include:

Design – The cards returned to a classic vertical design after Donruss had used horizontal and other non-traditional designs in recent years. The front featured a large action photo of the player along with their name, team, and other basic info. The back provided career stats and a brief bio. It was a simple but effective nostalgic design.

Size – The standard size for the cards was 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, following the traditional baseball card dimensions that Donruss had helped popularize. This allowed them to fit neatly into standard penny sleeves, toploaders, and albums.

Photography – Donruss used high quality action shots on the fronts of the cards, sourced from various professional photographers. The photos helped capture the emotion and energy of America’s pastime. Backgrounds were generally plain to let the players be the focus.

Players – The set covered all 30 major league teams from 1996 and included stars, rookies, and veterans. Highlights included rookie cards for future Hall of Famers Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, and Mike Piazza. Superstars of the day like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, and Cal Ripken Jr. also had popular cards.

Parallels – There were no special parallel or short-print variations in the base set, keeping the focus on the standard rookie and star player cards. This simplicity was appealing to many collectors.

Inserts – In addition to the base set, Donruss included several insert sets showing different themes. These included “Diamond Kings” for top players, “League Leaders” for statistical achievements, and “Turn Back The Clock” for vintage-style throwback designs.

Packaging – The cards came in traditional wax packs with 5 cards each. Boxes contained 12 packs and retailed for around $15, making them very affordable for the era. The packaging featured colorful baseball-themed graphics that collectors enjoyed.

Production – Donruss printed the 1997 set in high numbers to meet demand after re-establishing themselves. While not as scarce as some years, the large production run has helped the cards hold value due to the size of the collecting community.

Reception – Both collectors and the mainstream press praised Donruss for returning to their roots with the 1997 set. It quickly became a popular mainstay in the annual baseball card landscape. The classic design has ensured it remains a set that is fondly remembered today.

Secondary Market – On the secondary market, the most valuable cards from the 1997 Donruss set are the rookie cards, particularly for Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, and Mike Piazza. High-grade versions of these can sell for hundreds of dollars. Stars like Ken Griffey Jr. also command premium prices. But for the most part, the set remains very affordable to complete 25 years later.

The 1997 Donruss baseball card set was a return to form that collectors embraced. With its traditional design, focus on current players, and affordable packs, it satisfied fans looking for a straightforward product from the leader in the industry. Its widespread availability also meant it was an attainable set that many collectors from the era were able to complete. Its emphasis on photography and stats over gimmicks has ensured it remains a fondly remembered release today.

TOP 1985 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1985 Donruss baseball set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the hobby. While not the flashiest or highest graded sets, the ’85 Donruss cards hold a special place in the hearts of many collectors due to the elite talent featured. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the standout rookie and star player cards from the 1985 Donruss set that still demand premium prices to this day.

The obvious #1 card from the 1985 Donruss set is the Kirby Puckett rookie card. Puckett went on to have a Hall of Fame career largely spent with the Minnesota Twins, winning six Gold Gloves and hitting over 2500 hits. His iconic smile and talent made him a fan favorite. In top grade of mint or gem mint 10, the Puckett rookie regularly sells for over $1000. Even well-worn low-grade examples still demand $50-100 due to the strong collector demand for this rookie card of a cherished MLB star.

Another hugely popular rookie from the 1985 Donruss set is the Dwight Gooden card. “Doc” Gooden was starting to generate tremendous hype in 1984 after winning Rookie of the Year honors and helped lead the New York Mets to a World Series title. His rookie card shows him as a beaming 20-year-old with a serious fastball. In mint condition this Gooden rookie has sold for over $2000. It remains one of the most highly desired vintage rookie cards for any player.

The Greg Maddux and Barry Larkin rookies from the 1985 Donruss set also generate collector buzz. Maddux went on to rack up 355 career wins and 4 Cy Young Awards over 23 big league seasons in a Hall of Fame career. His rookie exhibit the studious-looking hurler in a Cubbies cap. High grade Maddux rookies have cracked $1000. Meanwhile the Larkin card features the shortstop as a confident-looking Cincinnati Red. He’d go on to have a stellar career, winning the 1995 MVP award. Top Larkin rookies sell for $400-500 range.

Moving past rookies, the 1985 Donruss set also highlights many superstars entering their primes like Roger Clemens and Wade Boggs. The Clemens card depicts “Rocket” as a 23-year-old with a fearsome glare, already showing his dominance on the mound before winning 7 Cy Youngs. Pristine Clemens’ have sold for over $1000. Meanwhile the Boggs card presents the soon-to-be batting champion grinning in a Red Sox jersey. He took home 5 batting titles in the 1980s. High grades of these star player cards easily reach the $200-300 range.

Another supreme talent and huge name featured prominently in the 1985 Donruss set is Ryne Sandberg. The “Ryno” card portrays the smooth-fielding second baseman with the Cubs, on the verge of winning the 1984 MVP award and later 10 Gold Gloves. This iconic Cubs star card in top condition squeezes just over the $1000 sales threshold. The sketched portrayal of Johnny Bench on his card also fetches $200-300 despite featuring a past-his-prime 36-year-old Bench with the Astros.

Some other notables and key rookie cards from the 1985 Donruss baseball set include Bob Horner, Orel Hershiser, Lance Parrish, Jack Clark, and Tom Herr. Each had solid MLB careers and their rookie cards remain desirable to collectors to this day, seeing prices of $50-$150 depending on grade. The backs of all the 1985 Donruss cards also feature fun biographies of the players that added to the appeal of this classic set for collectors.

While production numbers were high for the 1985 Donruss baseball card set compared to modern issues, it contains some of the most iconic and valuable cards in the hobby. Top rookies like Puckett, Gooden, Maddux and Larkin are forever cemented in cardboard collectible history due to their HOF careers. But stars like Boggs, Clemens, Sandberg and Bench also shine brightly in the set. Over 35 years later, the ’85 Donruss release still holds up remarkably well and provides a true snapshot of the game at that moment in time through memorable cardboard portraits. Its lasting impact and connection to beloved MLB greats ensures the set remains a bedrock issue for vintage collectors.

1990 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS ERROR

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The 1990 Donruss baseball card set is notorious among collectors for containing several prominent printing errors across its 792 total cards. While errors in sports card sets are not altogether uncommon, the 1990 Donruss issues stand out both for the high-profile players involved as well as the scope of the mistakes. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most significant printing glitches found in the 1990 Donruss collection.

Perhaps the most infamous error card from the set is the Jose Canseco card #234. On Canseco’s normal base card, he is shown batting from the left side as an Oakland Athletics player. Due to an error during the printing process, a small handful of Canseco cards were accidentally printed showing him batting right-handed instead while wearing his A’s uniform. This obvious mistake, showing the clearly left-handed hitting Canseco from the opposite side, makes the right-handed Canseco one of the most valuable errors in the entire set. In pristine mint condition, examples have sold at auction for well over $10,000.

Another eye-catching error involves slugger Mark McGwire’s card #264. McGwire’s normal issue depicts him in a St. Louis Cardinals uniform, as he had just been traded from the A’s late in the 1989 season. But a minute number of McGwire cards were accidentally printed still showing him in his old Oakland Athletics white and gold garb. Like the right-handed Canseco, finding a St. Louis Cardinals McGwire in an A’s uniform is sure to turn collector heads. In top grades, a mint example could easily command five figures.

In addition to player-specific mistakes, several team-related errors popped up in the 1990 Donruss set. Card #88, featuring outfielder Dale Murphy of the Atlanta Braves, was mistakenly printed with a Philadelphia Phillies team logo in the background. And on cards #280 (Jeff Reardon) and #525 (Hubie Brooks), the players are shown with their correct Minnesota Twins and New York Mets uniforms, respectively – but the wrong team namelogs appear above their heads. Likewise, a small subset of cards #109 (Bobby Thigpen) and #122 (Dan Pasqua) had the Chicago White Sox team name switched, with Thigpen labeled as a member of the Cleveland Indians and Pasqua identified as a Chicago Cub. Errors tying stars to the wrong franchises make for very eye-catching accumulation pieces for dedicated collectors.

In terms of sheer print run quantity, one of the most widespread mistakes comes on Cal Ripken Jr.’s card #298. While Ripken is accurately depicted in an Orioles uniform, an unusually high number of his base cards were accidentally printed without any stats or career/season highlights on the back. Blank-backed Ripken rookie cards remain fairly common in circulation even today but take on premium value relative to the correctly stat-listed parallel. Condition-graded examples often sell for 2-3 times the price of their standard counterparts.

Lastly, the entire front of one particularly rare error card was left completely blank aside from the standard 1990 Donruss logo at top. Nothing else – no photo, no name, no number – just blank white space. Due to its one-of-a-kind status as a fully empty base card front, this vacant mistake note is arguably the most valuable printing glitch in the entire set. In pristine condition, it could realistically bring a five-figure sum or more from a dedicated error card collector.

While certainly not flawless specimens, the unique mistakes that slipped through the 1990 Donruss production line give the set a special allure for errors enthusiasts three decades later. Finding stars printed in the wrong uniforms, attached to the incorrect teams, or even completely devoid of standard issue information makes for compelling additions to any sports card collection centered around anomalous variances. The market prices commanded by premier examples prove their enduring appeal among specialists seeking one-of-a-kind oddities from within otherwise ordinary releases. As one of the sport’s flagship annual sets, 1990 Donruss errors maintain a hold on collectors interested in uncovering quirky footnotes from the product’s print factory floor.

DONRUSS 90 BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1990 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s and early 1990s. While it may not be as well known as some of the flagship Topps sets from that era, the 1990 Donruss set featured innovative designs and some of the biggest stars in baseball at the peak of their careers. As a result, many of the cards from this 726 card release have held or increased in value over the past 30 years.

One of the biggest draws of the 1990 Donruss set was the diverse photo variations used on the cards. Rather than sticking to the same boring posed studio shots, Donruss featured action shots, posed shots with unique backgrounds, and even some fun “snapshot” style photos that gave collectors a more candid look at their favorite players. This helped the cards feel fresh and stand out among the sea of typical baseball cards being released at the time. Standout examples include Nolan Ryan’s card that shows him mid-windup or Ken Griffey Jr.’s card where he is leaping up against a wall to rob a home run.

The 1990 Donruss set was the last to use the classic white bordered design that had been a staple of Donruss cards in the 1980s. This nostalgic look resonated with collectors who had grown up with those designs in previous years. The switch to black borders in 1991 made the 1990 set feel like the finale of that era. The simple yet effective color scheme of white borders, team color lettering, and photo centered design gave the cards a clean and timeless aesthetic.

The star power featured in the 1990 Donruss set is also a big reason why many of the cards have retained or grown in value. Players like Nolan Ryan, Ken Griffey Jr., Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, and Barry Bonds were all in the primes of Hall of Fame careers. Even role players and prospects held value because the set was released before many players fully established themselves. For example, the rookie cards of future stars like Jeff Bagwell, Frank Thomas, and Moises Alou were all available in the 1990 Donruss set at affordable prices before they broke out.

When it comes to the most valuable cards from the 1990 Donruss baseball set, several stand out as consistent six figure earners when high graded copies cross the auction block:

Ken Griffey Jr. – The rookie card of “The Kid” is arguably the most iconic baseball card of the 1990s. PSA 10 copies have sold for over $400,000. Even lower graded versions still fetch five figures.

Nolan Ryan – His action shot mid-windup is one of the coolest baseball card photos ever. High graded examples top $100,000.

Frank Thomas – “The Big Hurt’s” rookie card is among the most sought after from the early 1990s. A PSA 10 recently sold for $216,000.

Jeff Bagwell – His rookie is the second most valuable from the set after Thomas. PSA 10s have reached $140,000.

Barry Bonds – His breakout 1990 season made this one of his key early career cards. A PSA 10 sold for $105,000 in 2021.

Cal Ripken Jr. – Even after breaking Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games record, interest remains high in Ripken’s early career cards. A PSA 10 reached $75,000.

While those ultra high-end cards are out of reach for most collectors, there are still many affordable gems to be found from the 1990 Donruss set even in lower grades. For example, PSA 8 or Beckett 8 versions of stars like Griffey, Thomas, Bagwell, and Bonds can often be acquired for $500-$1500 depending on the player. Rookies of future Hall of Famers like Mo Vaughn, Todd Helton, and Jason Giambi can sometimes be found for under $100 in lower grades as well.

For players collectors, teams collectors, or investors, the 1990 Donruss baseball card set remains one of the most iconic releases from the junk wax era. While repack boxes and loose packs are still relatively easy to find at a affordable price points, holding onto your original collection or individual key cards from this release is a wise investment. As the generation that grew up with these cards reaches their peak earning years, demand and prices for elite conditioned copies of stars from the 1990 Donruss set will likely continue their steady rise.

97 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1997 Donruss baseball card set was released at the height of the 1990s baseball card boom. Like many sets from this era, it featured glossy photography, player autographs and memorabilia cards inserted randomly in packs. The set had 396 total cards and included rookie cards for future stars such as Nomar Garciaparra, Todd Helton, and Brian Giles.

Donruss was one of the “Big Three” card companies along with Topps and Fleer during the baseball card boom of the late 80s and 90s. In 1997, they sought to one-up their competitors with flashier photography, more insert sets, and bigger rookie card chase names. The base card design was clean and simple, featuring a headshot of the player on a white background with team logo and stats on the bottom. As was common for the time, most cards had horizontal or vertical orientation depending on the photo used.

Some of the top rookies and prospects featured in the 1997 Donruss set included:

Nomar Garciaparra, Boston Red Sox (#302): Garciaparra’s rookie card is one of the most iconic and valuable from the late 90s. He would go on to win the AL Rookie of the Year award in 1997 and become a perennial All-Star. PSA 10 examples of his card now sell for over $1000.

Todd Helton, Colorado Rockies (#321): Another highly sought after rookie, Helton had a long and productive career with the Rockies that included several All-Star appearances and a batting title. His card remains among the most valuable from the set.

Brian Giles, San Diego Padres (#353): Giles broke out with the Padres in 1997 and his rookie card captured the beginning of what became a solid big league career spanning 16 seasons.

Paul Konerko, Chicago White Sox (#354): “Big Hurt” Konerko went on to have a long and productive career, mostly with the White Sox, that included over 400 home runs and a World Series title.

Jason Kendall, Pittsburgh Pirates (#355): Kendall had a nice career as an offensive catcher that included a batting title in 1996. His rookie card remains one of the more sought after non-rookie cards from the set.

Scott Rolen, Philadelphia Phillies (#356): Rolen became a perennial Gold Glove third baseman who played in the postseason several times over a 17-year career mostly with the Phillies and Cardinals.

Lance Berkman, Houston Astros (#357): “Big Puma” Berkman was the 1997 NL Rookie of the Year and had a productive career mostly with the Astros that included over 300 home runs and six All-Star appearances.

In addition to the base set, Donruss also included several highly sought after insert sets in 1997 packs:

Diamond Kings Autographs: This was one of the premier autograph insert sets of the 1990s, featuring 1/1 game-used memorabilia cards autographed by stars. Players included Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., and Sammy Sosa. Examples can sell for thousands today.

Diamond Icons: A parallel version of the base set featuring refractor technology that caused colors to “flip” depending on the light. Highly collectible parallel.

Diamond Cutters: Another parallel set featuring intricate die-cuts in the shape of diamonds around the player photos. Very eye-catching design.

Diamond Anniversary: Commemorated the 30-year anniversary of Donruss cards with retro design and players from the 1960s.

Diamond Jubilee: Honored the 75th anniversary of the MLB with vintage-style photos and design elements from different eras.

Diamond Stars: Short print parallel featuring borderless photos of the game’s biggest names like Griffey, Bagwell, and Maddux.

Diamond Diadems: Super-short print parallel inserted one per case featuring foil-embossed player photos surrounded by diamond-cut borders.

While production quality and inserts were high, the 1997 Donruss set is perhaps most memorable today for capturing the rookie cards of future stars like Nomar, Helton, and Berkman at the beginning of Hall of Fame careers. Combined with coveted autograph and parallel inserts, it remains a highly collectible set from the peak of the modern baseball card boom era. Prices have risen steadily for key rookie cards and short prints in high grades over the past 20+ years since release. For collectors of 1990s cardboard, the 1997 Donruss set endures as a true classic deserving of its place among the all-time greats.

10 MOST VALUABLE 1995 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1995 Donruss baseball card set marked the trading card company’s return to the baseball card market after a four year absence. While not one of the major brands of the time, Donruss released a vintage-style 309 card base set along with various insert sets that captured the players and styles of the mid-1990s. Within that main set lie some of the most valuable rookie and star player cards from the year. Here are the ten 1995 Donruss baseball cards that have held or grown the most value over the past 25+ years:

Pedro Martinez – A dominant starting pitcher for the Montreal Expos at the time, Pedro Martinez’s rookie card in the 1995 Donruss set ranks 10th in value. Martinez would go on to have a Hall of Fame caliber career mostly with the Boston Red Sox. High-grade, well-centered versions of his rookie card in PSA/BGS 10 condition have sold for over $100 in recent years.

John Smoltz – As one of the top closers in baseball with the Atlanta Braves, John Smoltz also started to transition to the starting rotation in 1995. His impressive dual role playing ability makes his rookie fairly scarce and holds its value well. PSA 10 copies sell in the $150 range.

Jason Kendall – The Pittsburgh Pirates catcher made his major league debut in 1995 and his Donruss rookie is one of the more scarce and valuable from the set. Extremely well-centered PSA 10 copies can reach $200. Kendall had a long, solid career and his card remains popular with Pirates collectors.

John Rocker – The flame-throwing Atlanta Braves reliever burst onto the scene in 1995 and stayed in the news for years with his outspoken antics off the field. His rookie card is fairly scarce in top-grades and appeals to Braves and sports memorabilia collectors. PSA 10 versions sell above $225.

Todd Helton – Widely considered the best pure hitter from the 1995 rookie class, Todd Helton dazzled in his debut with the Colorado Rockies. High-grade copies of his excellent on-card rookie in PSA 10 condition have sold for $250 and up. His career batting stats also add to his card’s investment grade status.

Nomar Garciaparra – Emerging as the elite young shortstop for the Boston Red Sox dynasty teams, Nomar Garciaparra roared onto the scene in 1995. His classic sophomore season front photo adds to this card’s appeal. At the top of the hobby’s grading scale, PSA 10 Nomar rookies go for $300-350.

Randy Johnson – Already an established ace with the Montreal Expos, “The Big Unit’s” move to the prestigious Seattle Mariners franchise further increased his star power and popularity as a collector item. Copies in Gem Mint 10 condition through PSA or BGS break the $400 mark.

Chipper Jones – The hometown kid out of Florida made a huge splash as the #1 overall pick of the 1995 draft by the Atlanta Braves. Considered one of the finest “rookie/prospect” cards ever produced, high-grade versions in PSA 10 or BGS Gem Mint 10 eclipse $450.

Derek Jeter – While not technically a true rookie card since Jeter appeared in 12 games in 1995 for the Yankees, his iconic photo and clean on-card design with a circular border resonates strongly with collectors. PSA 10 examples surpass $600 and remain in high demand.

Ken Griffey Jr. – Often regarded as the greatest baseball card of the 1990s, Griffey’s sophomore season “Upper Deck” redesign by Donruss of his familiar reverse negative image cemented his legendary status. PSA 10 specimens have sold for well over $1,000 with extraordinary condition examples achieving over $2,000 with time. Griffey is simply the greatest draw from this fun and traditional looking set.

While not the most renowned vintage release, the 1995 Donruss baseball set illustrated the early careers of several future Hall of Famers and generated popular rookies that remain core parts of collections today. When found in pristine condition, these 10 featured cards especially maintain their relevance and high values. For ’90s card investors and enthusiasts of the players, this fun vintage set continues to deliver affordable stars and memories from baseball’s remarkable renaissance period.

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1986 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET VALUE

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The 1986 Donruss baseball card set is considered by many collectors to be one of the crown jewels of the junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While individual cards from the set do not carry hugely valuable singles prices on the high-end, obtaining a complete master set in top condition can represent a significant nostalgic and monetary investment. Let’s take a closer look at what collectors need to know about building or selling a 1986 Donruss complete set.

Donruss released their fifth annual baseball card set in 1986 featuring all 26 major league teams from that season. The base set included 525 total cards with each team receiving 20 cards devoted to that roster. Notable rookies included Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and John Smoltz who would become major players for the Atlanta Braves dynasty teams of the 1990s. the design featured colorful team logo borders around action photos with limited stats and career highlights on the back.

Condition is extremely important when evaluating the value of a 1986 Donruss complete set. As with many older wax-era sets, the paper stock used was quite thin and edges chipped easily over time from frequent handling. To achieve top-dollar prices, collectors seeking a complete master set should target examples graded Gem Mint or higher by PSA or BGS. Loose near-complete sets still in mint condition would pull in $300-500 but a solid 9-graded master could fetch $800-1200 depending on market factors.

Beyond the base set, several exciting insert sets added to the chase and nostalgia for kids opening packs in 1986. Rated Rookies featured upcoming young talent like Barry Larkin on the cusp of MLB stardom. Topps Traded featured traded players inserted through the season like Don Mattingly after being dealt from the Yankees. And the “Diamond Kings” parallels offered 1-in-36 odds of finding alternate photo variants of franchise faces like Mike Schmidt or Kirby Puckett.

To truly consider a 1986 Donruss collection “complete”, most valuation services expect inclusion of these popular inserts as well. The Rated Rookies subset alone can run $50-75 in graded mint condition. Topps Traded cards tend to be slightly scarcer and more well-known names like Goose Gossage or Ozzie Smith might fetch $10-15 a piece. And even common Diamond Kings parallel variants add $2-5 each to the full value equation.

Beyond the on-card content itself, what makes a 1986 Donruss set so attractive to nostalgic collectors three decades later is the memory connection to their childhood. At the peak of the baseball card boom in the 1980s, Donruss was producing shiny, colorful cardboard to stuff in chewing gum packs. Their designs were bright, action-packed photos that popped off the shelves at corner stores, pharmacies, and supermarkets across America. Whether collecting for investment purposes or pure nostalgia, finding a pristine example to preserve that experience intact holds great appeal.

When properly market, a professionally graded PSA or BGS 1986 Donruss master set including all key inserts can reasonably fetch $1500-1800 online given perfect conditions and completeness. Loose near-sets would sell in the $400-700 range depending on specific cards included and centering/corners. Ultimately, the set remains one of the more affordable wax era grails for collectors to pursue. With patience and diligence searching collector outlets, auctions, and commercial graders’ population reports, finding that true gem quality example to lock in the memories and investment potential makes the hunt worthwhile.

The 1986 Donruss baseball card set holds an important place in the history and culture of the hobby. While individual card values remain modest, obtaining a pristine graded example of the complete master set presents both a nostalgic connection as well as solid long-term collectible investment for fans of the era. Condition, completeness of key inserts, and meticulous single grading all factor heavily into optimal pricing potential for this true junk wax classic.

1987 DONRUSS OPENING DAY BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Donruss Opening Day baseball card set was released at the beginning of the 1987 Major League Baseball season as baseball card manufacturer Donruss looked to capitalize on the growing hobby. The Opening Day set has since become one of the more iconic and popular issues from the late 1980s.

Donruss had been producing baseball cards since 1981 but 1987 marked the debut of their Opening Day brand, designed to capture the excitement of the start of the new MLB campaign. The 1987 set contained 132 total cards and featured all 26 MLB teams from that year. Notable rookies included Tom Glavine, Gregg Olson, and Mike Mussina while superstars like Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, and Ozzie Smith also received cards.

Design-wise, the 1987 Opening Day cards had a classic and somewhat basic look that has stood the test of time. A solid colored team banner ran across the top third of each card with the team name and city prominently displayed. Below was a large central action photo of the player along with their name, position, and batting or pitching stats from the previous season printed at the bottom. The cards featured a slick, glossy finish that card collectors loved.

Among the highlights of the 1987 set were the various serially numbered parallel insert cards that were inserted randomly in factory packs. These included “Diamond Kings” parallels numbered to only 50 copies each that featured gold foil embellishments. Even more scarce were the rare “Superstar Signature” parallel cards which contained an inscription from the player himself and were limited to only 10 copies each. Pulling one of these highly sought-after parallels was the ultimate chase for collectors at the time.

The base rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux also immediately took on collector value given their talent was already evident in 1987. Glavine’s Boston Red Sox card is among the more coveted rookie cards from the set as he went on to have a stellar career mostly with the Atlanta Braves. Other rookies like Gregg Olson, Mike Mussina, and Terry Mulholland also featured promising early careers.

While certainly not as valuable in the current market place as its flagship Topps counterpart from the same year, the 1987 Donruss Opening Day set remains a nostalgic favorite for many childhood collectors. Its classic design scheme has aged quite well and the parallel inserted parallels added a fun layer of chase and scarcity for the time. The rise of stars featured as rookies only adds to the cards’ heritage interest decades later.

For the original collectors who ripped packs of the 1987 Donruss Opening Day issue off store shelves that spring, it marked the start of what would become a huge player in the baseball card market during the late 1980s boom. Donruss had truly hit on a winning brand concept with Opening Day and subsequent years of the set followed the same popular formula. While production values may have been more basic than elaborate sets today, for collectors at the beginning of the hobby’s golden age the 1987 issue delivered memorable cardboard action from that inaugural MLB campaign. Its nostalgic charm continues to be appreciated by vintage card fans with roots back to when the set first introduced itself to the growing baseball collectibles scene.

In modern times, complete 132-card factory sets of the 1987 Donruss Opening Day issue in Near Mint to Mint condition can still be sourced for under $100 graded and preserved to preserve its condition through the PSA authentication service. Key rookie cards of players like Glavine and Maddux may cost an extra $10-20 each to acquire in Top grades above a PSA 9. For those seeking even rarer late 1980s cardboard, examples of the coveted “Diamond Kings” and “Superstar Signatures” parallel inserts from the ’87 Donruss issue can fetch hundreds or even over $1000 depending on the player autographed. Overall the 1987 set remains an affordable entry point for collectors looking to explore one of the most iconic releases from the formative early years of the modern sports card craze.

THE MOST VALUABLE 1990 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1990 Donruss baseball card set showcased some of the biggest stars and top rookies of that era. While most of the cards in the 700+ card series hold little resale value today, a select few have appreciating tremendously due to the superstar status of the players featured. For serious card collectors and investors, here are some of the most valuable and desirable 1990 Donruss cards to seek out.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Card #1)
Widely considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing and iconic rookie cards ever made, the 1990 Donruss Ken Griffey Jr. card is arguably the crown jewel of the set. Griffey was already primed for superstardom in 1990 as a hugely talented 20-year old phenom showing off his effortless lefty swing and Gold Glove caliber defense in center field. His rookie card has only increased in demand over the years as his Hall of Fame career cemented his legacy as one of the greats of the game. In high grade Gem Mint 10 condition, the Griffey Jr. rookie now regularly sells for well over $1,000 and can fetch over $3,000 in BGS/PSA 10. Even Good/Very Good conditioned copies still sell for hundreds.

Barry Bonds Rookie Card (Card #138)

While not as visually impressive as the Griffey, Barry Bonds’ rookie card is one of the true rarities from the 1990 Donruss set. That’s because Donruss severely underprinted Bonds’ rookie compared to the huge demand that exists today. Bonds went on to rewrite the record books with his power and dominance at the plate in the 1990s and 2000s. As one of the true villains and heroes in baseball history, collectors have battled it out driving up prices on this card. Pristine PSA 10 grades have sold for over $15,000 given how few high-grade examples exist. Even well-worn raw copies can bring $500-1000 due to the card’s legendary status.

Chipper Jones Rookie Card (Card #420)

Arguably the third most recognizable and valuable rookie in the set after Griffey and Bonds is Hall of Fame third baseman Chipper Jones’ 1990 Donruss issue. Like Griffey, Jones thrilled Atlanta Braves’ fans for years with his smooth lefty swing and Gold Gloves at the hot corner. His Hall of Fame credentials and iconic career with one team have made his rookie a must-have for serious Braves PC collectors. High grade PSA 10 Jones rookies have cracked the $3,000 plateau, with most going for $1,000-2000 depending on condition. Even lower graded copies still sell well due to Chipper’s popularity in the hobby.

Tom Glavine Rookie Card (Card #445)

While not in the same galactic stratosphere of value as the above superstar cards, Lefty hurler Tom Glavine’s rookie is highly sought after by Atlanta collectors due to his dominant career and 305 career wins mostly with the Braves. Glavine won two Cy Young Awards and helped the Braves capture the 1995 World Series title. Pristine PSA 10s trade hands for $600-1000, with most in the $200-400 range. Even raw near mint copies pull in $100 due to Glavine’s lasting popularity and impact for the Atlanta franchise.

Cecil Fielder Rookie Card (Card #598)

Big-time slugger Cecil Fielder smashed 51 homers in 1990 on his way to being named American League ROY and MVP. His mammoth shots and enthusiastic bat flips made him a fan favorite. While his career was short-lived, Fielder’s rookie card holds decent value due to his huge power numbers that season and singular big-bodied style of play. PSA 10s command $500-800 while most graded copies fall in the $150-300 range. Raw near mint copies trade for $50-100 for collectors looking to land a piece of this unique player’s early career impact.

Ken Griffey Sr. Rookie Card (Card #639)

For those looking to add a true oddball and obscure rookie to their PC, how about Griffey Jr’s dad? While not nearly as heralded a player as his son, Ken Griffey Sr’s rookie card holds fascination and value today largely due to his Hall of Fame bloodline connection. Pristine PSA 10 copies have reached $400 before, with most in the $150-250 zone. Even well-worn raw copies in Good+ condition still pull $50-75 despite his middling career stats, showing this card’s intrigue within the hobby.

Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (Card #672)

Smooth fielding secondbaseman Roberto Alomar was a rising star in 1990 with his slick glove and hitting skills on full display in Toronto. He would go on to a Hall of Fame career and be known as one of the premier all-around 2B of his era. Naturally, his rookie card holds great value, with PSA 10s now selling in the $400-600 range. Most graded copies ring up between $150-300 based on condition. Raw near mint copies trade hands for $75-150 regularly. Alomar’s championship pedigree and refined skills make this a popular card.

Sandy Koufax Patch Card (#656 SP)

Highly limited insert cards featuringpatches and autographs fetch immense values in sets. Hidden among the 1990 Donruss base cards was a super short print Sandy Koufax uniform patch parallel card. The iconic Dodgers lefty was already a Hall of Famer by 1990 of course, making any such rare relic of his highly coveted. A pristine PSA 10 Koufax patch once sold for a staggering $12,600 back in 2018. Few ever grade that high, but even poorer conditioned copies sell briskly for $1000-2500 in today’s market. This is about as true a condition-sensitive card as exists in the old Donruss, so it represents a true blue chip investment piece should one surface in a collection.

Ozzie Smith Jersey Card (#663 SP)

Another hugely popular 1990 Donruss SP insert featured a jersey swatch of Wizard of Oz defensive wizard Ozzie Smith. Fewer than 10 are known to exist, so examples are exceptionally scarce when they do trade. High graded PSA 10 copies from this parallel sold in excess of $8,000 before. Even well-worn copies have notched 4-figure sums. As a true 1/1 style relic parallel, this ranks right up there with the Koufax as the true diamond in the rough should one surface from a factory set break after 30 years on the shelves.

While most of the 1990 Donruss base cards hold very little long term value today, there are still some real hidden gems and blue chip prospects featuring the biggest stars and most hyped rookies of that era like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Chipper Jones and more. Higher graded examples in phenomenal condition can net collectors thousands. But even lower quality copies still attract robust budgets to land historic pieces from the early careers of future Hall of Famers or exotic parallel inserts. For investors, these elite 1990 Donruss cards represent the true creme de la creme to seek out.

DONRUSS 92 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1992 Donruss baseball card set was released at the start of the 1992 MLB season and marked another quality issue from the popular card manufacturer. By 1992, Donruss had been producing baseball cards for over a decade and had established themselves as one of the top brands alongside Topps. The 1992 set would continue Donruss’ tradition of creative and visually appealing designs while also highlighting some of the biggest names and rising stars in the game at the time.

The set totaled 792 cards and had a mix of veteran stars, young talents, and prospects. Some of the biggest names featured included Barry Bonds, Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr., Kirby Puckett, and Roger Clemens. Bonds was entering his prime as one of the best players in the league and his card showcased his power and athleticism. Ryan, nearing the end of his Hall of Fame career, was still dominating as a knuckleball pitcher at age 45. Ripken and Puckett were perennial All-Stars continuing to impress, while Clemens was in the midst of one of his record-setting pitching seasons.

Beyond the veteran superstars, the 1992 Donruss set also highlighted some young rising talents that would go on to have great careers. Cards of players like Jeff Bagwell, Tom Glavine, David Justice, and Mo Vaughn gave collectors a chance to acquire the rookies or early career versions of future stars. The set also included prospects like Derek Jeter, Jason Giambi, and Ramon Martinez who were progressing through the minor league systems. For Jeter collectors, his 1992 Donruss rookie card would become one of the most coveted in the hobby.

From a design standpoint, the 1992 Donruss cards continued the manufacturer’s trend of creative visual themes. The base cards featured a blue and white color scheme with a diagonal stripe pattern across the front. Player photos were large and centered, surrounded by a light blue border. Statistics and other info boxes were placed below the image. Turning the card over revealed more stats and a write-up on the back. The design was clean, colorful, and easy to read. Beyond the base set, Donruss inserted parallels like Gold Foil and traded cards with alternate color schemes.

In addition to the base roster, the 1992 Donruss set included several insert and parallel series to provide collectors variety. The Star Rookies subset highlighted some of the top first-year players. Other inserts included Team Bests, League Leaders, and Diamond Kings parallels on gold cardstock. Donruss also produced box-topper style traded sets with players arranged by team or league. The inclusion of various inserts beyond the standard roster helped add longevity and increased the challenge of completing the full 1992 Donruss collection.

When the 1992 Donruss cards were released, the baseball card market was in a period of high growth and popularity after several down years in the late 1980s. Major League Baseball was also enjoying increased interest and attendance. Within this booming climate, the 1992 Donruss set sold extremely well on store shelves. The designs were appealing to collectors both young and old. Today, in near-mint condition, most of the common base cards from the 1992 Donruss set can be acquired for under $1. Stars, prospects, and especially the highly-coveted Derek Jeter rookie have increased greatly in value over the decades.

The 1992 Donruss baseball card set represented another quality issue from the manufacturer that captured the excitement of the MLB season and rosters. Creative designs paired with stars, prospects, and popular inserts made it an engaging set for collectors of the time. While most basic cards hold little modern value, the stars and key rookie cards have grown in appreciation. The 1992 Donruss release exemplified the company’s reputation for visually appealing, well-constructed sets that documented a specific year of America’s pastime.