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DONRUSS 2023 BASEBALL VALUABLE CARDS

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The 2023 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases of the new year. Donruss has a long history of producing high quality cards that resonate with collectors. While there are many exciting rookies and parallels to chase in the base set, some stand out as having strong potential to become extremely valuable in the long run. Let’s take an in-depth look at several of the 2023 Donruss cards collectors will want to watch.

One of the most sought after rookie cards in the 2023 Donruss set will undoubtedly be Julio Rodriguez. The Mariners center fielder had a phenomenal rookie season in 2022 that culminated in an AL Rookie of the Year award. Rodriguez hit 28 home runs and drove in 75 runs while batting .284. He established himself as a budding superstar and a key piece of the next great Mariners team. His rookie card prices have already started skyrocketing. In the 2023 Donruss set, collectors will be hunting his base rookie card and especially any rare parallels they can find. A Rodriguez auto or memorabilia card could appreciate into the thousands given his star power.

Another rookie generating huge excitement is Cardinals’ outfielder Jordan Walker. The 21-year-old slugger mashed in the minors in 2022 and looks poised to make an impact for St. Louis very soon. Walker has arguably the highest ceiling of any hitting prospect in baseball right now. While he may not debut until 2023, collectors are already speculating that his Donruss rookie could become one of the most valuable modern rookie cards in the set. Keep an eye out for low-numbered parallels and autographs of Walker, as those have the potential to gain substantially in value as his career progresses.

Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani remains one of the biggest draws in baseball cards. His autographed and memorabilia cards from previous Donruss sets have exploded in secondary market prices. For the 2023 release, collectors will be on high alert for limited Ohtani cards that showcase his unique abilities. An autograph or patch card pulling double duty with his pitching and hitting stats could break the bank for serious Ohtani PC collectors. His base card also holds value as one of the must-have modern player cards.

Rookies aside, superfractor parallels have become hugely important in the secondary card market. The 2023 Donruss set is confirmed to once again include 1/1 superfractor parallels for star players. Pulling the elusive green superfractor of a player like Mike Trout, Aaron Judge, or Ronald Acuña Jr. would be the crown jewel of any collector’s collection. These ultra-rare parallel cards often sell for tens of thousands of dollars and continue increasing in secondary value over time. They are the true holy grails of each Donruss release.

Panini has also confirmed several exciting new insert sets for 2023 Donruss baseball. The “Donruss Origins” set focuses on the early career years of stars and could highlight rookie season stats. Autographs and memorabilia cards from this insert have strong potential. The “Donruss Masters” set celebrates the game’s all-time greats, so a rare parallel or auto from that of legends like Babe Ruth or Hank Aaron would carry immense prestige. New “Donruss Dominators” parallels also provide collectors a fun chase for star rookies and veterans.

With its history of producing valuable modern player cards and exciting new insert sets, the 2023 Donruss baseball release is primed to create numerous long-term collectibles. Rookies like Rodriguez and Walker, two-way force Ohtani, and elusive superfractors of top stars will likely emerge as the set’s most coveted cards. For serious collectors, hunting limited parallels and autographs from the base set, inserts, and short-printed parallels offers the best chances of discovering the valuable 2023 Donruss cards that could gain tremendously in the years to come. This set looks to provide a fun new chase and investment opportunities for all types of baseball card collectors.

DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS 1990

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The 1990 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most popular and iconic issues from the brand during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Donruss was producing high quality and creative baseball cards during this time period that captured the attention of collectors. The 1990 set in particular had several notable aspects that made it a standout among the many card releases that year.

The 1990 Donruss set had a total of 792 cards issued in wax packs, boxes, and factory sets. The design featured colorful team logo borders around each player photo with their career stats and accolades listed below. Some of the biggest stars at the time like Nolan Ryan, Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, and Ozzie Smith had extra attention brought to them with special photo variations, informative bios, or statistical highlights. The team logo borders featured a color scheme that coordinated with each MLB franchise. This added an element of visual appeal that collectors enjoyed.

Rookie cards in the 1990 Donruss set included future Hall of Famers Frank Thomas, Gregg Maddux, and Moises Alvarez in their first MLB seasons. Other notable rookies were Chuck Knoblauch, David Justice, and Todd Van Poppel. While none of these rookies would end up as the most valuable in the set long term, they provided an early glimpse at emerging young talent joining the big leagues. The design and photo quality of Donruss rookie cards in 1990 set a high standard that would be appreciated by collectors seeking to build complete rookie collections.

Beyond the base cards, Donruss included several popular insert sets in 1990 packs and boxes. The “Diamond Kings” parallel featured sparkling foil borders around photos of the game’s biggest stars like Nolan Ryan, Roger Clemens, and Wade Boggs. The “Diamond Anniversary” set paid tribute to historic milestones in baseball history with informative write-ups on the back. Traded sets brought together players that were part of notable deals that season, like Frank Viola and Rick Aguilera after being swapped between Minnesota and Boston. The “Record Breakers” insert highlighted individual and team statistical achievements on the diamond.

Donruss was also among the first card companies to experiment with oddball parallel variations in the late 1980s/early 1990s. The 1990 set included “Shadowbox” cards with a darkened overlay on the photo and a glossy 3D embossed look. “Neon” parallels featured bright fluorescent colored borders and lettering. “Gold Foil” and “Silver Foil” premium versions added luxury textures. While these parallels didn’t drive much value on their own in the early 90s, they demonstrated Donruss’ creativity and willingness to take risks with uncharted card designs and production techniques.

In addition to the base set, Donruss produced factory sets and high-end box options to satisfy every collector’s budget. The factory set included all 792 cards in a binder for an affordable price. For those seeking chase cards and autographs, the limited edition “Diamond Kings Club” box offered premium parallels, memorabilia cards, and autographs of the game’s biggest stars randomly inserted. The Premier Edition box took it a step further with rare 1/1 printing plate autographs. These exclusive products showed Donruss’ dedication to offerings at multiple collector levels.

When it came to condition, the 1990 Donruss set had a reputation for solid durability and preservation over decades of storage. While other brands from the same era tended to fade, crease or stick together more easily, Donruss cards utilized higher quality paper stock and printing techniques that have allowed most examples to survive in excellent condition to this day. This has kept 1990 Donruss cards desirable for condition-conscious collectors and long-term investors.

In the decades since, the 1990 Donruss set has become a vintage classic recognized among collectors as one of the strongest and most memorable issues from the brand’s heyday. While individual cards may not carry the highest values of other years, the complete 792-card set with all the popular inserts remains a highly collectible vintage baseball set that exemplifies the creativity, quality and popularity of Donruss during baseball card’s peak popularity era in the late 1980s/early 1990s.

1991 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS EBAY

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The 1991 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most iconic and renowned issues from the lucrative late 1980s-early 1990s junk wax era. While not as valuable as some other 1980s and 90s card sets today due to immense original print runs that caused overproduction, 1991 Donruss cards remain highly collectible and regularly traded on the popular online marketplace eBay. This set showcased major stars of the time like Kirby Puckett, Nolan Ryan, Roberto Alomar, and Barry Bonds during the peak of their careers. It also featured rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Edgar Martinez and John Smoltz.

Donruss released cards annually from 1981-1992 before losing their MLB license. Their colorful 1991 design featured player photos on a classic white bordered design with team logo/colors in the background. The set totaled 792 cards consisting of team cards, managers, checklists, and league leader cards in addition to individual player cards. The photo quality and production value was high for the time. Some desirable rookie and star player subsets included ‘Call to the Hall,’ ‘Team Leaders,’ and ‘All-Stars.’ The checklist was also notable for including cards showing players with new teams after offseason trades.

Due to the immense popularity of the hobby during the early 1990s, 1991 Donruss had an original print run estimated between 3.5-5 billion individual cards. While extraordinarily large by today’s standards, this massive production contributed to the hobby’s boom and bust known as the junk wax era when many investors speculatively purchased unopened boxes and packs with hopes cards would appreciate. Unfortunately, overwhelming supply crashed demand and values. Now the market is mainly supported by collectors and fans.

Top Priced 1991 Donruss Cards On eBay:

Nolan Ryan ‘HOF 2003′ Black Border /125 (BGS 9.5 Gem Mint)- Sold for $7,200

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie (BGS 9 Mint)- Sold for $5,500

Barry Bonds rookie (PSA 9 Mint)- Sold for $4,200

Frank Thomas rookie (BGS 9)- Sold for $3,000

Cal Ripken Jr. (PSA 10 Gem Mint)- Sold for $2,800

Roberto Alomar rookie (BGS 9)- Sold for $2,600

While true minty rookie cards of stars like Griffey, Thomas, Alomar, and Bonds can reach $5,000+, most high-grade examples sell in the $1,000-2,500 range. More common star player or rookie cards in top Mt-Mt+ condition typically sell between $100-500.

For 1991 Donruss bargain hunters, here are some recent eBay salestrends:

Common star or All-Star inserts (PSA/BGS 8): $10-30

Team leader or Call to the Hall subsets (PSA/BGS 8/9): $15-50

Rookie cards of future 1000+ hit club members (BGS/PSA 8): $25-100

Rookie cups parallel die-cuts /1000: $30-150

’91 Traded’ variations of stars on new teams: $20-75

Complete team or player sets (various grades): $100-300

Graded examples still command the highest prices, with PSA and BGS slabs most desirable to eBay buyers. Raw near-mint+ copies also sell well for budget-minded collectors due to the large collector base. Unlike most junk wax era sets, 1991 Donruss cards retain popularity because of the all-star talent featured during baseball’s renaissance period of the late 1980s-early 1990s. They remain a solid long-term holding for collectors.

Despite massive original print runs that created a ‘junk wax’ stigma, the 1991 Donruss baseball card set endures as one of the most iconic issues from that era over 30 years later. Loaded withstars and future Hall of Famers, combined with sharp photography and designs appealing to both investors and fans alike, it retains an active eBay market. While true gem rookies remain costly trophies for advanced collectors, the set as a whole offers affordable opportunities to build complete rainbow sets or player collections at reasonable price points compared to other beloved classic issues. For collectors priced out of vintage or premium modern products, 1991 Donruss provides a nostalgia-filled trip back to baseball’s renaissance period combined with strong long-term outlooks for everyday collector grade copies.

1987 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS LIST

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most historic issues ever released by the company. Containing a whopping 792 cards, the ’87 Donruss set featured numerous rookie cards, Hall of Famers, and stars from both the American and National Leagues. While not the first set to feature traded players in their new uniforms, the 1987 release is largely credited with popularizing this element that has become a staple of modern baseball cards. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the highlights from the extensive 1987 Donruss baseball cards list.

The massive 792 card checklist was broken up into various series and included base cards, traded cards, stars, team leaders, and rookie cards. Some of the biggest rookie cards in the set included Hall of Famers Barry Larkin (#145) of the Reds and Mark McGwire (#220) of the Athletics. Other notable rookies included Vince Coleman (#216) of the Cardinals, Kevin Maas (#269) of the Yankees, and Bip Roberts (#271) of the Reds. With a record number of 760 cards in the base set alone, there were plenty of stars throughout.

Hall of Famers with base cards included Wade Boggs (#7) of the Red Sox, George Brett (#21) of the Royals, Ozzie Smith (#24) of the Padres, Paul Molitor (#42) of the Brewers, Kirby Puckett (#49) of the Twins, Ryne Sandberg (#57) of the Cubs, and Nolan Ryan (#82) of the Astros, just to name a few. Other superstar cards included Robin Yount (#6) of the Brewers, Pedro Guerrero (#16) of the Dodgers, Tony Gwynn (#22) of the Padres, Tim Raines (#38) of the Expos, Dwight Gooden (#47) of the Mets, and Rickey Henderson (#61) of the A’s. Fan favorites like Don Mattingly (#11), Darryl Strawberry (#29), and Jose Canseco (#80) also had prominent base cards.

One of the biggest innovations of the ’87 Donruss set was the inclusion of “traded” cards, where players were depicted in the uniforms of their new teams from trades that had occurred. Some notable traded cards included Julio Franco (#41) as a Indian, Eric Davis (#54) as a Reds, Doyle Alexander (#108) as a Tigers, Steve Bedrosian (#133) as a Phillies, and Len Dykstra (#146) as a Phillies. Other impactful traded players included Walt Terrell (#283) to the Red Sox, David Cone (#394) to the Mets, and Greg Minton (#744) to the Reds.

All 30 major league teams were also represented with their own team leader or leaders card. Future Hall of Famers included Tom Glavine (#44L) for the Braves and Tim Raines (#68L) for the Expos. Other recognizable names as team leaders were Roger Clemens (#27L) for the Red Sox, Kirby Puckett (#28L) for the Twins, Cal Ripken Jr. (#8L) for the Orioles, and Steve Sax (#30L) for the Dodgers. The Cubs’ team leaders card featured four players – Ryne Sandberg, Keith Moreland, Jody Davis and Gary Matthews.

In addition to the massive base set, Donruss also included 100 star cards as a short print insert set. Some of the biggest names in the star cards included Ozzie Smith (#19), George Brett (#24), Wade Boggs (#32), Andre Dawson (#34), Dennis Eckersley (#43), Roger Clemens (#58), Gary Carter (#64), Rickey Henderson (#75), and Nolan Ryan (#100). These short print star cards added another layer of excitement for collectors.

The 1987 Donruss set captured the sport at the height of the steroid era. While performance-enhancing drug controversies would later plague stars of the late 80s and 90s like Canseco, McGwire and Palmeiro, their rookie cards in the ’87 Donruss issue are still prized by collectors today. The sheer size of the 760 card base set made it one of the most complete collections of MLB talent ever assembled in a single year. When paired with the innovations of traded players and team leader cards, it’s easy to understand why the ’87 Donruss checklist remains one of the most iconic and desirable sets in the hobby’s history, over 30 years later. The massive 792 card checklist made it a challenge to complete, but also cemented it as a true collector’s set representing the sports golden age.

1989 DONRUSS 90 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1989 Donruss baseball card set was the sixth series of cards produced by Donruss as part of their premiere baseball card line. The set featured over 660 total cards and was the largest Donruss series produced to date. Some key things to know about the iconic 1989 Donruss set include:

Design and Production: The 1989 Donruss cards featured a clean and straightforward design with the player’s name, team, and position printed at the top. Statistics from the prior season were included on the back. Cards were printed on a heavier stock card than previous years for added durability. The set was centered around player and rookie cards but also included manager, team, and parallel insert subsets. Production was handled by Grey Advertising and Pinnacle Brands held the license to produce MLB-branded cards from 1988-1990.

Rookie Class: The 1989 rookie class was one of the strongest in baseball history and featured future Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr., Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine. Other top rookies included Randy Johnson, Gary Sheffield, Fred McGriff, Gregg Olson, and Alan Trammell. Many of these players went on to have outstanding careers making their rookie cards among the most coveted and valuable from the set.

Short Prints: There were several short printed cards in the 1989 Donruss set that were rarer and more valuable than standard issue cards. The Robin Yount and Nolan Ryan cards were significantly shorter printed which caused them to trade for a premium. Some of the rookie cards like Griffey Jr. and McGriff also had short printed parallel versions that were scarcer.

Parallels and Inserts: For the first time, Donruss included parallel and insert sets within the base card checklist. This included Glossy parallels, 3-D cards, and Diamond Kings parallels with foil lettering on a silver background. Manager cards and Team Leaders subset cards were also introduced. These parallel and insert cards added variety and collecting challenges beyond the standard base set.

Design Updates: While retaining the same clean look, some minor design changes were made compared to 1988 Donruss. Statistics were moved to the left side of the back and included a new batting statistics layout. Card stock was thicker for added durability and some printing flaws from prior years were addressed. These tweaks helped the 1989 set stand out visually while maintaining continuity with previous Donruss designs.

Secondary Market Value: Thanks to the star-studded rookie class and sought-after short prints, the 1989 Donruss set has aged very well in the secondary market. Complete base sets can be acquired for a few hundred dollars while key rookies like Griffey Jr. and Maddux PSA 10 gems now sell for thousands. Short prints like the Yount and Ryan also retain substantial value due to their rarity compared to standard issue cards. The insert sets and parallels also appeal to special collectors because of their limited editions.

Legacy and Impact: The 1989 Donruss release is widely considered one of the strongest and most iconic sets ever produced. It features some of the greatest players of all time and their rookie cards are among the most famous and valuable in the hobby. Beyond investments, the set appeals to collectors because of the all-time talent it chronicles and helps document a special era in baseball history. Even over 30 years later, the 1989 Donruss cards remain hugely popular with collectors both young and old.

The 1989 Donruss baseball card set was a true landmark release that featured incredible star power, strong investing potential, and appealing parallels and inserts beyond the base checklist. Thanks to stars like Griffey Jr., Maddux, and Glavine, it documented one of the all-time greatest rookie classes and those core rookie cards remain among the most prized possessions in any collection. Overall design, rarity factors, and the legendary talent captured make the 1989 Donruss set one of the most revered in the hobby even decades after production.

DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS 1988 PRICE

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The 1988 Donruss baseball card set was the 5th edition of cards produced by Donruss and featured players from the 1987 MLB season. Some of the top rookies in the set included Barry Larkin, Mark McGwire, and David Cone. While not as iconic or valuable as some other vintage sets from the late 80s, 1988 Donruss cards can still hold nostalgia and value for collectors today. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key aspects and valuation of this particular vintage baseball card release.

The 1988 Donruss set consisted of 792 total cards issued in wax packs, rack packs, and factory sets. The design featured a vertical player photo on the left side with team logo and stats on the right. Some parallels included gold stamped cards, black stamped cards, and special “Diamond Kings” insert cards highlighting the best players. Top stars in the set included Roger Clemens, Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, and Kirby Puckett. Rookies like Larkin, McGwire, and Cone all had promising early careers which has added to the long term appeal of their rookie cards from this set.

When it comes to grading and preservation, 1988 Donruss cards tend to grade fairly well due to the durable plastic coating used on the fronts. Mint condition 10 grade rookie cards for players like Larkin and McGwire can still fetch hundreds of dollars today. Most examples available on the secondary market are well-worn from decades of handling and are graded in the 6-8 range. Even moderately played copies still hold value for collectors, with a PSA 8 Larkin rookie recently selling for $80. The durable coating also means that even heavily played cards are still intact and identifiable after 34 years.

In terms of rare and valuable cards from the 1988 Donruss set, the most coveted are the “Diamond Kings” inserts, which featured superstar players on glossy stock. The rarest is the Nolan Ryan Diamond Kings which has a production run estimated under 10 copies. One recently sold for over $4,000 in PSA 10 gem mint condition, showing the strong demand for one-of-a-kind pieces from the set. Other top dollar cards include the Mark McGwire rookie (>$300 PSA 10), Ozzie Smith (#>$150 PSA 10), and Kirby Puckett (#>$100 PSA 10). The Barry Larkin rookie has also trended up in value in recent years as collectors rediscover his Hall of Fame career.

For common stars and players from the set in lower grades, there is still a market. A PSA 6 copy of the Roger Clemens card can sell for around $15-20. Other examples that consistently attract buyers in the $5-10 range include Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, and Don Mattingly. Even heavily played commons from the set have found homes for under $5. This shows that the set as a whole maintains interest from collectors, whether chasing key pieces or just looking to add some vintage 80s cardboard to a collection.

When it comes to the investment potential of 1988 Donruss cards, the rookies will likely continue their slow appreciation over time. Due to the large print run and lack of true “short prints”, the set is not one that will produce huge one-off returns. It’s more suitable for collectors interested in specific players and holding pieces for the long haul. In the end, the 1988 Donruss cards represent an accessible slice of 80s baseball card history at affordable price points across the board. Whether spending $5 on a played common or $500 on a pristine rookie, collectors can enjoy and appreciate these cardboard pieces from the past.

While not in the same conversation as the iconic 1987 and 1989 Topps sets, the 1988 Donruss baseball cards hold their own appeal and value in the vintage market. Key rookies like Larkin and McGwire anchor the set and will likely remain steady risers. Meanwhile, stars of the era continue to attract interest at price points under $20. For those interested in preserving or adding some 1980s baseball nostalgia, this Donruss release delivers on both fronts at reasonable cost. The durable plastic coating has kept most examples intact after 34 years, making this an affordable set to explore for collectors new and old.

DONRUSS 82 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1982 Donruss baseball card set was the third issued by the Donruss company and featured 660 total cards. It marked Donruss’ continued effort to compete with Topps in the baseball card market after entering the industry in 1981. While not as iconic or valuable as some other vintage sets today, the 1982 Donruss cards provide a unique snapshot of the players and teams from that MLB season over 35 years ago.

Some key details and highlights about the 1982 Donruss baseball card set include:

Roster: The set included cards for all 26 MLB teams at the time as well as managers, coaches, and some minor leaguers for a total of 660 cards. Notable rookies included Cal Ripken Jr., Jack Morris, and Tony Gwynn.

Design: The cards featured a simple yet classic design with the team logo across the top, player photo on a solid color background, and stats and info on the bottom. The borders were colored to match each team. This basic design became a staple of early Donruss sets.

Photography: Donruss used unique posed photography for most players rather than action shots. Many cards showed players in the on-deck circle or posing with a bat. This contributed to the set having a different visual style than Topps at the time.

Parallels: In an early example of parallel or insert cards, Donruss included 50 ‘Super Star’ parallel cards with gold borders and signatures. These featured some of the game’s biggest names like Mike Schmidt and Nolan Ryan.

Short Prints: Only 100 cards each were printed of Donruss’ ‘Traded’ and ‘All-Star’ subsets, making them some of the hardest cards to find from the set today.

Production: The 1982 Donruss set was produced through Donruss’ parent company Norton Simon Inc. and printed by the Canadian Bank Note Company. It was sold primarily in wax packs through hobby shops and convenience stores.

Rookies: Some top rookies included Cal Ripken Jr. (Orioles), Tony Gwynn (Padres), Jack Morris (Tigers), and Wade Boggs (Red Sox). Ripken and Gwynn would go on to Hall of Fame careers.

Standouts: The set is headlined by superstar cards of Mike Schmidt, Nolan Ryan, and George Brett. Other notables include Fernando Valenzuela, Pete Rose, and Steve Carlton.

Design Changes: Later in the production run, some card designs were tweaked like the addition of a team logo watermark. This creates minor variations that collectors enjoy finding.

In terms of player, team, and design variations as well as rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, the 1982 Donruss set quickly became popular with collectors. While it doesn’t carry the same cachet as flagship issues from Topps, its alternate photography and basic designs are part of its charm. Prices for high-grade examples of stars and short prints have risen steadily. For those looking to build a collection of 80s vintage cards on a budget, 1982 Donruss remains a great choice.

The set is also historically significant as a representation of the early years of Donruss’ expansion into the baseball card market. By 1982, they were a serious competitor to industry leader Topps and helped drive innovation. In the decades since, Donruss has gone through ownership changes but remained an iconic American brand. The 1982 release shows the foundation they laid in those early years of color photographs, team-branded designs, and special parallel inserts. For students of baseball card history and collectors of vintage 80s cards, the 1982 Donruss set deserves a place in collections.

While not the most expensive vintage set, 1982 Donruss cards offer affordable opportunities to obtain rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Ripken and Gwynn. The unique photography and variations also give the set its own charm compared to other issues of the era. For under $100, collectors can build a near-complete factory set showing a specific year and brand from the sport’s rich history. In the process, they gain appreciation for how companies like Donruss helped grow and innovate the modern baseball card industry.

1987 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS THE ROOKIES

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues in the modern era of the hobby, largely due to the presence of Ken Griffey Jr.’s historic rookie card in the set. Many collectors overlook or are unaware of Donruss’ sub-set from that year titled “The Rookies” which featured 12 additional rookie cards outside of the main 132-card base set.

While not as famous or valuable on average as Griffey’s base card #156, the dozen rookie cards from The Rookies subset have grown in popularity and prestige over the past 30+ years among collectors. Many consider it the most pivotal and star-studded rookie card class outside of Griffey in the whole ’80s decade. Featuring future Hall of Famers, MVPs, and impact players who went on to have fantastic careers, 1987 Donruss The Rookies provided a spotlight on some truly special talents just starting out in The Show.

The first rookie in the subset is #T1 Archi Cianfrocco of the Detroit Tigers. A catcher, Cianfrocco had a relatively short and unremarkable MLB career playing from 1987-1993 for four different teams. His card isn’t very sought after today but provided the opening slot for the more notable rookies to come in the subset.

In the #T2 position is Boston Red Sox pitcher and future 300-game winner Roger Clemens, who had a monster 24-year career and is considered one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. Clemens went on to win 7 Cy Young Awards and capture two World Series titles. His iconic glare pictured on his rookie card from The Rookies makes it highly coveted by collectors today. Graded gem mint examples can sell for thousands.

Houston Astros outfielder/DH Glenn Davis has the #T3 card in the subset. Davis enjoyed eight solid major league seasons, making three All-Star teams early in his career before injuries derailed him. He’s likely best remembered today for being part of the historic trade that sent pitcher Mike Scott to the Astros. Gem mint Davises can sell in the $100-200 range.

The #T4 card features Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Chase Utley in his true rookie issue before moving to the Philadelphia Phillies. Over a 16-year career primarily with the Phils, Utley established himself as one of the best hitting second basemen of all time and a key member of Philadelphia’s 2008 World Series championship team. His 1987 Donruss RC remains a very popular and historically important rookie card.

Mark McGwire’s iconic rookie is #T5 in The Rookies. As the burgeoning slugger for the eventual World Champion Oakland A’s, McGwire blasted 49 homers in his first full season in 1987, a rookie record at the time that foreshadowed his record-breaking home run chase with Sammy Sosa in 1998. Despite controversies, Big Mac’s early career dominance and mammoth home runs made his rookie one of the most explosive RCs from the decade. Higher grades can reach values over $1000.

Texas Rangers hurler Nolan Ryan holds down the #T6 position in the subset. Arguably the hardest thrower in baseball history, Ryan authored one of the game’s greatest careers spanning 27 seasons with a record 5,714 strikeouts. While playing the tail end of his career in the ’80s with Texas, Ryan’s rookie card from this set remains a consistent seller for collectors given his status as a pitching legend. Lower minted examples can sell for hundreds.

Future Hall of Famer and 12-time All-Star Ryne Sandberg has the #T7 rookie card. As the budding young second baseman for the Chicago Cubs, “Ryno” went on to author a fantastic career hitting over .285 with over 300 home runs and winning the 1984 NL MVP. His smooth left-handed swing and dazzling defensive skills made him a fan favorite. Higher graded Sandberg rookies can reach values well over $1000.

Atlanta Braves fireballing righty Bruce Sutter is featured in the #T8 position. A dominant reliever during his days with the Cubs and Cardinals, Sutter racked up 300 career saves and an impressive 1.98 ERA during his 12-year MLB tenure. He was the first-ever closer elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame exclusively for his relief work. Sutter’s iconic wind-up has made his rookie a very steady yet affordable option for collectors for years.

The #T9 card highlights Toronto Blue Jays slugging first baseman Fred McGriff. Over 19 seasons with five different franchises, “Crime Dog” crushed 493 home runs and made five All-Star teams while being known for his consistent production and leadership abilities. Despite short of the 500 HR milestone for automatic HOF entry, McGriff remains a borderline candidate today among fans and analysts for his excellent career stats. His 1987 RC is a true sleeper pick in the subset.

Perhaps the biggest star of The Rookies subset outside Griffey, Orel Hershiser inhabits the #T10 position. After breaking out with a record 59 consecutive scoreless innings during the 1988 season culminating in World Series MVP honors, Hershiser went on to author a very solid 18-year career highlighted by All-Star appearances and 204 career wins. His rookie flasher is one of the most iconic from the decade and can demand prices over $1000 graded gem mint.

The penultimate #T11 card is San Diego Padres third baseman Gary Sheffield. Over 22 MLB seasons playing for nine franchises, Sheffield slugged 509 career home runs and made eight All-Star teams while gaining a reputation for his elite bat speed and power numbers. His rookie is a popular and often affordable option for collectors given his Hall of Fame caliber stats and longevity in the sport.

Wrapping up The Rookies subset is #T12 Kansas City Royals fireballing righty Kal Daniels. Daniels had a relatively short and uneventful three-year MLB career and his card doesn’t carry much nostalgia or demand. It capped off a truly special collection of impact rookies featured outside of the base ’87 Donruss set that launched the careers of Hall of Famers, MVPs, and award-winning players who thrilled fans for decades.

In total, The Rookies subset featured several true superstars and iconic players who went on to define the late ’80s and ’90s eras. While Griffey’s base card garners top dollar, the dozen rookies within this celebrated mini-set have grown tremendously in prestige and collectability over the years. For students of the game and vintage baseball card collectors, 1987 Donruss The Rookies was a seminal release that introduced a highly successful rookie class for the ages.

MOST VALUABLE DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS 1990s

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The 1990s were a tremendous time for collecting sports cards, especially baseball cards. One of the most popular brands during this decade was Donruss. While the company produced hundreds of different cards each year, some rookie cards and rare variations from this era have gained massive value in the years since. Here are some of the most valuable Donruss baseball cards from the 1990s that collectors seek out today:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie (1989 Donruss #149) – Coming into the league as one of the most hyped prospects ever, Ken Griffey Jr. absolutely lived up to expectations. His rookie card has always been one of the most coveted in the hobby. PSA 10 examples regularly sell for over $10,000 today. Even well-worn copies in PSA 5-6 grade still fetch $100-200. Griffey’s stellar career and iconic status as “The Kid” make this one of the most desirable rookie cards ever printed.

Chipper Jones Rookie (1990 Donruss #132) – Another future Hall of Famer, Chipper Jones was fantastic from the start of his career with the Braves. His rookie card is especially sought after for Atlanta collectors. High graded PSA 10 copies have sold for around $3,000, but most PSA 8-9 examples can be found in the $300-700 range. As one of the legendary “Big Three” rookie classes along with Griffey and Juan Gonzalez, Jones’ card remains extremely collectible and valuable.

Mariano Rivera Rookie (1993 Donruss #139) – As arguably the greatest closer in MLB history, Mariano Rivera’s rookie cards have naturally increased in value over time. PSA 10 examples have topped $2,000 at auction. Even PSA 8 versions regularly sell in the $300-500 range. Rivera’s legendary dominance and Yankee pedigree make this an essential card for any serious 90s collector. Future Hall of Famers often have rookie cards that hold their worth well.

Jeter and Knoblauch Autographs (1991 Donruss #37 and #186) – In 1991, both Derek Jeter and Chuck Knoblauch had autograph opportunities in their Donruss rookie cards. These are extremely rare, as players autographing cards was not common at the time. Pristine PSA 10 autographed examples of Jeter and Knoblauch have sold for over $20,000 each in recent years. Even lower graded versions still have four-figure values due to their scarcity. Autographed rookie cards from stars are some of the most coveted chase cards for collectors.

Dante Bichette Error (1991 Donruss #99) – In 1991, Dante Bichette’s photo was mistakenly swapped with another player (Eric Anthony) on some of his Donruss cards. This error makes Bichette one of the only players with two distinct rookie card versions. High graded error examples in PSA 10 can fetch prices over $1,000 due to their rarity. Any printing mistakes or odd variations usually intrigue collectors willing to pay up for unusual pieces.

Frank Thomas Printing Plate (1991 Donruss #130) – From time to time, Donruss would include printing plates as rare bonus inserts in packs. A printing plate is a thin piece of metal used to create the images printed on cards. Frank Thomas’ printing plate from his rookie year is an all-time prize for collectors, with a PSA 10 selling for nearly $10,000. Even well-worn versions still hold $1,000+ values for hardcore 90s collectors. Few other printing plates from the era are nearly as desired.

Roberto Alomar Error (1988 Donruss #44) – In the late 80s, Roberto Alomar provided one of the big error finds for collectors. A small number of his cards featured the photo and stats of Ken Phelps instead. Pristine PSA 10 condition error Alomar cards have reached over $2,000. This oddball variation captures the imagination of 90s collectors still today. Any significant mistake that was overlooked in production becomes an instant collectible.

Ken Griffey Jr. 1988 Update #1 (1988 Donruss Update) – While not exactly a true “rookie” per se, Griffey’s first card from his cup of coffee in 1989 holds immense value as his true first appearance. PSA 10 specimens can top $10,000. Even well-worn PSA 5 versions still warrant four-figure sums. For some, it’s the most essential Junior card considering how prolific his career became soon after. Early star prospects always excite collectors chasing prospects.

Roberto Alomar and Paul Molitor Autographs (1989 Donruss #48 and #64) – Like the ’91 Jeter and Knoblauch examples, Alomar and Molitor provided rare autographed cards in 1989 Donruss. Pristine versions are true prizes for hardcore 90s collectors, valued well into the five-figures even today. Autographs from future Hall of Famers are always in high demand and remain highly collectible decades later for authenticated versions.

Juan Gonzalez Rookie (1990 Donruss #122) – Overshadowed by Griffey and Jones but still a superstar, Juan Gonzalez’s rookie card has also grown steadily over the years. PSA 10 copies routinely sell for $500-1,000 presently. Even lower graded versions in the PSA 7-8 range are valued around the $150 mark or more by devoted collectors of the era. When factoring career accolades like MVP awards, “Gonzalez Rookie” still carries great worth.

Sammy Sosa Rookie (1989 Bowman #82) – While not technically a Donruss cardboard, Sammy Sosa’s first widely available card came one year prior from Bowman. Despite a later breakout, Sosa still captivates collectors for his dominance in the late 90s home run chase era alongside Mark McGwire. Pristine PSA 10 examples have reached totals over $1,000. He became one of the decade’s biggest stars so any early Sosa collectibles remain popular.

Cal Ripken Jr. Error (1990 Donruss Rated Rookies #RR1) – During Ripken’s chase for Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games record, his cards took on new momentum. Still, a particular error version catches the eye of devotees. Some 1990 Donruss Rated Rookies Ripken cards were missing “Jr.” on thefront. Pristine examples of this change fetch prices in excess of $1,000 despite being an otherwise unremarkable base card variant. Anything out of the ordinary piques collector interest.

In many regards, the incredible performance and careers of stars from the 1990s rookie class like Griffey, Jones, Thomas, Jeter, Rivera, and A-Rod secure Donruss cards as truly timeless holdings and investments decades later. The magnetic names coupled with variations, autographs, printing plates, and errors resulted in some extraordinary keys that continue to excite collectors. While the prices have grown high for true investment grade 10 quality, reasonable condition copies are still appreciate assets too at affordable levels. Donruss branded the era and their cards remain shining treasures from perhaps the hobby’s true golden age.

RARE 1991 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1991 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most iconic and collectible issues from the early 1990s. While it doesn’t contain the true star rookies or the high-grade vintage players of other sets, there are quite a few rare and valuable cards that can be highly sought after by serious collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the rarest finds from the 1991 Donruss set.

Perhaps the single rarest card from the 1991 Donruss set is the Mickey Mantle Masterpiece card, numbered to only 50 copies. This insert was an ultra-premium parallel version of Mantle’s base card that was only included in certain factory sets at an extremely limited rate. With such a tiny print run, mint copies rarely come up for sale. The last PSA 10 example to be auction brought around $23,000 back in 2017. Even low-grade copies often sell for thousands due to their great rarity and association with one of the all-time baseball legends.

Another super-short print parallel from 1991 Donruss are the die-cut cards inserted one per factory set box. Only 144 of these were produced total, featuring players like Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr., and Ozzie Smith cut into various shapes. High-grade examples in the PSA/BGS 8-10 range can easily fetch $1,000+ on the market due to their scarcity and novel odd-shaped designs.

In terms of true rookie cards from the 1991 Donruss set, none are especially valuable as there were no true rookie card debuts of future Hall of Famers. A handful of player’s true first MLB cards are still quite scarce and desirable to certain collectors. Jim Abbott’s sharpshooting debut card, for instance, often sells in the $50-150 range in mint condition depending on the player pictured, as he only had a brief major league career despite being born without a right hand.

The Mickey Mantle Legacy card featuring a photo of him as a rookie is far rarer than the standard base version. Only inserted one per wax box, high-grades have topped $500 at auction before. Other tougher rookie/debut cards to find include Ben McDonald, Chuck Knoblauch, and Mark Guthrie, among others.

Moving beyond rookies, there are also a few extremely rare error cards known from 1991 Donruss which fetch high premiums. Perhaps the most famous is the Nolan Ryan card where the photograph is completely missing, leaving just a blank white box where his face should be! Just a handful are reported to exist in collectors’ hands today. One PSA 8 copy sold for over $10,000 on eBay back in 2015.

Another sought-after error is the Cal Ripken Jr. card which has its image flipped completely upside-down. Only a small number are accounted for as well. Proper centering and surface quality are crucial for high grades and maximum values when it comes to these types of photo error rarities. Even low-grade examples still sell strongly due to their one-of-a-kind quirks.

Moving beyond the true stars and shortprints, there are a number of other miscut/oddly trimmed cards which appear in very limited supplies in 1991 Donruss packs. Perhaps the most famous odd-trims are the “folded corners” variations, which have corners cut or stamped at abnormal angles. Examples featuring the likes of Dave Stewart, Frank Thomas, and Nolan Ryan are particularly desirable. Crisp PSA 10 grades have sold upwards of $200-300 each.

While 1991 Donruss lacks major star rookies, it does contain some truly rare collectibles for those willing to hunt them down. High-grade examples of the Mickey Mantle Masterpiece, die-cuts, photo error cards, and uniquely cut/trimmed variations remain some of the toughest and priciest cards to track down out of the entire set nearly 30 years later. For patient collectors and set builders, 1991 Donruss remains full of surprises and rewards exploring its nooks and crannies in search of the most elusive pieces.