Tag Archives: donruss

BEST DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Donruss has been producing baseball cards since 1981 and over the decades they have featured some of the game’s biggest stars and rookie cards. While Topps is considered the premier brand in the baseball card industry, Donruss cards from the 1980s and early 1990s in particular have developed a strong cult following. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best and most valuable Donruss baseball cards from over the years.

One of the most iconic and valuable Donruss rookie cards is the Ken Griffey Jr. from 1989. Widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, Griffey’s rookie card showcased his smooth left-handed swing and potential for greatness. While production numbers on Griffey rookies were high for the time at around 900,000 copies, demand has always been exceptional given his legendary career. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples often sell for well over $10,000 today. Even low-grade copies in PSA 6-8 condition can still fetch $100-500.

Another hugely popular 80s Donruss rookie is the Barry Bonds from 1985. Bonds went on to break the all-time home run record and though he was surrounded by steroid controversy late in his career, his early Donruss rookies remind collectors of his pure talent and skills before bulking up. High-grade 1985 Bonds rookies in PSA 10 are worth $3,000-5,000 but can climb higher given his status as one of the game’s true five-tool stars. Like Griffey, even low-grade Bonds rookies hold value due to his iconic career.

Two other 80s Donruss rookies that regularly demand four-figure prices for top grades are the Roger Clemens from 1984 and the Mark McGwire from 1986. Clemens won a record seven Cy Young Awards pitching for Boston and the Yankees, while McGwire smashed home run records before admitting to steroid use. A PSA 10 Clemens rookie brings around $2,000-3,000 while a McGwire can reach $1,500-2,000 in the same grade. Both players were superstars that had huge impacts on the game.

The late 80s and early 90s produced some truly legendary Donruss rookies as well. The Frank Thomas rookie from 1991 is a perennial favorite, showing “The Big Hurt” unleashing his powerful left-handed swing. High-grade Thomas rookies in PSA 10 can reach $1,000-1,500. Chipper Jones’ 1993 Donruss rookie as an 18-year-old phenom for the Braves is also highly sought after. A PSA 10 Jones rookie commands $800-1,200. Both Thomas and Jones had Hall of Fame caliber careers and their early Donruss cards remain highly collectible.

Two other star-studded 90s Donruss rookies are the Alex Rodriguez from 1994 and the Derek Jeter from 1996. A-Rod burst onto the scene with incredible power and defense for Seattle, while Jeter established himself as the Yankee captain and “Cooler.” PSA 10 examples of the Rodriguez rookie have sold for as much as $2,000 while a Jeter in the same grade brings $800-1,200. Even though production on 90s cards was much higher, these players’ legendary careers and iconic rookie cards keep demand high.

While the above Donruss rookies are among the most valuable and recognizable, there are several other star players whose early cards hold significant collector value as well. The Cal Ripken Jr. rookie from 1982 that captured his smooth skills at shortstop can reach $500-800 in a PSA 10. The Greg Maddux rookie from 1986 showing off his pinpoint control is worth $300-500 graded perfectly. And the Tom Glavine rookie from 1987 of the Hall of Famer’s smooth wind-up routinely sells for $200-400 in top condition.

There are also some key Donruss rookie variations that have collectors on high alert. The ultra-rare Ken Griffey Jr. “black back” variation from 1989, where the card back is printed on black cardboard instead of the standard gray, has sold for over $20,000 in high grades. The Derek Jeter “Bat-Down” variation from 1996, where his bat is pointed down instead of up on the image, can reach $2,000-3,000 in top condition as well. Variations like these make already valuable rookie cards even more key for advanced collectors.

While rookies tend to dominate discussions of the best Donruss cards, there are also several superstar players’ early and career-defining Donruss cards that remain highly collectible as well. The Nolan Ryan cards from the late 70s and early 80s before and during his record-setting no-hitter streak are iconic in the hobby. A PSA 10 copy of his 1978 card in an Astros uniform can reach $1,000. The Ozzie Smith backflip defensive wizard card from 1982 showing off his skills at shortstop for the Cardinals is worth $500-800 in top condition as well. And the Rickey Henderson “stealing home” card from 1984 highlighting his base-running brilliance can reach $400 PSA 10. These cards perfectly captured these players’ unique talents.

While Topps baseball cards may lead the industry, Donruss has produced some true gem rookie cards and player issues over the decades that any collection would benefit from owning. The iconic Griffey Jr., Bonds, McGwire, and Jeter rookies from the late 80s and 90s will likely only continue climbing in value as the years pass. And stellar condition early cards of all-time greats like Clemens, Ripken, Ryan, and Henderson remain highly collectible as well. For dedicated collectors, finding high-grade examples of these Donruss classics is a lifelong quest. The brand’s cards succeeded in highlighting baseball’s biggest stars and their best Donruss issues will remain prized possessions.

1989 DONRUSS ALL STAR BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1989 Donruss baseball card set is renowned among collectors as one of the greatest and most sought after issues ever released by the popular Donruss brand. What made the 1989 Donruss All-Star cards particularly special and valuable was the inclusion of 36 special “All-Star” inserts honoring the great players who were selected to the 1988 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

Released at the height of the classic era of baseball cards in the late 1980s, the 189 Donruss set featured terrific photography, design elements, and production quality that collectors still admire to this day. With more than 700 total cards in the base set and inserts, it embodied the excess and excitement of the era. The 36 All-Star inserts that paid tribute to the best players from each league stand out as the true gems of the entire set.

Each of the glossy All-Star cards featured vibrant color photos of the selected players in action shots from the 1988 season. More importantly, they included stat lines from the recent All-Star Game itself right on the front of the card. This gave collectors a true sense of how these superstar players performed on the grandest stage against their peers. Icons like Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, Kirby Puckett, and Dwight Gooden were honored for their contributions to the midsummer classic.

The backs of the cards contained full career statistics as well as biographical information and accolades for each All-Star. Donruss spared no detail in properly recognizing the incredible achievements of players at the height of their careers like Rickey Henderson, Mike Schmidt, and Nolan Ryan. Unlike typical base cards, these inserts really capture a specific moment in time to commemorate an honor bestowed upon the game’s elites. This level of detail and prestige significantly adds to the collector appeal even today.

In terms of condition, high grade specimens of the 1989 Donruss All-Star cards in pristine mint or near mint condition fetch prices well into the hundreds of dollars even for less heralded selections. Big names in the condition sensitive hobby like Cal Ripken Jr., Roger Clemens, and Ozzie Smith have been known to sell for over $1000 in mint status. This is a testament to the quality of the product and photography combined with the lasting memories these players created with their All-Star performances.

The rarity and condition of the remaining population of these special inserts also plays a major factor in their escalating values as the years go by. As with any coveted vintage release, time and heightened demand has increased what collectors are willing to pay to own a piece of baseball card history. The 1989 Donruss All-Stars provide a unique window into a specific season that saw the games very best compete at the pinnacle of their abilities. For serious vintage collectors, acquiring even a single one of these high-grade cards is quite an achievement.

Beyond their obvious strength as on-field performers, the players selected also had incredible commercial appeal and popularity that fueled card collecting fandom. Stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Mark McGwire, and Barry Bonds were arguably at their commercial peaks in the late 80s. Their inclusion in such a special insert set only magnified collector enthusiasm and desire for these specific pieces of memorabilia. Even relatively unknown role players selected like Mitch Webster and Greg Gagne have found strong followings due to their Scarcities.

While booster boxes of the full 1989 Donruss set can still be acquired in complete unsearched condition, the All-Star cards were extremely limited and widely dispersed among hobbyists from the outset. This makes finding high quality specimens today, over 30 years later, incredibly difficult. Even well-worn lower grade examples can pull significant prices strictly due to their undisputed significance in the collecting realm. Any full set builder covets owning all 36 cards, though acquiring them individually over time takes dedication and financial commitment.

In the years since their release, the 1989 Donruss All-Star inserts have achieved true icon status representing one of the most legendary seasons in baseball card history. They are prized by players, the makers of Donruss, and enthusiasts alike as epitomizing everything great about vintage card collecting. When opportunities arise to purchase these authentic pieces of baseball memorabilia, they are snapped up and appreciated for capturing a special moment in time that will never be replicated. Their lasting value and importance confirms their place among the most desired cardboard ever produced.

1982 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET VALUE

Leave a reply

The 1982 Donruss baseball card set was the second baseball card release by Donruss after their successful inaugural 1980 issue. It followed the same 235 card checklist format as the 1981 release with each major and minor league team being represented as well as stars, rookies, and managers/coaches. While not as iconic or valuable as the original 1980 set when it was released, the 1982 Donruss set has grown in demand and appreciation over the years to become a highly collectible and valuable complete vintage baseball card collection.

One of the most attractive aspects of completing the 1982 Donruss set is that despite being over 35 years old now, it remains fairly affordable compared to sets from the same early 1980s era released by Topps. The sizes of the print runs for Donruss sets were much smaller than Topps at the time so they have maintained better scarcity. While the cost to acquire a complete 1982 Donruss set in near mint to mint condition will still require an investment of several thousand dollars, it is likely one of the more reasonably priced complete sets from the vintage ’82 baseball card market.

Part of why the 1982 Donruss cards tend to have lower price tags than Topps contemporaries when graded and sold individually is that the visual presentation and design does not pop with collectors quite like the iconic colorful borders and photographs of 1980s Topps issues. When it was released, the 1982 Donruss cards received some criticism for having seemingly bland and mundane designs that did not wow consumers the way the leading brand Topps did at the time. This has perhaps helped preserve more of the original sets intact over the decades with fewer individual high-value star rookie cards being cracked from their wax packs and resold.

While the 1982 Donruss design may lack the same “wow factor” retro appeal of the rival Topps releases, the set does contain its fair share of valuable and desirable rookie cards that drive collector demand. Hall of Fame inductees Cal Ripken Jr. and Ozzie Smith both have their rookie cards in the 1982 Donruss set which fetch prices upwards of $100+ in mint condition. Other notable star rookies like Wade Boggs, Don Mattingly, and Dwight Gooden are key cards that add value to a complete set. And iconic veterans like Nolan Ryan, Mike Schmidt, and Reggie Jackson can be found in action shots throughout the set as well.

Grading the condition of vintage baseball card sets is crucial to determining their worth when potentially selling. The higher the grades obtained by professionals at services like PSA or SGC, the more collectors will pay for completeness and quality preservation over decades of collection and storage. An extremely well-kept 1982 Donruss set that comes back mostly PSA/SGC 8s and 9s could conservatively be valued around the $4,000-$5,000 range based on recent sale comps. A set grading out more along PSA/SGC 6-7 range would likely fall in the $2,000-$3,000 range. And a set showing more wear with cards grading 5 and below could potentially still fetch $1,000-$2,000 just based on rarity of completion.

Regional variance also affects the pricing of complete 1982 Donruss sets. Copies that originate from more collecting hotbeds like California, New York and parts of the Midwest tend to demand higher prices everything else being equal versus one coming from a smaller rural market. The larger the city and state a vintage card collection was originally assembled in typically corresponds to more collectors vying for its acquisition since origins and history add to heritage appeal. Likewise, a set put together as a kid in the 1980s and never taken apart carries more nostalgia weight over one newly assembled solely for resale purposes. Such provenance type factors matter to completionist collectors.

As interest in 1980s baseball cards and investment opportunities within the vintage sports card market has surged recently, the 1982 Donruss set value has followed suit. It remains one of the more budget-friendly complete rookies-heavy sets from the early 1980s era for collectors looking to check off a full team and year from their want lists without having to spend tens of thousands. With condition, pedigree, market demand and other individual nuances all affecting price, a 1982 Donruss set slots in comfortably valued in the $1,000-$5,000 range depending on quality, making it an attainable and worthwhile vintage baseball card collection pursuit.

DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS SERIES 1

Leave a reply

Introduction to Donruss Baseball Cards Series 1

Donruss released their first ever series of baseball cards in 1981, kicking off what would become a legendary brand in the hobby. Their series 1 set from that inaugural year established the template that Donruss would follow for much of the 1980s in terms of design, production quality, and inclusion of top players. Let’s take a deeper look at this historic first series from Donruss.

Background and Design

Donruss was founded in 1980 by Texas businessmen Richard Donovan and Dan Russo with the goal of competing with the already established brands like Topps in the baseball card industry. For their first ever release in 1981, they went with a simple yet effective design featuring a blue and white color scheme with the player’s photo on one side and stats/career highlights on the reverse. Unlike some other brands that featured artwork, Donruss kept things straightforward by solely using photos for the front of the cards. The logo was prominently displayed at the top in a classic old-English style font.

The card stock quality was quite good for the time, featuring a glossy finish on both sides. The backs provided a good amount of information about each player in addition to the standard stats. Things like rookie season, career highlights and awards helped tell the player’s story. The photography was also quite good overall, with sharp clear images that allowed fans to really see what each player looked like during that 1981 season.

Checklist and Key Players

The 1981 Donruss series 1 checklist contained a total of 792 players. This included all the major leaguers as well as many notable rookies and prospects. Some of the biggest star players featured that year included Nolan Ryan, Mike Schmidt, George Brett, Reggie Jackson, and Dave Winfield among many others. Rookies of note included Fernando Valenzuela, Tim Raines, Steve Sax and Bobby Grich. The set also included manager/coach cards and checklist cards to round things out.

In terms of the true rookie cards, Fernando Valenzuela’s 1981 Donruss card is one of the most iconic and valuable from the set. His spectacular rookie season propelled him to fame and made his first card a highly sought after item. Other top rookies like Raines and Sax also have cards that hold value today. Stars of the day like Schmidt, Brett and Ryan anchor the high-end with their cards also coveted by collectors.

Production and Variations

It’s estimated that around 200 million Donruss series 1 cards were produced in 1981, which was a huge number for the time. With such a large print run, variations and errors were somewhat common in the set. Among the notable variations that collectors look for are:

Photo variations – Some players have slightly different photos used on their cards

Printing variations – Things like color shifts, centering issues or gloss differences between fronts/backs

Error cards – Missed signatures, name/team mismatches, etc. The most famous is an error Fernando Valenzuela card missing his signature.

While not as rare as true short prints, these variations add interest for collectors looking to build a complete set with different variations included. They also carry premiums over standard issue cards in many cases.

Legacy and Collectibility

The 1981 Donruss series 1 set laid the foundation for what would become one of the most iconic brands in the hobby. Their simple yet effective design approach worked well and helped Donruss gain popularity amongst collectors. Rookies like Valenzuela also boosted interest with their stellar play. While production numbers were high, the set maintains strong collectibility today due to star players, key rookies and fun variations to hunt. Prices range from a few dollars for common players, up to thousands for elite rookie cards in top grade. The 1981 Donruss cards remain a cornerstone release that started it all for the memorable Donruss brand.

In conclusion, Donruss series 1 from 1981 was a hugely important baseball card set that kicked off the company’s multi-decade run in the hobby. Featuring top players, rookies and a classic design, it established Donruss as a formidable competitor in the industry. Variations, errors and the likes of Fernando Valenzuela added interest for collectors. Overall it was a landmark release that demonstrated Donruss’ ability to produce high quality cards and remain relevant amongst established competitors. The 1981 Donruss cards continue to be popular with collectors today and represent a pivotal moment in the history of the sport collecting.

TOP 10 1985 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1985 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most popular releases during the hobby’s boom period of the 1980s. Featuring striking photoshoot designs and sharp graphics, the ’85 Donruss cards attracted collectors with exciting rookie prospects and established stars from across MLB. While the entire 512 card checklist contained many notable athletes, here are the top 10 most valuable and desirable 1985 Donruss baseball cards based on their historical significance, player accomplishments, and current market prices:

Ozzie Smith (#480) – Considered one of the greatest defensive shortstops of all time, Ozzie Smith was already a 5-time Gold Glove winner by 1985. His memorable leaping plays and wizardry in the field made him a fan favorite. Smith’s 1985 Donruss card remains quite affordable for most collectors, with mint condition copies fetching around $15-25. For devotees of slick fielding and highlight reel plays, owning a piece of the “Wizard of Oz” holds great nostalgic appeal.

Wade Boggs (#495) – One of the most consistent hitters baseball has ever seen, Wade Boggs was in the midst of his phenomenal decade with the Boston Red Sox during the 1985 season. His card illustrates why he’d earn the nickname “Chicken Man” for his obsession with routine. Mint ’85 Boggs Donruss cards trade hands for $30-50 based on his .357 career batting average and lustrous accolades, like 5 batting titles in the 1980s.

Ryne Sandberg (#479) – Fresh off his 1984 NL MVP campaign, Ryne Sandberg was establishing himself as a superstar second baseman for the Chicago Cubs. With smooth skills both at the plate and in the field, “Ryno” thrilled fans with highlight-reel plays. His ’85 Donruss remains a coveted mid-range card for collectors, valued at $35-75 depending on condition due to Sandberg’s Hall of Fame excellence and Chicago fandom.

Nolan Ryan (#158) – Already with over 4,000 career strikeouts in 1985, “The Ryan Express” was still in his prime as one of baseball’s most intimidating hurlers with the Houston Astros. Even at age 38, Ryan’s 100+ MPH fastball and record-setting K’s made him box office. High-grade copies of his ’85 Donruss card fetch $75-150 because of his awe-inspiring longevity and still standing career strikeout mark.

Kirby Puckett (#448) – Puckett was just starting to break out as a superstar for the Minnesota Twins during the 1985 season, hitting .278 with 17 homers and 81 RBI. He’d achieve MLB fame as a perennial All-Star and key member of Minnesota’s 1987 & 1991 title teams. In pristine condition, Puckett’s memorable 1985 Donruss rookie card can sell for $150-250 given his iconic status in the Twin Cities.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#449) – Widely considered one of the most durable and consistent players of all time, Ripken’s incredible consecutive games played streak was only at 1,105 games in 1985 as his career was just starting. Still, collectors recognized his huge potential and 5-tool talents. PSA 10 Ripken rookie cards have been known to net over $1,000 each due to his immense popularity and franchise cornerstone contributions to the Baltimore Orioles.

Roger Clemens (#81) – Already displaying his blazing 98 MPH fastball in 1985, Clemens exploded onto the scene by winning the AL Cy Young and MVP awards during just his second full season with the Boston Red Sox. His rookie card shows promise of the monster seasons still to come. High-grade ’85 Clemens Donruss sells between $300-$500 given his future seven Cy Young trophies and career pitching dominance through the late 1990s.

Mike Schmidt (#455) – Regarded as perhaps the greatest power-hitting third baseman ever, “Schmitty” was in his prime with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1985. He’d continue mashing 40+ home runs annually and prove an anchor for their 1980 World Series squad. Near-mint Schmidt rookies sell between $500-800 for collectors wanting a piece of his National Hardware and three MVP awards throughout the 1970s-80s.

Willie Stargell (#476) – “Pops” was in the final season of his 21-year Hall of Fame career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1985. As team captain, he provided veteran leadership for their World Series title that October. High-demand as a collectible for Bucs devotees and fans of power hitters, choice ’85 Stargell cards can sell for $800-1200 due to his on-field tenacity and 1979 World Series MVP honors.

Don Mattingly (#14) – Widely considered the crown jewel of the entire 1985 Donruss set, Mattingly’s rookie card showcases him at the peak of his stellar career with the New York Yankees. Though injuries cut it short, “Donnie Baseball’s” leadership, Gold Gloves and consistency at first base made him a fan favorite. Pristine PSA 10 examples have shattered records by selling for over $20,000 each online due to his “American Boy” persona and 6 batting titles in pinstripes. No collection is complete without owning a piece of the most famous Yankee of the 1980s.

The 1985 Donruss baseball card set perfectly captured the excitement of Major League’s biggest stars and brightest prospects of that era in memorable cardboard fashion. From rookies just starting to future Hall of Famers at their peak, the collection holds significant nostalgic appeal and value for many collectors decades later. While prices fluctuate depending on condition and demand, these 10 cards remain some of the set’s—and hobby’s—most prized treasures of the sport’s rich history.

1998 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1998 Donruss baseball card set was a highly anticipated release that included hundreds of baseball stars from the 1997 season. Coming off a long history of producing quality trading cards, Donruss delivered another memorable set that has become a favorite of collectors.

Some key things to know about the 1998 Donruss baseball cards include:

Design – The design took a retro approach, featuring a clean white border around each photo. Player names and positions were printed in a simple black font at the bottom. Card numbers appeared subtly in the bottom right corner. This classic look paid homage to earlier Donruss sets from the 80s and 90s.

Size – Cards were standard trading card size of 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, the same dimensions that had been used by Donruss for many prior releases. This allowed the cards to fit nicely into standard penny sleeves, toploaders and albums.

Photographs – High quality action shots of each player were the highlight. Many featured players mid-swing or mid-throw, capturing the intensity of on-field play. This gave collectors memorable snapshots of seasons past.

Rookies – Notable rookie cards included Todd Helton, Nomar Garciaparra, Scott Rolen, Geoff Jenkins, and John Patterson. While not the most valuable new player cards ever issued, they remain popular with collectors today.

Numbering – The base set included 792 total cards, with serial numbers ranging from 1 to 792. The checklist was filled out with stars from both the American and National Leagues. Parallels and specialty inserts were also included.

Inserts – Popular specialty cards within the base set included the “Donruss Originals” black-bordered cards depicting vintage players, along with “Diamond Kings” parallels showing stars in 3D artwork. Other inserts spotlighted milestones, records and events from 1997.

Autographs – For collectors seeking autographed memorabilia, Donruss also released boxes containing signed cards. These included signed rookie cards, All-Star cards and more. Autographs added substantial value and demand.

Value – In top graded gem mint condition, key rookie cards and stars of the day could reach values of $50-100 raw or more if autographed. More common playerssettled in the $1-5 range. Today, grades of high-end stars have appreciated further still.

Production – The 1998 Donruss release was produced in tremendous numbers, meeting heavy consumer demand after several years of the company’s baseball cards being unavailable in the marketplace. Over 20 million packs were sold worldwide.

Design longevity – While annual designs evolved each year, the clean white-bordered photo look became synonymous with Donruss baseball through much of the 1990s. The 1998 version proved to be one of the most popular of that classic aesthetic era.

1997 Was A Memorable Season In MLB Annals

The 1997 MLB season that the 1998 Donruss cards commemorated featured many compelling storylines and performances:

Home Run Chase – Roger Clemens, Pedro Martinez and others dueled as the NL and AL ERA leaders. Larry Walker (.366 AVG, 49 HR, 130 RBI) had an epic season.

Marlins’ First Title – In just their 5th year, the Florida Marlins shocked everyone by winning the World Series behind ace Liván Hernández and MVP bondsman Moisés Alou.

Indians’ near three-peat – Cleveland won an AL record 100 games but fell to the Marlins, coming just shy of a third straight World Series crown.

Yankees’ Dominance – With new stars Jeter, Rivera and Posada emerging alongside Bernie, Tino and Paul O’Neill, NYC started a run of 4 titles in 5 years.

Griffey’s Greatness – “The Kid” hit .304 with 56 HR and 147 RBI in another superb year for the Mariners that ended in the playoffs.

McGwire’s Magic – In his first year in St. Louis, McGwire lit up the NL with 58 home runs alongside Sosa’s 66 in one of baseball’s most compelling seasons ever.

This memorable season made the 1998 Donruss cards prized collector’s items, preserving for history some of the MLB’s most storied players and performances of that year.

The Legacy Of 1998 Donruss Baseball Cards Lives On

Now almost 25 years later, the 1998 Donruss baseball card set remains a classic in the eyes of both vintage collectors and investors seeking pieces of history from the late 90s era. Some of the aspects that have kept these cards in demand include:

Nostalgia factor – Collectors who grew up during that time period remain fond of the designs, players and memories the cards evoke of their childhood hobby.

Phenoms immortalized – Rookie cards of stars like Helton, Nomar, Rolen and others are always popular as they emerged from that very season.

Value retention – High-grade vintage Donruss commons and stars from the year have appreciated steadily and found new demand as the economy has changed.

Authentic designs – The classic white-bordered photos embraced by Donruss have a very recognizable and timeless aesthetic quality preferred by purists.

Impressive production – As a mainstream release with wide distribution, virtually anyone can potentially find 1998 Donruss in their parents’ or grandparents’ collection.

Historical significance – Cards from seasons with events like McGwire vs. Sosa or the Marlins’ first title carry commemorative significance for their cultural impact.

In the decades since, 1998 Donruss remains one of the most fondly remembered and collected mainstream issues from the vintage 1990s era. With this combination of nostalgia, design admiration and financial potential, the set’s legacy is sure to stay strong for baseball card collectors of all ages.

VALUE OF 1991 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1991 Donruss baseball card set holds nostalgic value for many collectors and fans as it provides a snapshot of Major League Baseball from that year. The set also contains several valuable and desirable rookie cards that continue to attract interest from collectors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards from the 1991 Donruss set and analyze what drives their value today.

One of the most notable rookies featured in the 1991 Donruss set is Jeff Bagwell of the Houston Astros. Bagwell went on to have a storied 15-year career that culminated with induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2017, making his rookie card one of the premier selections from the entire Donruss collection. In top graded gem mint condition of PSA 10, Bagwell’s 1991 Donruss rookie card can fetch prices up over $1,000. Even in lower grades of PSA 8 or 9, examples still trade hands for hundreds of dollars showing the strong, lasting demand for one of the marquee players from the 1990s.

Another Astros star who made his MLB debut in 1991 and is represented with a valuable rookie in the Donruss set is Craig Biggio. Like Bagwell, Biggio put together a Hall of Fame worthy career primarily spent with Houston that has kept collectors clamoring for his first baseball cards, including from Donruss. PSA 10 examples of Biggio’s ’91 Donruss rookie have sold for upwards of $3,000 given his elite status. But there is also a notable price jump once a PSA 9 or 8 threshold is met, demonstrating the card remains a hot commodity.

Two other rookies from the 1991 Donruss set that can still command 4-figure prices in high grade are Chipper Jones and Jim Thome. Jones enjoyed a storied career entirely with the Atlanta Braves that saw him inducted into Cooperstown in 2018, fueling continued demand for his first card appearance. PSA 10 Jones rookies have recently sold in the $2,000 range. Thome slammed 612 home runs over a 22-year career playing for 8 different teams, establishing him as one of the premier power hitters of his generation and making his rookie card a must-have for collectors. Graded examples in PSA 10 of Thome’s ’91 Donruss have also traded hands for around $2,000.

While the rookie cards of stars like Bagwell, Biggio, Jones, and Thome understandably drive most of the perceived value from the 1991 Donruss set, there are also several other notable veterans featured who can yield returns if their cards are in pristine condition. For example, Nolan Ryan’s card has sold for over $500 in PSA 10 as he was entering the twilight of a remarkable 27-year career. Darryl Strawberry’s ’91 Donruss has also cracked the $500 price point in gem mint 10 status as he was still considered one of the preeminent power hitters in the league at that time.

Condition, of course, is absolutely crucial when determining the worth of any particular 1991 Donruss baseball card. While the rookie cards of the all-time greats will always be in high demand, graded examples that achieve the ultra-rare PSA 10 designation can exponentially increase in value compared to raw or lower graded copies. It’s not unheard of to see premium PSA 10 examples of star rookies from the set eclipse the $10,000 figure, a price point driven purely by their flawless preserved state appealing to the most discerning card investors.

Alongside the star power and performance pedigree of its featured players, another factor contributing to the value retention of the 1991 Donruss set is its accessible and affordable original production run. Donruss was one of the top baseball card manufacturers in the early 1990s before the industry collapsed, meaning this particular set had a very high initial print run and distribution compared to some of its counterparts. While this easy availability means ungraded commons can be acquired quite inexpensively, it also paradoxically adds to the desirability of high grade rookie “hits” that are scarce despite the overall large print figures. Finding those true gem specimens to represent the 1990 rookie class becomes the collecting challenge.

While 1991 Donruss may not be the flashiest or visually striking set from its era, its blend of star player content coupled with the condition-sensitive nature of high grade examples ensures this collection will remain an fundamental part of the vintage baseball landscape. Key rookies like Bagwell, Biggio, Jones and others anchor the set with tremendous long-term investment potential if preserved in pristine status. Factor in the affordability of many ungraded commons making it an accessible way to collect some of the game’s all-time greats in their early career appearances. For these reasons, 1991 Donruss endures as one of the premier issues from the junk wax era among collectors and analysts alike.

90 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

Leave a reply

When it comes to vintage baseball cards, the 1990 Donruss set is one that collectors frequently return to in hopes of finding hidden gems. While it may not have the star power or rookie card attractions of some other years, there are still quite a few 1990 Donruss cards that can hold significant value depending on the player, the card number, and of course the condition and grade. Let’s take a closer look at some specific 1990 Donruss cards that are worth money for collectors.

Ken Griffey Jr. (#1) – Widely considered one of the best players of his generation, Griffey’s rookie card from the 1989 Upper Deck set gets most of the attention. His 1990 Donruss rookie is still highly sought after by collectors. In PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, this card has sold for over $1,000. Even in PSA 8 Excellent-Mint condition it can fetch $100-200.

Frank Thomas (#25) – Thomas would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and his 1990 Donruss rookie is one of the more valuable cards from this set. A PSA 10 Gem Mint copy can sell for $800-1000 while a PSA 9 Mint copy is around $200-300. Even a PSA 8 Excellent-Mint is worth $50-100.

Greg Maddux (#32) – Maddux is one of the best pitchers of all-time and his 1990 Donruss rookie card is desirable for collectors of the Braves great. A PSA 10 can sell for over $500 with PSA 9 copies in the $150-250 range.

Roberto Alomar (#42) – Alomar had a long, successful career and put together a Hall of Fame resume. His 1990 Donruss rookie is one that garners attention, with a PSA 10 copy selling for $300-500 and PSA 9s in the $100-200 range.

Jeff Bagwell (#59) – Bagwell was one of the best hitters of the 1990s and 2000s for the Astros. His 1990 Donruss rookie is a key card to find, with a PSA 10 potentially reaching $800-1000. PSA 9s sell around $200-300.

Derek Jeter (#74) – One of the most famous and accomplished players of the last 30 years, Jeter’s 1990 Donruss rookie is highly sought after. PSA 10 Gems have sold for over $3,000 with PSA 9 Mint copies reaching $800-1000. Even PSA 8s can sell for $200-300.

Tom Glavine (#93) – A Hall of Fame pitcher who was a star with the Braves, Glavine’s 1990 Donruss rookie is valuable. PSA 10s have sold for over $500 with PSA 9s in the $150-250 range depending on bidding activity.

Chipper Jones (#115) – Jones had a great career with the Braves and is considered one of the best third basemen ever. His 1990 Donruss rookie is popular with collectors, with PSA 10s selling for $600-800 and PSA 9s reaching $200-300.

John Smoltz (#135) – Another star Braves pitcher who is now in the Hall of Fame, Smoltz’s 1990 Donruss rookie has value. PSA 10s have sold for over $500 with PSA 9s reaching $150-250.

Randy Johnson (#150) – The Big Unit had one of the most dominant pitching careers ever. His 1990 Donruss rookie is sought after, with PSA 10s selling for $400-600 and PSA 9s around $150-250.

David Justice (#160) – An All-Star outfielder with the Braves in the 1990s, Justice’s rookie card from this set has sold for over $100 in PSA 9 Mint condition.

Fred McGriff (#190) – The Crime Dog had a great power hitting career and his 1990 Donruss rookie has value. PSA 10s have reached $300-500 with PSA 9s selling for $100-200.

Bobby Bonilla (#200) – Bonilla had a long MLB career and his 1990 Donruss rookie is popular. PSA 9 copies have sold for $50-100.

Mark Grace (#230) – A consistent hitter for the Cubs, Grace’s 1990 Donruss rookie has sold for over $50 in PSA 9 Mint condition.

Darrin Jackson (#250) – An All-Star catcher for the White Sox in the 1990s, Jackson’s rookie from this set has sold for $50-75 in top grades.

Juan Gonzalez (#270) – Gonzalez was a prolific power hitter for the Rangers and his 1990 Donruss rookie has sold for over $100 in PSA 9 Mint condition.

Andres Galarraga (#280) – Known as The Big Cat, Galarraga had a great power hitting career. His 1990 Donruss rookie has sold for $50-75 in top grades.

Bret Saberhagen (#290) – The two-time Cy Young winner had success with the Royals and Mets. His 1990 Donruss rookie has sold for $50-75 in top condition.

While the 1990 Donruss set may not have the same star power as some other vintage years, there are still some valuable rookie cards and All-Star players featured that can hold significant value depending on the player and the grade. For collectors looking to build their portfolios or hoping to find valuable gems, going through boxes of this set is still worthwhile given the Hall of Famers and impact players featured as rookies within the checklist. With the right card in pristine condition, there is money to be made.

1987 DONRUSS DIAMOND KINGS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

Leave a reply

The 1987 Donruss Diamond Kings baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s.Released in 1987 by Donruss, the Diamond Kings set featured 144 cards highlighting some of the biggest stars in baseball at the time. What made the 1987 Diamond Kings set so unique and collectible was the black diamond-shaped embellishment featured on each card. This striking design element really made the cards stand out from other contemporary sets.

While complete base sets in near mint condition can be acquired for a few hundred dollars today, there are plenty of individual cards that carry substantial value. The high-end rookie cards and stars of the era routinely sell for thousands. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key players and what makes their 1987 Donruss Diamond Kings cards so desirable to collectors.

Perhaps the most coveted card from the 1987 Diamond Kings set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the best baseball cards ever made, the Griffey Jr. rookie is the crown jewel of any collection. In pristine near mint to mint condition, a PSA 10 Griffey Jr. rookie has sold at auction for over $100,000. Even low-grade copies in PSA 6-8 condition can still fetch thousands. Griffey was already showing his superstar potential as a rookie in 1987 and his card is rightly hailed as one of the iconic baseball cards of the 1980s.

Another extremely valuable rookie from the 1987 Diamond Kings set is the Ben McDonald card. As the first overall pick in the 1989 draft, McDonald had immense hype surrounding him as a future ace. His rookie card carries a premium, with PSA 10 examples selling for $5,000-$10,000. Even mid-grade copies in the PSA 6-8 range sell for $500-$1,000. McDonald ultimately had an excellent but injury-plagued career, giving his rookie card lasting appeal for Orioles collectors and investors alike.

One of the best position players of the 1980s, Ryne Sandberg’s cards from his MVP years hold tremendous value for collectors. His 1987 Donruss Diamond Kings is highly sought after, with a PSA 10 copy selling for $2,000-$4,000 in recent years. Sandberg was at the peak of his powers in 1987 when he won the NL MVP award and helped lead the Cubs to a division title. The combination of star power and on-field accomplishment make his ’87 Diamond Kings one of the most valuable non-rookie cards from the set.

Roger Clemens, one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, also has multiple valuable cards from the 1987 Diamond Kings release. As one of the game’s top hurlers in the late 1980s, Clemens’ star was really rising during this period. His basic Diamond Kings card in top PSA 10 condition has sold for $1,000. There is also an ultra-rare Clemens Diamond Kings Variation card with drastically different visuals that is essentially the holy grail for Red Sox collectors. Only a handful are known to exist and one recently sold for over $20,000.

Other noteworthy ’87 Diamond Kings cards that hold four-figure value include Kirby Puckett ($2,000 PSA 10), Rickey Henderson ($1,500 PSA 10), Jose Canseco ($1,000 PSA 10), and Don Mattingly ($1,000 PSA 10). Each of these players was in their prime in 1987 and went on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers. TheirDiamond Kings issues remain defining rookie or early career cards that are icons from the 1980s card boom.

Outside the true star cards, there are several underrated gems from the set that present opportunity for savvy collectors. The Mark McGwire rookie, while not his most iconic card, has steadily increased in value to $500 for high-grade copies as McGwire’s home run feats are recognized. Derek Jeter’s second year card as a relatively unknown prospect has also gained steam to $200-300 for top condition due to his legendary career. And the Tim Belcher rookie holds minor interest at $100-200 as a former All-Star hurler who had quality MLB tenure.

The 1987 Donruss Diamond Kings set remains a true pillar of the modern collecting era due to its incredible aesthetic pull and star power featured across its 144 cards. Headlined by the legendary Griffey Jr. rookie, the set offers multiple big money cards from Hall of Famers and all-time greats who were at their commercial peak in the late 1980s. Whether attempting to complete a full base set or target key star rookies and prospects, the 1987 Donruss Diamond Kings set guarantees to be an excellent long-term basketball investment at today’s prices. Its unmatched visuals and cachet with collectors continue to drive strong demand and valuation across the entire roster of cards after 35 years.

1986 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

Leave a reply

The 1986 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the modern era of the hobby. While it didn’t feature the same young star rookies that helped skyrocket the previous year’s Topps set in popularity, the 1986 Donruss set holds a special place in many collectors’ hearts due to its classic design aesthetic and the all-time great veterans it highlights in their baseball primes. Among the 792 total cards in the base set are several that stand out as particularly valuable today due to various factors such as the players featured and their career accomplishments, as well as basic supply and demand economics that drive up collector demand and secondary market prices over time. Here are some of the most valuable 1986 Donruss baseball cards based on PSA 10 mint condition prices:

Ken Griffey Sr. – Ranked as the most valuable card from the 1986 Donruss set, examples in pristine PSA 10 condition have recently sold for over $2,000. Griffey Sr. was approaching the end of his career in 1986 at age 36, making his cards relatively scarce in top grades. As the father of future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., cards featuring Griffey Sr. also gain value from collectors wanting to showcase father-son duos.

Kirby Puckett – Puckett’s explosive rise to stardom was still a few years away in 1986, but his Donruss rookie is highly sought after today. PSA 10 examples have sold for up to $1,800. A 10-time All-Star and 6-time Gold Glove winner who led the Twins to World Series titles in 1987 and 1991, Puckett developed into one of the best players of his generation and a icon in Minnesota.

Dwight Gooden – Known as “Doc,” Gooden was already a phenom in 1986 after winning Rookie of the Year and the NL Cy Young award in 1985 at age 20. His dazzling talents made him one of the most hyped young stars in the sport. High grade Gooden rookies from 1986 Donruss have hit auction prices up to $1,600.

Roger Clemens – The future 7-time Cy Young Award winner and 354 game winner Clemens was in his Red Sox pitching prime in 1986. His intimidating presence and 98 mph fastball made him must-see TV every fifth day. Clemens is also remembered as one of the games’ fiercest competitors. PSA 10 Clemens cards have reached $1,500.

Cal Ripken Jr. – Before breaking Lou Gehrig’s iconic record for consecutive games played, Ripken was already establishing himself as the future star shortstop and captain of the Orioles franchise. His 1986 Donruss rookie remains one of the most iconic in the set, with pristine copies reaching $1,300.

Ozzie Smith – Known as the “Wizard” for his highlight-reel defensive plays at shortstop that seemingly defied physics and helped lead the Cardinals to the 1982 World Series, Smith was on his way to eventual Hall of Fame induction. As one of the most exciting and charismatic players of the 1980s, his 1986 Donruss PSA 10s have sold up over $1,200.

George Bell – Winning the 1987 AL MVP award as a member of the Blue Jays, Bell established himself as one of baseball’s premier power hitters in 1986 with a career-high 36 home runs. His impressive peak performance has garnered strong collector interest in his 1986 Donruss rookie that has topped $1,100 PSA 10.

Barry Larkin – A future Hall of Famer and 12-time All-Star, Larkin started making his case as one of MLB’s top players at shortstop for the Reds in 1986, hitting .296 with 55 stolen bases. Like Ripken, Larkin’s iconic rookie card from Donruss earns a premium, with a PSA 10 recently selling for $1,050.

Willie McGee – Winning the 1985 NL batting title, McGee evolved into a fan favorite as the on-base machine for the Cardinals’ “Whiteyball” offensive strategy. Famous for his hustle and grit, McGee’s prime performance has kept demand high for his 1986 Donruss, with PSA 10s reaching $1,000.

Mark McGwire – Better known for later breaking Roger Maris’ single season home run record, “Big Mac” was still developing his prodigious power in St. Louis in 1986. Early versions of his huge potential, coupled with his fame and notoriety, have lifted his ’86 Donruss rookie to $900 PSA 10 sales.

While it may lack the sex appeal of some of Topps’ flagship sets, the 1986 Donruss baseball issue holds a special place for many in the hobby due to highlighting future Hall of Famers and all-time greats during their competitive peaks. Strong career performances and accomplishments over decades have translated to increased collector demand and higher prices today for the vintage star rookies and veterans featured in pristine condition from this classic 1982 offering.