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95 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1995 Donruss baseball card set was released at the height of the baseball card boom of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Produced by Donruss Playoff, it was the 16th and final regular annual set issued by the company under the Donruss brand name before it was sold to Playoff Corporation and later acquired by Upper Deck.

The 1995 Donruss set contains 264 total cards including regular base cards, rookie cards, stars and highlights inserts, and traded variations. Notable rookies included in the set are Todd Helton, Troy Percival, and Jason Schmidt. The design featured full color action photos on a white background with team logos and player stats printed on the lower portion of the card. Overall design was similar to previous Donruss sets from the early 90s with a classic, clean look.

At the time of release, the 1995 Donruss cards were considered a mid-level product quality-wise compared to the premium offerings from Upper Deck and Score. They remained very popular with collectors due to the brand recognition of Donruss and the large number of rookie cards and stars included in the base set checklist each year. Packs retailed for about $1 each and boxes could be found for $20-25.

Some of the notable stars featured as base cards in the 1995 Donruss set include Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, Cal Ripken Jr., Frank Thomas, and Tony Gwynn. All were among the game’s biggest names at the time and their cards would be highly sought after by collectors. The stars and highlights inserts in the set profiled players like Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, and Jeff Bagwell.

In addition to the base cards, the 1995 Donruss set also included several special parallel and insert sets. The Diamond Kings parallels featured glossy photo variations of stars on 1:4 packs. Gold parallel cards were available at a rate of about 1:24 packs and featured gold foil lettering on the fronts. An All-Star insert set showcased the top players from the 1994 Midsummer Classic.

The 1995 Donruss rookie class was one of the deepest in years. In addition to Helton, Percival, and Schmidt mentioned earlier, other notable rookies included in the checklist were Nomar Garciaparra, Vinny Castilla, Jason Kendall, and Darren Dreifort. Many of these players went on to have stellar MLB careers, making their rookie cards quite valuable today. The 1995 Donruss cards were some of the first issues for these future stars.

The 1995 Donruss set also included several traded variations to account for players changing teams via free agency or trades in the offseason. Notable traded variations included Barry Bonds (Giants/Pirates), Darren Daulton (Phillies/Marlins), and Bret Saberhagen (Mets/Rockies). These parallel cards showing the players in their new uniforms became hotly pursued by completionists.

In terms of production, the 1995 Donruss baseball card set had a print run estimated between 80-100 million packs. This massive amount was indicative of the speculative bubble that had formed in the early 1990s card market. While Donruss remained one of the top-selling brands, production numbers this high ultimately led to oversaturation. When the market crashed in the mid-1990s, many of these cards were left behind in stores and warehouses unsold.

For dedicated collectors, 1995 Donruss cards still hold value today due to the star players and rookie cards included. The base cards of stars like Griffey, Bonds, and Ripken routinely sell for $5-10 in near mint condition. Top rookie cards such as Helton, Percival, and Schmidt can fetch $10-20. The traded variations and insert sets add to the appeal for set builders. The 1995 Donruss set endures as one of the most complete capsules of the mid-1990s MLB season available in card form. While not quite as sought after as issues from the true “boom” years earlier in the decade, they remain a favorite of collectors even 25 years later.

The 1995 Donruss baseball card set was one of the final major releases before the company was sold and the bubble burst. It contained a star-studded base checklist and some of the best rookie classes of the decade. While massively overproduced at the time, dedicated collectors still enjoy building this set today for its memorable players and clean, classic design. The 1995 Donruss cards serve as a reminder of the exciting era of the early 1990s in the hobby before the market crashed. They endure as a snapshot of the MLB season from a pivotal time.

1990 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 1990 Donruss baseball card set was the 13th release in Donruss’ flagship baseball card series. While not the most coveted or valuable set from the Junk Wax Era of the late 1980s, there are still several standout rookie and star player cards from the 1990 Donruss set that can earn collectors a nice return on investment if in pristine condition.

The 1990 Donruss set marked the rise of stars like Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, Jeff Bagwell and Frank Thomas who were just entering their primes. It also featured the rookie cards of future all-stars like Jeff Kent, Jason Giambi, and Tom Glavine. While the sheer numbers printed mean most common cards from the set hold little value, there are certain short prints and star player cards that collectors look to acquire. Let’s take a closer look at some of the cards from the 1990 Donruss baseball set that could be worth money for collectors today.

The headliner of the 1990 Donruss set value-wise is the Frank Thomas rookie card (#456). Coming off a monster rookie campaign in 1990 where he finished second in AL MVP voting, Frank Thomas established himself as one of the game’s best power hitters. His rookie card has really gained value in recent years as he nears Hall of Fame induction. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies of the Thomas rookie have sold for over $1,000. Even well-centered PSA 9 Excellent copies can fetch $200-500.

Another top rookie from the set is Jeff Kent (#512). Kent went on to have a 15-year MLB career hitting over 300 home runs primarily as a second baseman. He was recently elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. PSA 10 copies of Kent’s rookie card have sold for $500-700 while PSA 9’s go for $150-300 depending on demand.

Barry Bonds was already established in 1990 as he entered his athletic prime. His 1990 Donruss card (#410) showing as a Pittsburgh Pirate foreshadows what was to come in his Hall of Fame career. PSA 10 copies have broken the $1,000 mark while PSA 9’s sell between $300-500.

Greg Maddux won his first of four Cy Young Awards in 1992 but was still in the early stage of his Hall of Fame career in 1990. High grade copies of his Donruss card (#523) as a Chicago Cub can earn $150-300 for a PSA 9 and $500-800 for rare PSA 10 gems.

Other star rookie cards that can fetch $100-200 graded well include Jason Giambi (#495), Tom Glavine (#526), and Jeff Bagwell (#519), who all went on to successful MLB careers and Hall of Fame consideration.

Beyond the rookies, star cards of Hall of Famers like Nolan Ryan (#109), George Brett (#160), Cal Ripken Jr. (#232), and Wade Boggs (#333) are always in demand from collectors if they grade well. PSA 9 copies commonly sell in the $50-100 range while high-grade PSA 10 examples can surpass $200 each.

Complete team sets of the 1990 Donruss cards also hold value. In PSA 9-10 condition with all the tough pulls included, full team sets have sold for between $500-1,000 depending on the team popularity. Sets of marquee franchises like the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers routinely earn towards the high end.

While the vast majority of common cards from the 1990 Donruss set hold little monetary value today, shrewd collectors can still earn a profit by targeting the key rookie cards, star players, and high-grade full sets. With stars like Bonds, Thomas, Maddux, Kent and Bagwell highlighted, the 1990 issue maintained relevance through the players featured. For investors willing to do research on condition and demand, selected cards from this Junk Wax Era release can still pay dividends decades later.

Here are some key points about the 1990 Donruss cards that can hold value:

Frank Thomas and Jeff Kent rookie cards in PSA 9-10 condition are consistently the top dollar earners, with Thomas approaching $1,000 for a PSA 10.

Hall of Famer star cards like Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux can earn $300-800 graded highly as they remain in demand.

Other notable rookie cards like Jason Giambi, Tom Glavine, Jeff Bagwell have found renewed interest in recent years.

Full team sets, especially of traditionally popular clubs, earn quite well in top grades with all cards included.

Star cards of all-time greats like Ryan, Brett, Ripken, Boggs demand steady prices graded PSA 9-10.

Beyond the key cards listed, condition is critical – lower grades have little value in this highly produced era.

For savvy collectors who focus on condition and the stars, selected cards from the 1990 Donruss set remain a viable investment option from the Junk Wax years. While supply remains plentiful, demand endures for this release highlighting future Hall of Famers starting their careers.

MOST VALUABLE 85 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1985 Donruss baseball card set is highly sought after by collectors due to the rookie cards it features of future Hall of Famers and all-time great players. While not the most flashy or aesthetically pleasing design compared to other brands at the time, the ’85 Donruss set ignited the modern baseball card craze by including star rookies like Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds in their early career years. Now decades later, those rookie cards and others have greatly appreciated in value. Here are the 10 most valuable 1985 Donruss baseball cards based on PSA 10 Gem Mint pricing:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card – Ken Griffey Jr. is considered one of the most talented five-tool players of all time. His smooth left-handed swing and effortless style in center field made him a fan favorite. Naturally, his rookie card from his debut 1985 season with the Mariners is the most coveted from the ’85 Donruss set. In PSA 10 condition, it regularly sells for $4,000 or more due to its extreme rarity and subject’s iconic status in the game. Even well-centered PSA 9 copies can bring over $1,000. Griffey’s elegant swing and youthful smile captured on this card create a visually pleasing rookie that stands the test of time.

Roger Clemens Rookie Card – As one of baseball’s most dominant pitchers who won a record seven Cy Young Awards, Clemens’ rookie card is extremely valuable too. The 1985 Donruss issue was his true “rookie” in the modern sense since he debuted in the 1984 season but was more of a role player in ’84 compared to his breakout ’85 campaign with the Red Sox. PSA 10 Clemens rookies in top condition exceed $2,000 frequently. His dominant wind-up, blazing fastball, and Hall of Fame accomplishment make this an essential piece for vintage collectors.

Barry Bonds Rookie Card – Bonds smashed the single-season and all-time home run records and was arguably the best pure hitter ever. His ’85 Donruss rookie as a lithe, baby-faced Pirates outfielder belies just how dominant he would become. Bonds rookies that grade PSA 10 change hands for $1,500-2,000 although availability in pristine condition is scarce. The eye-catching visuals and massive accomplishments of its subject propel this once humble issue to high demand and prices.

Will Clark Rookie Card – Known as “The Thrill” for his prodigious power from the left side of the plate in his prime, Clark was the #1 overall pick in the 1985 draft by the Giants. His Donruss rookie wearing the Giants’ classic black pinstriped uniform has become quite collectible for ’80s football card aficionados with a PSA 10 bringing $1,000-1,500. Clark provided huge Home run and RBI totals for San Francisco teams during their emergence as a contender.

Tom Glavine Rookie Card – Glavine went on to record over 300 wins and 2 Cy Young Awards as one of the best control pitchers ever for the Atlanta Braves. The lefty’s rookie as an unheralded member of the woeful Mets is priced around $500-1000 in top grade. His path from unspectacular start to Hall of Fame enshrinement makes it an inspiring story reflected in the card’s value today.

Terry Pendleton Rookie Card – Pendleton blossomed into the 1991 NL MVP and defensive stalwart at third base for pennant-winning Braves clubs. As a rookie for the mighty ’85 St. Louis Cardinals, this utilityman’s Donruss issue didn’t gain much traction at the time. With Pendleton’s reemergence later in his career, a PSA 10 now fetches $500-700 given his iconic status in Atlanta.

Dwight Gooden Rookie Card – In 1984-85, “Doctor K” exploded onto the scene as one of the most unhittable pitchers ever during his championship-winning rookie campaign with the Mets. Gooden’s electrifying fastball-curve combo captured imaginations nationwide. Though available in higher quantities than other top ’85 rookies, a PSA 10 still can sell for around $400 given what collectors hope is the imminent arrival of Gooden’s Hall of Fame call.

Ozzie Smith Rookie Card – A defining component of the 1980s Cardinal championship teams, Smith transformed the shortstop position with his gravity-defying defense. While collected robustly in the ’80s and ’90s thanks to the Magic Man’s exciting plays on SportsCenter, only the finest PSA 10 grades sell above $300-400 today due to increased competition on the vintage market.

Walt Weiss Rookie Card – Weiss carved out a long, distinguished career mostly with the Athletics but also including NL stints with the Braves and Rockies. In 1985, the slick-fielding shortstop’s potential was evident judging from his Donruss design with the A’s throwbacks. Conditions for this niche rookie are very tight, limiting PSA 10s to around the $250 range currently.

Mark McGwire Rookie Card – McGwire rose to superstardom with his mammoth home runs for Oakland in the late ’80s and St. Louis in the late ’90s. The excessive speculation on his early issues and later PED controversies have worked against the investment grade potential of even a PSA 10 McGwire rookie today, commanding estimated $200-250.

While cards of future stars like Barry Sanders, Randy Johnson, and Greg Maddux were included at earlier stages in the ’85 Donruss set, high quality specimens in Gem Mint have proven elusive after nearly 40 years. It’s the legendary careers ultimately achieved by Griffey, Bonds, Clemens, and others that continue driving their valuable rookie cards from this set to lofty prices fit for the hobby’s modern stars. With timeless designs and subjects that still resonate today, the top ’85 Donruss rookies remain iconic pieces for collectors.

1990 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS PSA VALUE

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The 1990 Donruss baseball card set celebrated Donruss’ 10th anniversary of producing baseball cards. The design was clean and focused on the player photography. Popular star players from the late 80s and early 90s like Ken Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan, and Cal Ripken Jr. led the set.

While the designs were simple compared to some flashy sets from other brands at the time, the photos focused clearly on the players. This set is still popular among collectors today for its classic look and some of the young star rookies it features. Professionally graded examples from the ’90 Donruss set can hold significant value, especially for the top rookie and star player cards.

Gems of the Set – Top Players and Rookies

As with most vintage sets, the most valuable ’90 Donruss cards feature star players and top rookie cards that retained or grew their popularity over the decades. At the top of the value list are:

Ken Griffey Jr. (#1, Rookie) – Considered one of the greatest player cards of all-time, Griffey’s rookie is iconic. High-grade PSA 10 examples have sold for over $10,000. Even lower graded 9’s can fetch $1,000+.

Nolan Ryan (#220) – One of the sport’s all-time great pitchers, Ryan’s ’90 Donruss remains popular. PSA 10’s have sold for $1,000+, with lower grades still $100+ cards.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#219) – An iron man who broke Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record. His ’90 Donruss has seen PSA 10’s sell for over $500.

Frank Thomas (#439, Rookie) – “The Big Hurt” was a star slugger for the White Sox. His rookie remains highly valuable at $500+ for a PSA 10.

Darryl Strawberry (#260) – An early 1990s star for the Dodgers and Mets. Strawberry’s card has sold for $300+ in PSA 10 condition.

Gregg Jefferies (#462, Rookie) – Had huge hype coming up but didn’t pan out. Still a popular ’90 Donruss rookie at $150+ PSA 10 value.

Ryne Sandberg (#164) – A smooth-fielding second baseman for the Cubs, inducted into the Hall of Fame. PSA 10’s have sold over $100.

Rob Dibble (#438) – Fiery reliever was part of the Nasty Boys bullpen. His short print rookie can reach $75+ in PSA 10.

Those were some of the most expensive 1990 Donruss cards to date when in top PSA 10 mint condition. But there are also mid-range and lower valued gems throughout the set.

Other Notable Star Cards and Their Values

Cards of these additional stars from the 1990 Donruss set have also seen strong recent sales history at PSA:

Wade Boggs (#98) – Hit over .300 15 straight seasons. PSA 10’s $50+.

Rickey Henderson (#162) – Stole more bases than anyone ever. PSA 10 $50.

Ozzie Smith (#178) – Wizard at shortstop, now a Hall of Famer. PSA 10’s $40-50.

Mark McGwire (#319) – Home run hitter, PED controversy. PSA 10 $30-40.

Barry Bonds (#366) – Talented player, steroid accusations. PSA 10 still $30-40.

Barry Larkin (#372) – Smooth shortstop, 12x All-Star, HoF. PSA 10 $25-30.

Dennis Eckersley (#400) – Dominant closer, one of best ever. PSA 10 $25+.

Will Clark (#429) – Power-hitting 1B, 5x All-Star. PSA 10 $20-25.

Tim Raines (#464) – Excellent leadoff hitter and baserunner. PSA 10 $15-20.

The mega stars and rookie gems can reach $1000+ PSA 10 values, but there are many solid 1980s/90s players that still fetch $15-50+ in top grade as well from this iconic ’90 Donruss set. Condition and demand play a big role in the ever-changing card market. This set holds up extremely well for its classic vintage appeal among collectors.

The Importance of Professional Grading

Just as with any collectible, professional third-party grading is extremely important when determining the value of ’90 Donruss cards. The golden standard is still considered to be grading done by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA).

PSA slabs cards on a 1-10 scale factoring in centering, corners, edges and surface. Minor flaws may result in an 8 or 9 grade while true pristine “gem mint” examples earn the coveted PSA 10 holy grail status. Even a nine can fetch a strong premium over raw or lower-graded cards.

Outside of PSA 10’s, here’s a rough breakdown of added value different PSA grades can carry for the top ’90 Donruss rookie and star cards:

PSA 9 – Usually 50-75% of PSA 10 value
PSA 8 – Around 30-50% of PSA 10 value
PSA 7 or lower – Can still hold value but prices drop off significantly

So to maximize returns, it’s ideal to submit only the sharpest, flawless examples to PSA rather than taking chances on lower quality cards that could grade poorly. PSA slabs dramatically reduce risks and verify authenticity/condition details for buyers.

The Future Outlook on 1990 Donruss

As a clean, classic vintage issue featuring stars of the late 80s and 90s, the ’90 Donruss set should remain very collectible for years to come. Younger collectors just getting into the hobby are drawn to affordable stars from their childhoods. Coupled with the pristine photography, it’s aged extremely well.

Unless damaged, professionally slabbed examples are essentially guaranteed to maintain and likely increase in value long-term given the proven track record of investment-caliber vintage cards. There will also be ongoing crossover appeal among both baseball and vintage pop culture collectors.

The 1990 Donruss baseball card set still presents an amazing opportunity for collectors and investors alike to acquire reasonably-priced vintage cardboard featuring all-time great players. With grading and research, high-value key rookie and star returns are there to be found as well from this highly collected and nostalgic set.

1991 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS TO LOOK FOR

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The 1991 Donruss baseball card set was released at the tail end of the junk wax era, but still contained some notable rookie cards and veteran stars that have stood the test of time. While not as valuable as some sets prior to the overproduction boom of the late 1980s, there are still several 1991 Donruss cards that collectors seek out today for various reasons.

One of the top cards from the 1991 Donruss set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey emerged as one of the game’s biggest stars throughout the 1990s and his rookie is a true icon from this era. While not in the same stratosphere as more recent rookie cards like Mike Trout or Bryce Harper, Griffey’s 1991 Donruss RC routinely fetches over $100 in near mint to mint condition. The card captured Griffey at the beginning of his legendary career and remains one of the most iconic and desirable rookie cards from the junk wax era.

Another star rookie card available in 1991 Donruss was Chipper Jones. Like Griffey, Jones went on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie is the one collectors look to find from this set. Chipper’s breakout rookie season was in 1991 after being drafted number 1 overall, so this Donruss card captured him at the dawn of what became an outstanding 19 year career, mostly spent with the Atlanta Braves, that will likely lead to a plaque in Cooperstown. A Chipper Jones 1991 Donruss rookie in top condition can sell for $50-$75.

Two all-time great pitchers had their last rookie cards produced in the 1991 Donruss set in Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. Both Maddux and Glavine emerged as ace starters for the Atlanta Braves in the early 1990s and their dominance led the team to a long run of division titles and a World Series championship. They are consensus Hall of Famers now but their rookie cards were available for cheap back in the early 90s. High grade examples of their 1991 Donruss rookies can still be acquired for $20-30 even today.

Another Hall of Fame bound pitcher with a card available in 1991 Donruss is John Smoltz. He broke in as both a starter and reliever for the Braves in the late 80s and 90s and anchored their rotations and bullpens during their most successful run. With over 200 career wins and 150 saves, Smoltz is only one of two pitchers to ever accomplish that feat. His 1991 Donruss rookie remains a popular and affordable collector item today in the $15-25 range.

While position players don’t typically carry the same long term value as elite pitchers, there are a few noteworthy position player veterans from the 1991 Donruss set. Perhaps the most notable would be Rickey Henderson’s card, as he was still in his prime stealing base seasons with the A’s in 1991. The all-time stolen base king and leadoff threat, Henderson’s card brings a premium even from the junk wax era, in the $15-20 range. Another veteran star, Ozzie Smith, also has a valuable card from 1991 Donruss as “The Wizard” was still patrolling shortstop for the Cardinals. His smooth defensive skills made him a fan favorite and his card can sell for $10-15.

A pair of young slugging outfielders also debuted in the 1991 Donruss set after breaks rookie seasons the year prior. Bobby Bonilla established himself as a solid run producer for the Pirates in the early 90s and his sophomore card still holds interest. Meanwhile, David Justice began showing power as he emerged with the Braves. While not typically big money cards, both Bonilla and Justice can be acquired in the $5-10 range in top condition from collectors seeking their early career performances.

One other pitcher who broke out earlier than most from the 1991 Donruss rookie class was Roger Clemens. After winning the AL Cy Young award in 1990 with the Red Sox, Clemens’ dominance was beginning to be established. His card isn’t typically as pricey as some others due to joining the league in 1984, but a sharp example can still attract $10-15 from collectors still active in the hobby from that era.

While 1991 Donruss overall carried much less value than predecessor sets due to overproduction, there are still several star players and eventual Hall of Famers who had their rookie or early career cards produced that year. The premier cards would be Ken Griffey Jr, Chipper Jones, and Greg Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz rookie cards. But veterans like Henderson, Smith, Bonilla and Justice also hold lasting appeal. For collectors looking to acquire affordable pieces of baseball history from the late 80s/early 90s, 1991 Donruss remains a set with cards still worth seeking out in the current market.

DONRUSS BASEBALL 2023 ROOKIE CARDS

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The 2023 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year due to the strong rookie class it features. Some of the top prospects expected to have their first major league cards in the set include Druw Jones, Elijah Green, Termarr Johnson, and Emerson Hancock. With so many potential future stars, collectors are eager to get their hands on these rookie cards.

Donruss has a long history of producing quality baseball cards that capture the essence of the sport. Founded in 1956, the brand is known for its classic design aesthetic that focuses on clear action shots of players. For the 2023 set, they are continuing this tradition while also incorporating some modern elements to appeal to today’s collectors. The base cards will have a clean and simple look that allows the photography to take center stage. Parallels and short printed inserts are also expected to be included to add variety.

Perhaps the most buzz surrounding the 2023 Donruss release is around the rookie class it will feature. Top MLB draft pick Druw Jones is a can’t-miss prospect who many feel has the potential to be one of the game’s next great stars. As the son of former MLB All-Star Andruw Jones, there is already plenty of interest in his cards. His autographed and memorabilia cards in particular are expected to be in high demand.

Another highly touted rookie is Elijah Green, who was taken first overall in the 2022 MLB draft by the Detroit Tigers. Green has five-tool talent and his blend of power and speed has drawn comparisons to Mike Trout. His cards will likely be hot commodities as collectors look to get in early on what could be a true superstar. Green’s autographed cards will be a major chase for collectors.

Shortstop Termarr Johnson was taken fourth overall in 2022 by the Pittsburgh Pirates and has already shown an advanced approach at the plate for his age. His cards will be popular with Pirates fans as well as those looking to invest in a potential future All-Star. Johnson has the tools to be an impact player, so collectors will want to stock up on his rookies now before his value increases.

Emerson Hancock is another top pitching prospect who was selected sixth overall in 2020 by the Seattle Mariners. After injuries slowed his progress, he is now healthy and showing why he was such a high draft pick. As a potential frontline starter, Hancock’s rookie cards will appeal to both Mariners collectors as well as those seeking impact pitching prospects. His autographs will be a key chase for collectors hoping to land a future ace.

Beyond these headliners, the 2023 Donruss set will feature over a dozen other top prospects who were drafted or signed in 2022, giving collectors plenty of options to pursue. Names like Elijah Tatis, Brock Porter, Owen Caissie and others will all have their first MLB cards in this release. For teams like the Tampa Bay Rays and Los Angeles Dodgers who had multiple top picks, their fans will enjoy collecting prospects who could one day help their favorite clubs.

In addition to the coveted rookie cards, veteran stars will also be featured throughout the base set in their familiar uniforms. Popular veterans like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Ronald Acuna Jr. and Mookie Betts will provide iconic images for collectors. Parallels and inserts are also expected to focus on current and retired greats like Mike Trout, Babe Ruth and others.

When it comes to release date and product information, Donruss has not yet made official announcements. Based on prior years, collectors can expect the 2023 baseball set to be released in late winter/early spring of 2023. It will likely be available in traditional wax packs and boxes at the $3.99 to $99.99 price points. Higher end products like autographed memorabilia boxes may retail for several hundred dollars.

The 2023 Donruss baseball release is poised to be one of the most anticipated issues in recent memory. With such a deep rookie class headlined by Druw Jones, Elijah Green and others, collectors are eager to land these future stars in their inaugural MLB cards before their values skyrocket. For teams and fans, it’s an opportunity to collect and support their favorite organizations’ top prospects. The classic Donruss design also ensures the cards will maintain their appeal for decades to come. Whether collecting for investment purposes or team allegiances, the 2023 Donruss baseball set looks to be a must-have for all hobbyists.

DONRUSS 84 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1984 Donruss baseball card set was released at the height of the 1980s baseball card boom. Like many other sets from this era, it featured a variety of rookie cards, future Hall of Famers, and stars of the day. The set showcased 660 total cards and had a distinctive design with colorful borders and action photos. It remains a popular vintage set sought after by collectors decades later.

One of the most notable aspects of the 1984 Donruss set was the large number of future Hall of Fame rookie cards it contained. This included Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, Dave Stewart, and Don Mattingly. Gooden and Strawberry were highly touted Mets prospects who would go on to stardom and Rookie of the Year awards in 1984 and 1985 respectively. Mattingly had already established himself as one of the game’s premier hitters by 1984 with the Yankees. Stewart was still early in his career but would emerge as an ace pitcher and win 20 games three times in the late 1980s. Landing any of these rookies in mint condition is a real coup for collectors.

Beyond the rookie cards, the 1984 Donruss set also featured cards of many other future Hall of Famers who were already established stars in 1984 including Ryne Sandberg, Mike Schmidt, Eddie Murray, and Rickey Henderson. Schmidt was in the midst of his decade as arguably the best third baseman in baseball history with the Phillies. Sandberg was coming off an MVP season in 1984 as the sparkplug second baseman for the Cubs. Murray was a consistent power threat for the Orioles and would go on to finish his career with over 500 home runs. Henderson was in his prime as the greatest base stealer ever as the spark at the top of the A’s lineup. Pulling any of these stars in high grade is a real centerpiece for a collection.

In addition to future Hall of Famers, the 1984 Donruss set highlighted many other superstars of the day including Nolan Ryan, George Brett, Wade Boggs, and Kirby Puckett. Ryan was still in his prime with the Astros, regularly topping 100 mph on the radar gun. Brett was the heart and soul of the Royals franchise, coming off yet another batting title. Boggs was establishing himself as perhaps the greatest contact hitter of all time for the Red Sox. Puckett was just entering his own as a perennial All-Star and fan favorite for the Twins. Landing any of these iconic stars from the mid-1980s in top condition is sure to be a prized possession.

Beyond the star players, the 1984 Donruss set also featured distinctive designs on the cards that collectors find appealing to this day. The cards had a colorful border with a team logo in one corner and player stats along the opposite side. The most eye-catching element was the large action photo in the center taking up most of the front of the card. These photos really captured the intensity and athleticism of the players. The back of the cards contained the standard player biography information but in a simple easy to read format. The overall design held up very well over the decades and gives the 1984 Donruss set a very vintage baseball card aesthetic.

When it comes to condition, as with any older baseball card set, finding 1984 Donruss cards in top grades is certainly a challenge. For those that have survived in near mint or gem mint condition, they command premium prices. The rookies of Gooden, Strawberry, and Mattingly can fetch thousands of dollars in the top grades of mint or PSA/BGS 10. Even commons from the set in high grades have value as they are quite scarce surviving intact after nearly 40 years of existence. For collectors looking to assemble high grade examples of this classic 1980s set, it remains a very active and engaging collecting challenge.

The 1984 Donruss baseball card set stands out as one of the most historically significant releases from the peak of the baseball card boom era. Between the star rookies, future Hall of Famers, and iconic players of the mid-1980s, nearly every card holds value and nostalgia for the period. The simple yet visually striking design has aged very well. While locating examples in pristine condition is difficult nearly four decades later, it remains a hugely popular set for vintage collectors. The 1984 Donruss release exemplifies the peak of 1980s sports card culture and is sure to retain its stature among collectors for generations to come.

MOST VALUABLE 1999 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1999 Donruss baseball card set launched during a time when interest in collecting sports cards was beginning to wane after reaching its peak in the early 1990s. Some of the cards from that 1999 Donruss set have gone on to become quite valuable today due to featuring prominent players who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. While the overall print run for 1999 Donruss cards was high which keeps most individual cards from that year relatively affordable, here are some of the most valuable rookie and star player cards collectors seek out from the 1999 Donruss baseball set today.

Perhaps the most coveted card from the 1999 Donruss set is the Chipper Jones rookie card. As the longtime star third baseman of the Atlanta Braves who was recently inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Chipper Jones captivated baseball fans for years with his consistent excellence at the plate and in the field. His rookie card from the 1999 Donruss set, which features a clean design with Jones in a Braves uniform on the front and career statistics on the back, has appreciated greatly over the past two decades. In near mint condition, Chipper Jones’ rookie currently fetches prices upwards of $150. For mint condition or higher grades, this iconic rookie can sell for over $300.

Another tremendously valuable card from the 1999 Donruss baseball set is Ken Griffey Jr.’s baseball card from that year. While Griffey burst onto the scene in 1989 with one of the most iconic rookie cards in sports card history for Upper Deck, his late 90s cards with the Seattle Mariners continued to captivate collectors as he was still producing at an elite level. The 1999 Donruss Griffey card, which has him photoshopped into a Mariners uniform on a blue and white colored background, has increased exponentially in value since the set was released. Graded mint condition examples can sell for around $100-150, with pristine mint+ or gem mint copies sometimes reaching the $250-400 range due to Griffey’s all-time great career and status as a fan favorite.

Continuing with star outfielders from the late 90s, the 1999 Donruss card of Barry Bonds is another highly sought after piece from the set with tremendous long term appreciate potential. While Bonds was already a perennial MVP caliber player by 1999 with the San Francisco Giants, collectors knew he was still building toward breaking the all-time home run record, which added excitement and speculation around his cards from this period. Bonds’ cleanly designed 1999 Donruss card, with his familiar stance and concentration on the front, has increased steadily in secondary market value in recent years. Near mint copies can commonly sell for $75-100, with absolute gem mint 10 graded cards sometimes achieving auction prices over $250. As Bonds’ home run records become more historic, his late 90s rookie cards stand to keep appreciating for dedicated collectors.

In addition to featuring three future Hall of Fame position players, the 1999 Donruss baseball set also included rookie cards of pitchers who would go on to have excellent careers. One of the standout rookie pitchers from that year was Livan Hernandez, who had a breakout season for the 1997 Florida Marlins World Series championship team. Hernandez’ iconic rookie card from 1999 Donruss boasts a colorful action photo of him mid-windup in a Marlins uniform. Even in lower near mint grades, this in-demand rookie can fetch $50-75. Higher graded mint 9 or mint 10 Livan Hernandez rookies have been known to sell in the $150-300 range based on his memorable postseason success early in his career.

Rounding out the most valuable rookie cards from the 1999 Donruss set is Red Sox ace Pedro Martinez. While Martinez was already establishing himself as one of the game’s most dominant starting pitchers by 1999 with two Cy Young awards to his name, collectors still coveted his rookie issue from the late 90s. The 1999 Donruss Pedro Martinez rookie features a closeup action shot of his intimidating windup for the Montreal Expos. Even well-circulated near mint copies can sell for $50 or more based on nostalgia of Martinez’s peak years in Boston. Pristine mint 9 or gem mint 10 graded versions have been known to exceed $200-300 at auction given Pedro’s first ballot Hall of Fame induction.

In addition to these top rookie cards, the 1999 Donruss baseball set also included high quality short prints and parallel inserts that have greatly increased in secondary market value in recent years. One example is the incredibly rare Chipper Jones black border short print parallel card, which was limited to only 10 copies produced. After initially trading hands for under $100 in the early 2000s, this ultra-short printed parallel is now being bought and sold for $1,000 or more when it becomes available on the major trading card auction sites. Other valuable parallel inserts from 1999 Donruss include the John Olerud purple refractor (over $75 NM), the Nomar Garciaparra gray refractor ($100+ NM), and the Alex Rodriguez gold refraction parallel, which consistently sells for $200 or more in topCondition.

While most common base cards from the 1999 Donruss baseball set hold nominal long term value, select rookie cards and parallel inserts featuring all-time great players like Chipper Jones, Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Livan Hernandez, Pedro Martinez, and Alex Rodriguez have proven to be Prescient long term investments. Two decades after their initial release, grades copies of these memorable rookies can net their owners a pretty profit when bought years ago and sold in today’s robust vintage sports card market. For dedicated collectors, hunting down these valuable 1989 Donruss rookie gems remains an enticing chase decades later.

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1988 DONRUSS BASEBALL ROOKIE CARDS

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The 1988 Donruss baseball card set is notable for featuring some of the biggest rookie cards of the late 1980s. Between the high-profile debuts of future Hall of Famers and stars who went on to have solid MLB careers, the 1988 Donruss rookie class stands out as one of the strongest in the modern era. While the designs and production quality of Donruss cards from this period were basic compared to what collectors see today, these rookies remain highly coveted by both investors and fans of ’80s baseball memorabilia.

Leading the way for the 1988 Donruss rookies are none other than “The Hit King” and the “Big Hurt.” That’s right, the premier rookies in the set are cards #246 Sandy Alomar Jr. and #308 Frank Thomas. Alomar Jr. went on to have a fine 14-year career primarily with the Cleveland Indians and spent time as one of the top catchers in baseball. It is Frank Thomas’s rookie that is the real heavyweight in the set. “The Big Hurt” established himself as arguably the most feared slugger of the 1990s in Chicago and cracked in excess of 500 home runs and 1,500 RBIs over a 19-year career. Thomas’s elite numbers, two MVP awards, and Hall of Fame induction make his rookie one of the most desirable cards from the late 80s. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies can fetch thousands of dollars today.

Another surefire future Hall of Famer and face of baseball for over a decade also had his first cardboard appearance in 1988 Donruss – Ken Griffey Jr. Widely considered one of the most talented five-tool players ever, Griffey dazzled crowds with incredible speed, defense, and prodigious power from the left side of the plate. His rookie card #305 remains a fan favorite even after all these years. Griffey spent the bulk of his career bringing fans in Seattle and Cincinnati to their feet and smashing home run records along the way. While some surface issues keep Griffey from reaching Thomas’s price point, a near-mint copy still holds excellent value.

Rounding out the true superstar rookie class of 1988 Donruss are four other future all-stars and long-time contributors:

Andres Galarraga #127 – “The Big Cat” mashed 399 homers as a premier 1B/DH for several teams including Montreal, Colorado, and Atlanta and made one All-Star team.

Barry Larkin #298 – One of the greatest shortstops ever played 19 seasons for the Reds including an MVP in 1995 while also making 12 All-Star appearances.

Tom Glavine #349 – The Hall of Fame lefty won 305 games and two Cy Young awards while leading the Braves staff for over a decade.

David Wells #407 – “Boomer” had a lengthy and effective career primarily as a starter with Toronto, Yankees, and Red Sox compiling 239 wins and making one All-Star appearance.

While the above superstar rookies lead the way, there are several other notable names from the 1988 Donruss set that, while they may not have reached the heights of Thomas or Griffey, still had respectable MLB careers:

Bret Saberhagen #60 – The 1985 Cy Young winner had a strong career with Kansas City and Mets tallying 167 wins.

Darrin Jackson #124 – Jackson was a decent bat for several teams, primarily the Cubs, over a 12-year career with a .266 average.

Aaron Sele #221 – Sele carved out a 14-year career mostly as a starter with wins for the Red Sox, Mariners and others.

Doug Drabek #253 – Drabek won the 1990 NL Cy Young with Pittsburgh going 22-6 and made one All-Star team over a solid 13-year career.

Billy Ripken #337 – Yes, the brother of Cal Ripken Jr. and infamous for his “F*** Face” inscription on his 1989 Fleer card which became a pop culture phenomenon.

Tom Pagnozzi #354 – Enjoyed a 12-year career primarily as a catcher for the Cardinals making one All-Star team.

Steve Sax #380 – Sax was a dependable 2B for the early 1980s Dodgers winning two World Series before tailing off later in his career.

While today’s collectors enjoy elaborate photo variations, autographs and more inserted in modern release sets, the 1988 Donruss rookies stand out for sheer star power and contribution to the game over the next generation. Even with relatively basic designs from that era, these cards remain iconic representations of transcendent MLB careers. For investors and fans of ’80s baseball cards alike, finding high grade copies of the likes of Thomas, Griffey Jr, Larkin and others in the 1988 Donruss set will always hold value.

UNOPENED DONRUSS 1989 BASEBALL CARDS

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The Donruss brand produced some of the most popular and collectible baseball cards during the boom years of the late 1980s. Their 1989 set in particular holds a special place in the hobby for many veteran collectors. While opened 1989 Donruss cards can still be found in collections and trading piles today, it’s the sealed unopened wax packs and factory sets that bring a premium due to their scarcity and nostalgia value after over 30 years. Let’s take a closer look at these iconic unopened baseball cards from 1989 and what makes them so desirable for serious set builders and investors even decades later.

Donruss released their flagship baseball card set again in 1989 after successful and popular issues in previous years. The 524 card regular base set featured each team’s roster along with special inserts and parallels that added to the excitement of the chasing the complete rainbow. While the designs and photography were not as flashy as some of the competitors at the time, Donruss cards had a classic clean look that focused more on showing off the players. Each wrapper and box carried the iconic simple branding that is still instantly recognizable to this day.

Upon initial release in the spring of 1989, the cards were hugely popular with the peak of baseball card mania in full swing. Children and collectors tore eagerly into the wax packs and factory sets looking to add to their growing binder collections. Not every single was opened as the frenzy began to take over. Some prudent buyers knew even then that preserving examples in the original unopened condition for the long term would prove wise. Ever since, those who did leave examples sealed have been proven very right as demand has only multiplied over the ensuing decades.

Original wax packs have become the Holy Grail for unopened collectors due to their rarity and time-capsule nostalgia appeal. Clean sealed examples free of tampering or damage in the cardboard multi-pack wrappers have escalated into 5 and even 6 figure price ranges when they surface at public auction. Even big box retailers haven’t been immune as factory sets with their unbroken inner wrapper seals also command premium prices when found unopened after 30+ years on shelves. While demand is highest for the base set, specialty subsets like ’90 All-Stars inserts are also keenly sought after still sealed.

Beyond the novelty factor for collectors of having a perfectly preserved slice of hobby history, there are also rational investment factors driving the stratospheric prices for 1988 Donruss. Unlike stocks, real estate or other typical alternative assets, population reports indicate thousands of these wax packs were likely opened but nearly all surviving sealed examples are singular pieces. Low pops mean rarity and scarcity lift values tremendously over time. Condition sensitive issues like centering, bends or creases aren’t risks either since they remain pristine in the wrapper. Reselling is simplified with absolutely no chance of potentially damaged goods inside after all these decades.

Obviously a huge amount of luck and serendipity would be required for any current collector to uncover a legitimate unsearched case of 1989 Donruss in retail storage after more than 30 years. For those already holding these precious sealed specimens, the future remains extremely bright from an investment perspective. As one of the true Holy Grails for both set builders and sealed collectors, demand seems certain to stay extremely heated and only get more competitive as rarer ones are acquired for longterm personalized collections or moved to auction. Even with today’s lofty evaluations, the growth potential still seems limitless for this true definition of a collectible recognized as a true investment-grade rarity amongst the entire sports card spectrum.

While the players and teams featured in Topps, Fleer and Score issues from 1988-90 may all be familiar, the 1989 Donruss base set still holds an extra special mystique for those who experienced the baseball card boom era first hand. The brand’s simple yet instantly recognizable packaging creatively preserved the thrill of the rip for today’s generations as well. Still sealed after over three decades, examples command prices far exceeding their original retail cost. Far more than a nostalgic trivia piece, unopened 1989 Donruss long ago proved its merit as a true alternative investment asset respected industry-wide. Their unmatched rarity and time-capsule importance make them arguably the crown jewels for both unopened and 80s card collectors today.