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1986 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The 1986 Donruss baseball card set was the third series released by Donruss and marked a notable change in design from previous years. The 1986 checklist featured a wide range of notable players from both the American and National Leagues.

The set totaled 385 cards and included rookie cards for future Hall of Famers Gregg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz. Other top rookies featured were Will Clark, Tim Raines, and Shane Mack. Veterans included superstars like Barry Bonds, Wade Boggs, Andre Dawson, and Tony Gwynn. The design featured a new team banner across the top of each card showing the player’s team logo and colors. Below was a large action photo of the player swinging, fielding, or pitching. Player names were printed in bold yellow text above the photo.

Some key things to note about the 1986 Donruss checklist and set include:

The base card design was a departure from the simple black and white photos of 1985. The team banners and brighter colors made for a more visually appealing set.

The backs of the cards featured stats from the previous season in a simple layout. An action photo was placed at the top with personal career stats listed below.

The checklist included all teams from both leagues with no minor league affiliates included like previous Donruss sets. This helped distinguish it as a “major league” product compared to rival sets.

Top rookies included #1 draft picks Will Clark (#5), Wally Joyner (#8), and Shane Mack (#23). All had bright futures ahead of them.

Future Hall of Famers like Barry Bonds (#44), Wade Boggs (#82), Tony Gwynn (#192), and Dwight Gooden (#352) were entering their primes.

Veteran stars included George Brett (#12), Ozzie Smith (#29), Dale Murphy (#50), and Dave Winfield (#62) still performing at an elite level.

Rookie cards for Hall of Fame pitchers Greg Maddux (#383), Tom Glavine (#357), and John Smoltz (#379) made for potentially valuable cards years later.

Popular players like Tim Raines (#111), Eric Davis (#174), and Jack Clark (#195) had breakout 1985 seasons setting them up for stardom.

Checklist included league leaders like Wade Boggs in batting average and Roger Clemens in ERA from the previous season.

Generally available in packs, boxes, and factory sets without short prints or serial numbers like some other brands. This kept it an “all-star” set focused on photography versus artificial scarcity.

Outside of the base set, the 1986 Donruss checklist also included 50 pink foil parallel cards inserted one per pack or box. There were also annual “Donruss Champions” high number cards issued after the season ended featuring playoff statistics. Other notable inserts included Minis, 3-D, Record Breakers, and Traded sets capturing late season transactions.

The 1986 Donruss baseball card set marked an evolution in the brand’s photography and design elements. Featuring a who’s who of stars both established and emerging, it became a favorite among collectors both then and in the decades since. Keys like the rookie cards of Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz have only increased the set’s durability and legacy within the hobby.

2022 DONRUSS OPTIC BASEBALL MOST VALUABLE CARDS

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The 2022 Donruss Optic baseball card set was released in July andcontains a variety of highly coveted rookie cards and parallels that havealready shown themselves to be amongst the most valuable modern cards onthe hobby market. While still relatively new, several 2022 Optic cardshave already eclipsed the $1000 mark and continue climbing as interest inthe release remains high. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the topvalue cards from this exciting new set.

Perhaps the most sought after rookie in the entire 2022 Optic release isthe Julio Rodríguez Automated Autograph (AAUTO) parallel. As theemerging superstar for the Seattle Mariners who has taken baseball bystorm in his first full season, Rodríguez’s rookie cards have exploded invalue across multiple brands and parallels. His AAUTO /25 parallel fromOptic leads the way, with PSA 10 Gem Mint examples already achievingprices upwards of $5,000. In PSA 9 Near Mint-Mint condition, RodríguezAAUTO’s have still sold for over $3,000, underlining how coveted thisparallel has become for Mariners and baseball card investors alike. WithRodríguez’s dominance both at the plate and in the field looking set tocontinue for years to come, there is little sign of his cards decliningearly in what looks to be a Hall of Fame caliber career still in itsinfancy.

Another enormous riser in the set has been the Bobby Witt Jr. AAUTOparallel. The star rookie second baseman for the Kansas City Royals haslived up to immense expectations in his first MLB campaign, batting over.260 with 20 home runs at the time of writing. His AAUTO /25 from Optichas followed a similar trajectory to Julio’s, with a PSA 10 examplechanging hands for $4,500 back in August. Even PSA 9 copies have reachedworth north of $3,000 due to the immense potential and production fromWitt in what scouts had long predicted would be a star-making rookieseason for the touted prospect. With massive power and elite defensiveprowess, Witt Jr. looks every bit the perennial All-Star and it’s cardsare responding in kind through lofty valuations.

While the AAUTO parallels rightly top the value food chain for Opticrookies, the prized Pink Wave parallel has also begun to create buzz forcertain rookie superstars. Pulling pink at just /50 copies, Pink Wavesoften command enormous mid-tier valuations thanks to their rarity andpopularity among rainbow collectors. A prime example is Adley Rutschman’sPink Wave, which fetched just under $1,000 in PSA 10 condition back inAugust with his breakout season for the Orioles inspiring newfounddemand. Even cards of breakout two-way weapon Shohei Ohtani haveseen/50 Pink Waves trade hands north of $700 with his continued otherworldlyproduction keeping collectors hungry for more of his cards. As rookiesturn into household names, expect certain Pink Waves to ascend intopremium vintage status over the long term.

For the true whales of Optic, nothing compares to the ultra-rare BlackWave parallel, with examples in a /10 edition. Cards that fits thiscriteria have understandably achieved theset’s highest prices to date,led by the $4,300 sale of a Bobby Witt Jr. Black Wave copy in Augustgraded PSA 10. That particular parallel/number combination is amongstthe rarest in the industry, making it a true blue chip modern investmentfor serious collectors. Even in PSA 9 condition, that same Witt Jr. BlackWave fetched over $3,000, outlining how premium parallel rarity and ahuge breakout rookie season have combined to form one of this year’s mostelite offerings. Whenever a Black Wave of an impact rookie surfaces, youcan expect six figure selling prices down the line if history is anythingto go by, cementing them as true modern heterographs.

While the aforementioned absolute cream of the crop parallels naturallycommand top dollar, regular base Optic rookies of stars continueascending at an impressive clip as well. For example, a PSA 10 JulioRodríguez base rookie sold for a staggering $1,600 back in June amid histear, signaling the card had well and truly arrived in premium territoryalready. Even PSA 9 copies have crossed $1,000, highlighting theastronomical prices his cardboard has achieved in such a short timeframe.Bobby Witt Jr. and Adley Rutschman show similar gains, with their PSA 10regular base rookies achieving over $600 and $450 respectively, numbersthat seemed unfathomable pre-season. As players establish themselves inthe Majors, expect Optic rookie valuations to only increase further assupply dwindles overtime.

Donruss Optic also played host to several impact veterans before a spateof high profile retirements. Cards of living legends like Albert Pujols,Miguel Cabrera and Yadier Molina featured, with premium parallelsascending as nostalgia increased in their farewell seasons. An OpticBlaster Box Parallel of Pujols sold in June for $375, underscoring hisenduring popularity among collectors even two decades into his storiedcareer. Elsewhere, a Molina Pink Wave /50 changed hands for $270 inSeptember as Cardinals’ fans bid farewell, while a Cabrera Gold Wave /10achieved $600, all prices that seemed unfathomable for base cards fromthe trio’s earlier primes. With retirement comes retrospectiveappreciation, elevating already valuable vintage stars to a whole newpremium tier.

As release hype fades and true assessment takes hold, Donruss Optic 2022rookies and parallels seem destined for long term investmentpotential.Fueled by burgeoning young stars, impact veterans and razor thinparallel pulls, the set merged performance, scarcity and nostalgia toreinforce itself as an instant classic. While prices may fluctuate inthe short term, top rookie cards are only gaining steam as campaignsprogress. Coupled with the enduring nostalgia collectors have for1980s/90sDonruss designs, this release appears built to appreciate overtime. Asthe 2022 season fades into memory, certain Optic cards may ultimatelyprove themselves the true nucleus modern collections for years to come.Only time will tell which parallel or rookie emerges as a true 1/1 prizedheterograph, but the foundations are already being laid for this set tocement its place in the hobby hall of fame before its first birthday haspassed.

RARE DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS 1991

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The 1991 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most iconic and collectible issues in the brand’s history. While it lacked the huge rookies and stars of years past, several scarce short prints and oddball parallels make individual 1991 Donruss cards some of the most coveted and valuable in the hobby.

The base set featured 332 cards with design cues taken from the hugely popular 1990 set. With simple white borders and team logo/color blocks at the bottom, the visuals had a classic, clean look collectors loved. The checklist was led by stars like Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr., Wade Boggs and Kirby Puckett. Rosters were complete though some lesser players saw surprisingly low print runs.

While zero rookies went on to the Hall of Fame, the 1991 Donruss set had its fair share of valuable short prints and rare insert subsets. Among the most difficult base cards to find are:#P249 Brooks Kieschnick, #P312 Bo Jackson, and #P332 JerryReuss. These ended production early and have estimates under 10 surviving copies each. Graded examples have sold for over $1000 apiece.

Additionally, Donruss issued several parallel sets with different photo variations and borders/coloring. The ‘Ultra Premium’ version used cream borders and reproduced the photos in a glossier, higher quality finish. Only 1000 of each card were printed, making any Ultra Premium nearly impossible to locate in gem mint condition. High-grade examples can cost thousands.

Another parallel was the ‘Premium Gold Stamp’ subset. Fifty randomly inserted gold stamped parallels were mixed into packs for each player. Considered the rarest Donruss parallel ever, pulling one of these spectacular looking cards had odds below 1 in 10,000 packs. Just a handful are confirmed to exist today.

Among the most iconic 1991 Donruss inserts were the ‘Circles of Greatness’ retrospective cards honoring past stars. Only 25 copies of each of the 8 players were produced, including legends like Babe Ruth, Ted Williams and Willie Mays. In high grades, these so-called ‘1/1s’ can sell for over $50,000 given their unprecedented rarity.

The fun ‘Diamond Kings’ insert depicted players with jewel-encrusted uniforms. While somewhat common ungraded, mint condition examples have earned thousands. Perhaps most notorious were the ‘Crisp’ parallel versions, distinguishable by their razor-sharp photo crispness. Only 10 of each player were inserted, making these specimens nearly impossible to obtain.

While lacking the rookie class of past years, the 1991 Donruss set endures due to its spectacular shirts, parallel sets and inserts with unprecedented low print runs. Keys like the Ultra Premiums, Gold Stamps and Circles parallel sets rank among the most valuable modern sports cards ever produced. For dedicated collectors, hunting a gem mint example of these iconic rarities provides the ultimate 1991 Donruss chase.

BEST CARDS 1988 DONRUSS BASEBALL

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The 1988 Donruss baseball set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable vintage card releases of all time. While the entire set offers plenty of nostalgia and investment potential, some stand out more than others due to star power, scarcity, and historical significance. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the biggest hits and most coveted cards from the 1988 Donruss set.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Card #1)

Undoubtedly the crown jewel of the 1988 Donruss set is the rookie card of future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. Widely considered one of if not the most iconic rookie card in the modern era, Griffey Jr.’s debut is arguably the most sought-after and valuable card from the entire 1980s. While the set was printed heavily at the time, the Griffey rookie has stood the test of time as a true icon of the hobby. In near-mint to mint condition, examples regularly sell for $4,000-$6,000 and up. The card holds immense nostalgia as collectors remember the arrival of “The Kid” and his effortless swing and athleticism in the outfield. For many, this was their first glimpse of the superstar that Griffey would become.

Roger Clemens (Card #91)

As one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, Roger Clemens’ cards from the late 1980s hold significant value. His 1988 Donruss card, which captures “The Rocket” in a Boston Red Sox uniform, is highly sought after by both Red Sox and card collectors alike. While not quite the household name in 1988 that he would become, Clemens was already establishing himself as an ace. Examples in gem mint condition have sold in the $500+ range in recent years. The card serves as an important piece of his early career during his domination of the American League.

Greg Maddux Rookie Card (Card #325)

Overshadowed a bit by Griffey’s massive rookie that same year, Greg Maddux’s rookie is still a highly coveted piece from 1988 Donruss. Maddux would go on to have one of the greatest pitching careers in MLB history, winning 4 Cy Young Awards and 355 games over 23 seasons. His rookie card shows promise of what was to come as he had already made his MLB debut in 1986. Higher grade versions in the PSA 9-10 range can approach $400-500. For Chicago Cubs fans and Maddux collectors, it’s an essential piece of their collections.

Ozzie Smith (Card #383)

As a 13-time Gold Glove winner and member of the 3,000 hit club, Ozzie Smith was already establishing himself as one of the greatest defensive shortstops to ever play when his 1988 Donruss card was released. Nicknamed “The Wizard” for his otherworldly skills in the field, Smith’s card remains popular with both Cardinals fans and collectors pursuing the game’s best fielders. Higher graded copies in the PSA 8-10 range will typically sell for $100-300 depending on condition. It’s a perfect snapshot of one of baseball’s most electrifying players at his peak.

Nolan Ryan (Card #449)

At age 41 in 1988, Nolan Ryan was entering the final stages of his legendary 27-year MLB career. He was still posting dominant numbers, including a 2.76 ERA and 270 strikeouts that season for the Houston Astros. His intimidating over-the-top delivery and 100 MPH fastball made him a fan favorite. His 1988 Donruss card pays homage to his status as one of baseball’s most feared pitchers ever. PSA 9-10 examples can reach $150-300 based on the condition and Ryan’s enduring popularity. It’s an important piece of memorabilia from one of the game’s all-time great hurlers and record holders.

Wade Boggs (Card #461)

Already a five-time batting champion by 1988, Wade Boggs was establishing himself as perhaps the greatest hitter of his generation. His pristine batting stance and ability to spray line drives to all fields made him a nightmare for opposing pitchers night after night. His 1988 Donruss card shows him in the prime of his career with the Boston Red Sox, foreshadowing the Hall of Fame nod that would come. Higher graded versions in the PSA 8-10 range can be acquired for $75-150 depending on the market. For Red Sox fans and collectors of the game’s top hitters, it’s a must-have.

Kirby Puckett (Card #487)

While he wouldn’t achieve superstardom until winning World Series MVP honors in 1991, Kirby Puckett was already emerging as a fan favorite for the Minnesota Twins in 1988. His infectious smile and game-changing abilities are on full display in his 1988 Donruss issue. He would go on to a Hall of Fame career as arguably the greatest Twins player ever before his tragic early passing in 2006. PSA 9-10 examples currently sell in the $150-300 range, though interest in Puckett continues to grow. It’s an essential piece of his early career success in Minnesota.

Mark McGwire (Card #509)

In just his second big league season in 1988, Mark McGwire was showing signs of the raw power that would make him a star for the Oakland A’s. While steroids would unfortunately cloud his legacy later on, McGwire’s early cards remain popular for their connection to baseball’s home run chase era. His 1988 Donruss issue in particular shows his muscular 6’5″ frame starting to fill out. Higher graded versions around the PSA 8-10 range will sell between $75-150 based on condition. It captures McGwire on the verge of superstardom.

Cal Ripken Jr. (Card #547)

By 1988, Cal Ripken Jr. was already establishing himself as perhaps the most durable player in baseball history thanks to his incredible consecutive games played streak. While it wouldn’t be broken for nearly two more decades, Ripken’s commitment to playing through any injury earned him respect from fans and peers alike. His 1988 Donruss card pays homage to his workmanlike approach for the Baltimore Orioles. PSA 9-10 copies can reach $75-150 based on the ever-growing interest in Ripken’s iconic career feats.

While the entire 1988 Donruss baseball set remains a treasure trove for collectors and investors, certain cards stand out above the rest due to the superstar players they feature and historical moments they capture. From rookie sensations like Griffey and Maddux to established legends like Nolan Ryan, Boggs, and Ripken, these select 1988 Donruss issues offer a glimpse at some of the most memorable players and performances in the game’s history. They remain essential pieces of memorabilia that only increase in value and nostalgia over time.

1992 DONRUSS BASEBALL VALUABLE CARDS

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The 1992 Donruss baseball card set was released at the tail end of the junk wax era, but contained several rookie cards and prospects that have proven to hold significant long-term value. While not the most acclaimed design of the early 1990s, the 1992 Donruss set became an important issue as it included the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Frank Thomas and Derek Jeter.

Perhaps the most coveted card from the 1992 Donruss set is the Frank Thomas rookie card. As the backbone of the dominant 1990s Chicago White Sox teams, Thomas went on to have one of the greatest right-handed hitting careers in baseball history. He was a five-time All-Star, two-time AL MVP, and finished in the top-6 in MVP voting seven times between 1991-2000. All of this success has translated to strong demand for his rookie card. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples regularly sell for well over $1000 today, with the all-time record being a PSA 10 that sold for $3500 in August 2021. Even low-grade copies trade hands for $100-300 depending on condition, showing the lasting appeal of Thomas’ rookie card nearly 30 years after issue.

Another top card from the 1992 Donruss set is Derek Jeter’s rookie. As a lifetime Yankee and one of the most successful shortstops ever, Jeter rose to international stardom and popularity over his 20-year career. He won five World Series titles, was a fourteen-time All-Star, finished top-5 in MVP voting five times, and had a .310 career batting average. With all this success and his status as a pinstriped icon, it’s no surprise that Jeter’s rookie card maintains exceptional values. High-grade PSA/BGS 10 examples have cracked $10,000, $15,000, and $20,000 sales at auction in recent years. But even low-grades in the PSA 5-7 range still manage to sell in the $100-500 range depending on condition issues, showing the consistent popularity of this card.

While not on par with Thomas or Jeter, other key 1992 Donruss rookies that have upheld value include Nomar Garciaparra ($100-500 for PSA 9-10), Jason Giambi ($50-250 for PSA 8-10), and Aaron Boone ($25-150 for PSA 8-10). Giambi and Boone enjoyed sustained success as power hitters, All-Stars, and part of early 2000s Yankees dynasties. Meanwhile, Garciaparra was a perennial All-Star and batting champion for the Red Sox until injuries derailed his career. All remained productive major leaguers for a decade or more, keeping collectors interested in their rookie cards from the ’92 Donruss set.

Beyond rookies, the 1992 Donruss set also contained the prospect cards of players who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers like Chipper Jones, Ivan Rodriguez, and Jim Thome. While not true rookies, their prospects cards captured them at an early stage before superstardom. As a result, high-grade examples of these cards can still attract four-figure prices today given the players’ accomplishments – a PSA 9 Chipper Jones prospect brought $1200 back in 2019. Other solid veteran cards that have held value include Kirby Puckett ($50-300), Cal Ripken Jr. ($25-150), and Barry Bonds ($25-150) – representing some of the biggest stars of the 1990s.

On the team card front, the most iconic and valuable 1992 Donruss issue is the Toronto Blue Jays championship script team card featuring Joe Carter’s iconic World Series walk-off home run. PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 examples of this historically significant card have sold for as much as $3500. Additional popular and valuable team cards include 1992 World Series teams like the Blue Jays ($100-500), Atlanta Braves ($50-250), and Pittsburgh Pirates ($25-150). Regional team allegiances also continue to support strong secondary market prices for team cards like the Red Sox, Yankees, and Cubs in higher grades.

While mass-produced like most early ’90s sets, the 1992 Donruss issue managed to capture several players and teams at unique transitional points in their careers. After a slow initial market, strong performances and Hall of Fame inductions have made many of these cards steadily appreciate assets three decades later. Factors like condition, autographs or memorabilia also increase rarity and value exponentially for elite examples. While not typically cited alongside the great vintage sets, the 1992 Donruss release ended up housing many Rookie Cards and prospects that resonate strongly with collectors to this day.

DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS 2021 VALUE

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Donruss baseball cards are among the most popular and widely collected modern baseball card issues. The 2021 Donruss baseball card set saw another year of strong sales and interest from collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at the 2021 Donruss cards, their design, parallels, short prints, and value for some of the top rookie cards and stars in the set.

The 2021 Donruss baseball card base set contains 330 cards, with each team receiving between 15-21 cards to represent their roster. The design is similar to recent years with a clean white border surrounding each photo. What makes Donruss cards stand out is their use of action shots rather than traditional posed photography. This gives collectors memorable snapshots of players in the midst of an at-bat, pitch, or defensive play.

While the base cards can be acquired for under $1 each, there are several parallels and short prints that add to the excitement of collecting Donruss. The most common parallels are the Silver Pack parallels, which are numbered to /199. These shinier versions of the base cards typically sell in the $3-5 range. Next up are the Green Foil parallels, limited to /99 copies. These attract $5-10 each depending on the player.

An elite parallel is the Gold Foil, which is extremely short printed to only /50 copies. Examples of star rookies and veterans in the Gold parallel regularly fetch $20-50 due to their rarity. At the high-end are the Platinum parallel cards, limited to an ultra-short print run of just /10 copies. Examples have sold for over $100 due to being true 1-of-10 versions of certain players.

Another way Donruss increases interest is through “hit” short prints that are inserted much less frequently than the base cards. The biggest chase is finding an autographed card, which have a print run of /99 or less. Examples of star rookie autographs like Wander Franco or Vladimir Guerrero Jr. routinely sell for $100-300. Next down are the Diamond parallels, which are short printed to /75 copies. These semi-hits add value and excitement when pulled.

Now let’s examine some key 2021 Donruss rookies and veterans along with their current average eBay values:

Wander Franco Base: $15-20

Wander Franco Silver: $25-30

Wander Franco Gold: $50-75

Wander Franco Autograph: $150-250

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Base: $8-12

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Silver: $12-15

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Gold: $30-40

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Autograph: $100-150

Julio Rodriguez Base: $10-15

Julio Rodriguez Silver: $15-20

Julio Rodriguez Gold: $30-50

Shane Bieber Base: $5-8

Shane Bieber Silver: $8-12

Shane Bieber Gold: $20-30

Fernando Tatis Jr. Base: $5-8

Fernando Tatis Jr. Silver: $8-12

Fernando Tatis Jr. Gold: $15-25

As you can see, the top rookies from 2021 like Wander Franco and Julio Rodriguez command the highest prices. Even stars like Tatis Jr. and veterans like Shane Bieber retain value in the set due to the popularity of the brand. The 2021 Donruss baseball cards proved to be another successful and collectible issue from the long-running brand. With its classic design and several exciting chase cards, the set remains one of the best modern issues to collect.

MOST VALUABLE 89 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1989 Donruss baseball set featured some of the greatest stars of that era. While not the flashiest or most desired set compared to Topps or Fleer, many key rookie cards and stars of the day had durable cardboard representations in the Donruss set. As the 1980s drew to a close, baseball card values were soaring across the board. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable and desired 1989 Donruss issues that can fetch strong prices for collectors today.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card – Widely considered one of the all-time great rookie cards in any sport, the Ken Griffey Jr. Donruss issue from 1989 is arguably the most coveted single card from the entire set. Griffey was already showing signs of future stardom in his inaugural big league season with the Seattle Mariners in ’89. But nobody could predict he would become a nearly unanimous Hall of Famer and one of the most talented all-around players of his generation. In high grade, the Griffey rookie can exceed $1000 raw and reaches the $2000-3000 range graded gem mint. Even well-worn low-grade copies still sell for $100-200 based on nostalgia and history alone. This iconic cardboard piece of Griffey’s rise has enduring value.

Chipper Jones Rookie Card – Another future Hall of Famer and one of the best third basemen ever, Atlanta Braves great Chipper Jones had his first baseball card issue in 1989 Donruss. Like Griffey, Jones showed early promise with a strong showing in his rookie campaign shared between two teams. The Donruss Chipper rookie isn’t in the same stratosphere as value as the Griffey, but graded mint copies can still earn $400-600. Most raw versions sell in the $75-150 range depending on condition. Jones’ career accomplishments and what he meant to Atlanta sports history keep this an eagerly sought rookie on the market.

Barry Larkin Rookie Card – In an era of tremendous shortstop talent, Cincinnati Reds all-time great Barry Larkin more than held his own. His stellar 21-year big league career culminated with his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Larkin’s rookie card in ’89 Donruss reflects the promise he flashed in his first full MLB season. High-grade Larkin rookies have reached $300-400 prices in graded gems. Even well-worn raw versions regularly pull in $50-100 figures from hardcore collectors wanting a piece of this Reds immortal’s early years.

Greg Maddux Rookie Card – Future Hall of Famer and arguably the greatest control pitcher ever, Greg Maddux had his rookie card issued in 1989 Donruss as well. By this point, Maddux was already showing the incredible command and control that would define his legendary career. While not quite as popular as Griffey, Larkin or Jones, a graded mint Maddux rookie can earn $200-300. Most raw copies in average condition still command $50-80 based solely on his incredible success as one of baseball’s all-time greats.

Nolan Ryan Record Breakers Card – Paying homage to Nolan Ryan breaking the all-time strikeout record in that year, Donruss issued a special “Record Breakers” card for the Texas Rangers legend that has become quite collectible in its own right. Ryan was already a living legend by 1989 but still pitching effectively at an advanced age. This unique cardboard recognition of his unparalleled longevity and prolific strikeout prowess grades out at the $75-150 range in top condition. Well-preserved raw versions usually earn $30-60 figures from advanced Rangers and Ryan collectors.

Ken Griffey Sr. Futures Star Card – An interesting footnote card showing promise for the father of the iconic Griffey Jr., this Futures Star issue featuring Seattle Mariners outfielder Ken Griffey Sr. has developed a small but loyal collector following of its own over the decades. Graded mint examples can reach the $75-125 price range based more on sentimentality than stats. But for Mariners diehards and fans wanting a piece of history connected to the Griffey dynasty, raw copies still sell reasonably well from $20-40.

Frank Thomas Rookie Card – Another superb all-around player who would go on to have a Hall of Fame career, Chicago White Sox slugger Frank Thomas debuted in the 1989 Donruss set as well. While his cardboard wasn’t quite as heralded as the headliners above at the time, graded pristine Thomas rookies have surpassed the $200 benchmarks in recent years. Most raw copies in average shape still change hands for $30-60 depending on demand levels for the “Big Hurt.”

Ozzie Smith Turn Back The Clock Card – One of the true magician defenders in MLB history and a fan favorite for over two decades in St. Louis, Ozzie Smith was still going strong for the 1989 Donruss project. A popular “Turn Back The Clock” insert pays tribute to Smith’s defensive prowess by recreating one of his signature backhanded plays from 1985. Higher-grade versions of this insert have brought $75-125 figures. Well-kept raw copies commonly earn $25-50 for collectors wanting to add a unique Smith piece.

Nolan Ryan Record Watch Card – Similar to the base Nolan Ryan Record Breakers card above but showing a statistics checklist tracking Ryan’s chase of the all-time strikeout record, this parallel “Record Watch” insert remains a favorite of Nolan Ryan patrons. Better preserved versions with the checklist fully intact have topped $60-100 price points. Most average condition raw copies sell within the $20-40 range.

Scott Erickson Rookie Card – Minnesota Twins ace Scott Erickson enjoyed several productive MLB seasons and his first cardboard appearance is the 1989 Donruss rookie. While he didn’t achieve the superstar status of others in this set, graded mint Erickson rookies have exceeded $75 values. Average raw versions trade in the $15-30 neighborhood depending on demand.

This covers some of the most recognizable, desirable and valuable vintage 1989 Donruss baseball cards to be on the lookout for. While not all players featured panned out as true future stars, they captured incredible raw talent and potential at the time. Combined with historical performances and career accomplishments after the fact, these cards retain nostalgic appeal and strong secondary market collectible value even decades later. Serious baseball card investors would be wise to hold examples of these foundational 1980s rookies and key veterans in their portfolios.

DONRUSS BASEBALL PUZZLE AND CARDS 1987

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most unique and collectible issues in the history of the hobby. Not only did it feature players’ photos on the front of the cards for the first time, but it also included a puzzle promotion that sparked a nationwide frenzy among kids and adults alike.

Donruss had produced fairly standard baseball cards throughout the 1980s, using simple designs with stats on the back and team logos or action shots on the front. For 1987 they opted to put the focus squarely on the players by showing headshots of each guy from cap-to-jersey. This change helped make the players feel more like celebrities and icons to collectors.

But it was the puzzle promotion that truly set the ’87 Donruss set apart. On the reverse of every card was a small piece of a larger baseball-themed picture. If you collected the entire 660-card base set, you could assemble the full puzzle which depicted a scene from a game at Wrigley Field. Naturally, kids everywhere were enticed by the challenge of completing this massive jigsaw.

The puzzle craze dominated the baseball card collecting landscape that summer. Kids traded furiously to find cards from other teams and players they didn’t normally collect. Stores had trouble keeping the wax packs in stock. The demand was unprecedented. For many kids, it marked their first serious foray into the hobby. And for those who finished the puzzle, there was a great sense of accomplishment.

While the puzzle was the initial draw, the photography and design of the ’87 Donruss set has also contributed to its longevity. Photos of sluggers like Mark McGwire and Will Clark really capture their physical presence in crisp detail. Rookies such as Barry Larkin and Tom Glavine received some of their best early portrayals. Even lesser stars got memorable snapshots.

The puzzle wasn’t the only insert included, either. Donruss produced parallel sets like ‘Donruss Diamond Kings’ highlighting the sport’s biggest stars. Special rookie cards for Ben McDonald, Gregg Jefferies and others added to the excitement. And subsets like ‘Donruss Leaders’ and ‘Donruss Hall of Famers’ gave collectors varied chase categories beyond the base cards.

In the decades since, the ’87 Donruss set has maintained a strong fanbase. Its innovative puzzle aspect, iconic photography and memorable rookie class continue to attract collectors. PSA-graded gem mint examples of stars like McGwire, Larkin and Glavine routinely sell for hundreds on the secondary market. Even common players command respectable prices due to the set’s enduring popularity.

The puzzle promotion also had some unforeseen long-term impacts. It helped cement baseball cards as a mainstream hobby for both children and adults. And it showed manufacturers that insert cards and chase strategies could boost interest – paving the way for the inserts and parallels that are ubiquitous today. While the puzzle craze was short-lived, its influence on the industry proved lasting.

When the dust settled on the 1987 season, Donruss had undoubtedly produced one of the most significant releases in the history of sports cards. Between the puzzle, photography, designs and star rookies, it captured the baseball world’s imagination like few sets before or since. The ’87 Donruss cards remain a touchstone for collectors and a window into a peak period for the hobby. For both its innovations and what it exemplifies about the golden age of baseball cards, it is a true gem in the catalog.

1983 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET VALUE

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The 1983 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the “junk wax” era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While individual cards from this set hold little value on their own, acquiring a complete set from 1983 in near mint condition can be worth a significant amount of money.

The 1983 Donruss set was the third release from Donruss and contained 320 total cards. Some key details and statistics that help determine the value of a complete 1983 Donruss set include:

Print run: The print run (number of sets printed) for 1983 Donruss is estimated to be over 1 billion individual cards. This large production number places it squarely in the “junk wax” era known for mass-produced sets with inflated print runs. Surviving complete sets from this era in high grades are much harder to find intact compared to loose individual cards.

Condition: As with any collectible card set, condition is extremely important when appraising value. A complete 1983 Donruss set in Near Mint to Mint condition (grades from 8-10 on the 10-point scale) can demand the highest prices. Even moderate wear bringing cards down to Near Mint/Excellent (7-8) condition will decrease the set’s worth considerably. Heavily played sets with cards graded at 6 or below have very little value.

Checklist and variations: The 1983 Donruss checklist included notable rookies like Ryne Sandberg, Darryl Strawberry, and Dwight Gooden. The set has no true short prints or serially numbered parallel subsets that increase individual card values. The standard design was used on all 320 cards.

Population report data: Online population tracking services like PSA and BGS provide insights into preservation rates. An estimated intact 1983 Donruss sets number less than 1,000 across all condition grades. Most of the approximately 1 billion+ printed cards exist today as loose singles. This scarcity factor increases desirability for higher graded complete sets.

So with those key attributes in mind, what could an pristine 1983 Donruss set in Near Mint to Mint condition be worth today on the current market? Here are some estimated value ranges:

PSA/BGS 8+ (Near Mint to Mint): $1,000-$2,000

A superb quality complete 1983 Donruss set graded with a 8 or higher by PSA or BGS could command $1,000 up to as high as $2,000. Finding an intact set at these rarefied conditions becomes increasingly tough.

PSA/BGS 7-7.5 (Near Mint/Excellent): $500-800

Lightcentering issues or slight whitening could still net $500 to $800 for a full 1983 Donruss set grading around a 7 to 7.5. Demand remains for high-quality examples.

Raw/Ungraded: $300-500

Even without a official grade, a 1983 Donruss set that appears uniformly Near Mint could attract $300-$500 raw. Buyers will inspect carefully for flaws, soft corners, etc.

PSA/BGS 6 or below: $100-300

Heavilyplayedconditionsduetofolding,dents,creasesseverelydamagevalue.SetswithcardsinPSA6ormayonlyfind$100to$300interest.

While individual 1983 Donruss cards have minimal single value, acquiring a complete set has grown in desirability for dedicated collectors. Condition is critical, with Mint sets capable of reaching four-figure prices. Even in Near Mint to Excellent condition, a full set can still attract $500+ based on the challenging task of putting all pieces together 39 years after the original release. For collectors seeking a classic and iconic junk wax baseball set, 1983 Donruss satisfies both nostalgia and sound investment potential.

BEST 1995 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1995 Donruss baseball card set was unique in that it featured some of the game’s biggest stars who were in the prime of their careers. While not as popular as the flagship Topps set that year, 1995 Donruss cards offered collectors a nostalgic throwback design and featured rookies and stars who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards from the 1995 Donruss baseball release.

Ken Griffey Jr. was already a superstar by 1995 with multiple All-Star and Gold Glove awards to his name. The 1995 Donruss #1 Ken Griffey Jr. card showcased “The Kid” in his Seattle Mariners uniform and is one of the most iconic Griffey cards of the 1990s. With his effortless swing and electrifying play in center field, Griffey was one of the faces of baseball and his cards were hot commodities for collectors. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies of this Griffey rookie card have sold for over $10,000, showing its enduring popularity among collectors decades later.

Another young superstar just entering his prime was Frank Thomas of the Chicago White Sox. “The Big Hurt” was coming off an MVP season in 1994 and his intimidating presence in the batter’s box made him a fan favorite on the South Side. The 1995 Donruss #293 Frank Thomas card featured a close-up action shot of Thomas swinging the bat. He would go on to have one of the best power-hitting careers of all time, making this an important card for any collection focused on the game’s all-time great sluggers.

Ken Griffey Jr. wasn’t the only rookie card standout from the 1995 Donruss set. Derek Jeter’s rookie is also one of the most iconic from the 1990s and it came in the 1995 Donruss baseball release. Card #146 showed “The Captain” in his classic Yankees pinstripes, foreshadowing the great success he would have as the longtime face of the franchise. Jeter went on to collect 5 World Series rings and 3,465 career hits, cementing his Hall of Fame status. High grade copies of this iconic rookie card can sell for over $500 due to its historical significance.

While stars like Griffey, Thomas, and Jeter received high numbers in the set, one of the most visually striking cards was the unnumbered Mike Piazza rookie card. Piazza had just been acquired by the Dodgers from the Marlins and the close-up photo on his rookie highlights his intense focus and batting stance. He would go on to smash 427 career home runs primarily as a Dodger and Met, still holding the record for most homers by a catcher. High grade Piazza rookies can sell for over $1,000 due to his all-time great power production from the catcher position.

In addition to young stars and future Hall of Famers, 1995 Donruss also featured cards showcasing players at the peak of their careers like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine. Bonds’ card #63 showed “The Bear” in his Pirates uniform, just before he was traded to the Giants and began his legendary steroid-fueled run. Clemens’ intimidating stare and delivery were captured on his #249 card during his dominant years with the Red Sox. Maddux and Glavine, the aces of the Braves rotation, also received cards highlighting their pinpoint control. Collectors love obtaining cards from the prime years of all-time great players.

While stars received eye-catching artwork, solid veterans and role players filled out the 1995 Donruss baseball set roster as well. Examples include #290 John Kruk of the Phillies, known for his “jheri curl” hairstyle and unconventional batting stance. #308 Darren Daulton was another key contributor to Philadelphia’s 1993 World Series team. #334 Darryl Kile’s card as an Astros pitcher was issued before his tragic death. These types of cards provide historical snapshots of unique players and teams from the mid-1990s.

While it didn’t receive quite the same fanfare as the flagship Topps set in 1995, Donruss offered collectors a fun, nostalgic design and featured many of the game’s all-time greats as well as young stars who were just beginning to make a name for themselves. Rookies of Griffey, Jeter, and Piazza are standouts, along with cards showing superstars like Bonds, Clemens, and Frank Thomas in their primes. With over 30 years of history since, 1995 Donruss remains a fun and collectible set for fans of 1990s baseball cards and the players they depict.