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DON MATTINGLY BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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Don Mattingly is considered one of the greatest first basemen of all time and had a highly successful Major League Baseball career playing for the New York Yankees from 1982 to 1995. As a result of his standout play and popularity, Mattingly has many baseball cards that were produced over the years that are now highly valuable for collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key Don Mattingly cards that are worth pursuing and how much they can fetch on the secondary market today.

One of the most coveted and expensive Don Mattingly rookie cards is his 1982 Topps card #126. This is considered his true rookie card as it was the first card produced of him as a big leaguer after making his MLB debut that season. The 1982 Topps set is one of the most iconic in baseball card history and Mattingly’s card is a key piece for any Yankees or rookie card PC. In high grade, a PSA 10 or BGS/SGC 9.5 version of this card in pristine condition can sell for over $10,000. Even well-centered, sharp examples in PSA 8 or 9 condition will demand $1,000+ prices.

Another early and valuable Mattingly issue is his 1983 Topps Traded card #T83. This was produced as part of the Traded set insert focusing on players who were traded or acquired in-season. It shows Mattingly in a Yankees uniform for the first time after he played the entirety of 1982 with the team. High-end PSA 10 copies have sold for around $4,000, with PSA 9s bringing $1,000-2,000 still. This is an iconic early traded card that all Mattingly collectors want.

For Mattingly’s true rookie with the iconic 1982 design but showing him as a more established player, you’ll want to target his 1983 Topps card #560. Considered one of his key early base cards, high grade PSA 10 or BGS/SGC 9.5 versions can sell for $1,000-2,000. PSA 9s in the $300-700 range are more common. Even raw, this card holds great value as a must-have for any Mattingly collector.

Moving into the late 1980s, one of Mattingly’s most visually striking and popular cards is his 1987 Topps card #1. As the #1 player in the set, this image of Mattingly swinging with a blue sky background is iconic. Pristine PSA 10 copies have sold for over $500, with PSA 9s bringing $150-300 still. Even in lower grades, this card remains highly collectible and desirable for any Mattingly PC.

For Mattingly fans who enjoyed Topps Traded sets, his 1986 Topps Traded card #T100 stands out. This colorful card shows Mattingly batting left-handed against a green and yellow backdrop. High grade PSA 10 examples have reached $400-500, with PSA 9s settling in the $150-250 range depending on demand. This set is an underrated gem that many collectors seek out.

Switching to non-Topps issues, Mattingly has several valuable cards in the Fleer and Donruss sets of the mid-1980s as well that are key to finding. His 1985 Fleer #480 and 1986 Fleer #480 are iconic cards that can reach $200-300 in top PSA 10 condition, with PSA 9s selling for $75-150. Similarly, his 1985 Donruss #480 and 1986 Donruss #480 in high grades command $150-250 as some of the best from those respected brands.

For Mattingly’s postseason heroics, there is high demand for his memorable playoff performance cards as well. His 1987 Topps Tiffany #560 highlights his 1986 ALCS MVP honors. Pristine PSA 10 examples have reached $500, with PSA 9s settling in the $150-300 range depending on conditions. Similarly, his 1987 Topps Traded Tiffany #T100 card is a highly sought after playoff standout issue.

In summary, Don Mattingly possesses an excellent array of valuable baseball cards from the height of his playing career with the Yankees in the 1980s. Keys like his 1982 and 1983 Topps rookies, iconic 1987 Topps #1, and top graded examples of his main early and mid-career issues are all cards that dedicated collectors seek out. With Hall of Fame caliber stats and his popularity in New York, Mattingly cards continue to be a solid investment area for savvy card investors and collectors alike. With rarer, higher graded pieces still pushing four-figure prices, his legacy endures on the sports collecting market.

BASEBALL CARDS TOPPS DON MATTINGLY

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Donald Arthur Mattingly is considered one of the greatest first basemen of all time and had a highly successful career playing for the New York Yankees from 1982 to 1995. As a left-handed batter with impressive power and a smooth fielding style, Mattingly established himself as a fan favorite and leader for the Yankees during the 1980s. His career was documented through Topps baseball cards during his 14 seasons in Major League Baseball.

Mattingly made his Topps rookie card debut in 1982 with card #30 in the standard set. The card featured a photo of him from his time in the Yankees farm system prior to his MLB debut. While not one of his more iconic cards in terms of photo or design, it was the first glimpse collectors had of the young first baseman on a mass-produced card as he began his journey in the majors. Mattingly would go on to have rookie cards in Donruss and Fleer sets that same year as the “Big Three” card companies competed for the license to document players.

In 1983, Mattingly broke out with a stellar season batting .323 with 35 home runs and 110 RBI, finishing third in AL MVP voting as a 22-year old. This established performance led to one of his most popular early cards, the 1983 Topps card #144. The bright yellow and blue design paired with a powerful action shot of Mattingly swinging the bat made this one of the more visually appealing cards from the set that has endured for collectors. It captured Mattingly in his early prime and foreshadowed the all-star caliber player he would become.

From 1984-1990, Mattingly was featured prominently in the Topps sets each year as one of the game’s best players and biggest stars. Highlights included the 1984 card that showed him in a home run swing (#5), 1985 (#420) with a classic headshot, 1986 (#170) fielding at first, 1987 (#110) batting right-handed, 1988 (#369) running the bases, 1989 (#500) stretching for a throw, and 1990 (#400) catching a pop fly. These consistent annual issues helped document the evolution of Mattingly’s career stats and all-star accomplishments on the classic cardboard collectors knew and loved.

1991 was a milestone year as Mattingly won his first and only Gold Glove and batting title with a .343 average. Topps recognized this with one of his most iconic cards, the 1991 design #1. Featuring a close-up portrait of “Donnie Baseball” in Yankee pinstripes, it perfectly captured Mattingly at the peak of his career. The card became a highly sought after and valuable version for collectors that wanted to commemorate Mattingly’s stellar 1991 season near the height of his fame and abilities.

Injuries would begin affecting Mattingly’s production in the early 1990s, though he remained a fan favorite as the longtime Yankee captain. Topps cards in 1992 (#500), 1993 (#480), and 1994 (#480) showed him battling through these physical setbacks with determination. The 1995 Topps card (#480) was also notable as it marked the end of Mattingly’s playing career with the Yankees, having been released after the season concluded. It served as a retrospective look at the leader who had donned the pinstripes for over a decade.

After retiring as a player, Mattingly continued his Yankee association as a coach. Topps released manager/coach cards of him from 1996-1997 (#450, #500 respectively) in their manager subsets. These provided collectors a unique way to commemorate Mattingly’s transition to the dugout after his Hall of Fame worthy playing career. He would go on to manage the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2011-2015, earning more recent manager cards from manufacturers during this later chapter of his baseball journey.

In summary, Don Mattingly’s 14-year MLB career and iconic tenure with the Yankees was perfectly captured through his collection of Topps baseball cards from 1982-1997. From his rookie issue to the annual updates chronicling his all-star stats to milestone cards celebrating accomplishments, Topps delivered on documenting one of the sport’s greatest first basemen on cardboard for generations of collectors. Mattingly’s story on and off the field continues to inspire baseball fans, all while his classic Topps cards from the 1980s remain a nostalgic and valuable reminder of his glory days in New York pinstripes.

MOST VALUABLE DON MATTINGLY BASEBALL CARDS

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Don Mattingly is widely considered one of the greatest first basemen in Major League Baseball history despite his career being cut short by recurring back injuries. As a true lifetime Yankee, Mattingly played his entire 14-year career for the New York Yankees from 1982 to 1995 and was nicknamed “Donnie Baseball.” His on-field leadership, consistency at the plate and slick fielding ability made him a fan favorite and staple in the Yankee franchise during the 1980s. Unsurprisingly, Mattingly’s accomplishments, playing career and popularity have made many of his baseball cards very collectible and highly valuable decades after his retirement. Here is a more in-depth look at some of the most expensive and sought after Don Mattingly baseball cards from across his career:

1985 Topps Traded #150T Don Mattingly RC Rookie Card – Widely considered Mattingly’s true rookie card, the 1985 Topps Traded issue debuted after his MVP 1984 season and regular 1985 Topps cards were already printed. As a late-season addition, it features updated stats and photos to capture Mattingly’s breakout year. In pristine mint condition, examples of this scarce Mattingly RC have sold for over $15,000, making it one of the costliest Yankees cards available. The card stands out for marking Mattingly’s arrival as a true star and one of the most renowned RCs from the 1980s set.

1987 Topps Tiffany #401T Don Mattingly – Part of Topps’ high-end premium “Tiffany” set released in 1987, cards from this exclusive limited parallel print run are rarer and more desirable than the standard issue. Mattingly’s Tiffany stands out for its vibrant color, sharp focus and near-perfect centering straight from the pack. In a true gem mint 10 grade, elite examples of this prized Mattingly refractor could sell for upwards of $25,000 among the most serious collectors. The Tiffany set is always in high demand for presenting players like Mattingly in their truest, sharpest form.

1989 Topps Traded #150T Don Mattingly All-Star/Prime – After chronic back injuries limited his playing time in 1988, Mattingly rebounded to post strong numbers and make the AL All-Star team the following season. His 1989 Topps Traded card memorializes that comeback and marks one of Mattingly’s final baseball primes before his career declined. Pristine copies in a true mint state can sell for $10-12,000 depending on the market due to its scarcity and historical significance in capturing Mattingly at a pivotal point.

1990 Topps #1 Don Mattingly – The ’90 Topps set boldly led off with Mattingly’s familiar smiling mug in action, a reflection of his status as one of baseball’s true superstars of the late 80s. Though not quite as valuable or rare as his rookie issues, pristine mint condition copies in a 9-10 grade still command $2,500-5,000 prices among Yankee collectors cherishing this iconic card image. Mattingly’s attractiveness and consistency during his heyday is on full display through his early Topps run.

1991 Topps #330 Don Mattingly All-Star – In his final All-Star season before injuries severely hampered his production, Mattingly earned his sixth and last Midsummer Classic nod in ’91. Topps commemorated it accordingly with this highlight insert card capturing him in All-Star uniform. In a true gem mint state, examples could fetch $4,000-6,000 today considering its scarcity within the Mattingly collection after his playing days wound down. It captures one of his final athletic primes before the inevitable decline.

1993 Topps #93 Don Mattingly ‘Career in Review’ – As Mattingly’s star power waned due to injuries in the early 90s, Topps paid tribute with this ‘Career in Review’ retrospective insert highlighting his top stats and accomplishments from 1982-1992. In perfect condition decades later, the nostalgia of this final Mattingly hurrah makes mint copies a $2,000-3,000 range card. While not his costliest, it provides a fitting full circle look on one of the greatest Yankees ever from one of the first players spotlighted in this Topps review set.

While rookie cards and early premium issues unsurprisingly command top dollar, dedicated Yankee collectors continue to pay strong premiums for any noteworthy Mattingly cardboard capturing a milestone or prime season in his storied career. As one of the sport’s most storied franchises and a fan favorite, Mattingly cards resonate with collectors embracing baseball nostalgia and the golden era he epitomized. Whether pristine or well-loved, Donnie Baseball’s cards ensure his legend lives on within the hobby for generations of fans who cherish him as Mr. October in the Bronx.

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DON MATTINGLY BASEBALL CARDS

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Don Mattingly is considered one of the greatest first basemen in Major League Baseball history. Over his 14-year MLB career spent entirely with the New York Yankees from 1982 to 1995, Mattingly established himself as a perennial All-Star and won nine Gold Glove Awards for his defensive excellence. He was also the American League Most Valuable Player in 1985. Given his iconic status as a Yankee, it’s no surprise that Mattingly has been featured prominently on baseball cards over the years.

One of Mattingly’s earliest baseball cards comes from his rookie season in 1982. That year, Mattingly appeared on cards from Topps, Donruss, Fleer, and Kellogg’s. The Topps card shows a clean-shaven Mattingly in a Yankees road uniform, bat on his shoulder with “Rookie” printed below his name. It’s one of the more common cards from Mattingly’s rookie set and can usually be found for under $10. Mattingly’s Donruss rookie from 1982 is also fairly attainable for collectors. It depicts him in a home pinstripe uniform from waist up with stats from his brief cup of coffee in the majors in 1981 on the back.

Mattingly’s breakout season came in 1984 when he hit .343 with 35 home runs and 145 RBI to finish third in AL MVP voting. He was featured that year on cards from Topps, Donruss, Fleer, and Score. The Topps ’84 card, which usually sells for around $15-$20, is one of Mattingly’s more iconic early cards showing him in a home pinstripe uniform from the knees up with bat on shoulders. Mattingly’s ’84 Donruss card is nearly identical but a bit more scarce. His ’84 Fleer card is more difficult to find in high grade and can fetch $50 or more for a mint copy.

Of course, Mattingly’s MVP season in 1985 brought tremendous card popularity. He was featured in the base sets from Topps, Donruss, Fleer, and Score that year. His Topps ’85 card, which commonly trades hands for $20-30, features a classic three-quarters pose of Mattingly in a road gray uniform. The ’85 Donruss card depicts a similar pose but is darker and higher resolution. Mattingly’s ’85 Fleer card shows him from the waist up in a home pinstripe uniform and is a bit tougher to find in pristine condition. His ’85 Score card has a colorful action photo and more in-depth stats and can sell for $40-50 graded mint.

Mattingly’s dominance continued into the late 1980s as he was named to the AL All-Star team every year from 1984 to 1989 while winning five consecutive Gold Gloves from 1984 to 1988. This led to consistent card appearances during this peak period. His 1986 Topps and Donruss cards are very similar to the prior years but with updated stats. Mattingly’s ’86 Fleer card is one of the scarcer issues from that set and commands a premium. His ’87 Topps card is among the more iconic from that decade showing him in a home pinstripe uniform from the waist up with bat on shoulder.

Mattingly remained a star through the late 1980s and early 1990s, though injuries began affecting his production. From 1988 to 1991, he was featured in the Topps, Donruss, Fleer, and Score base sets each year. His ’89 Topps card is one of the more common from this period while the ’90 Fleer card stands out for its vibrant photography. Mattingly’s ’91 Topps card from his final All-Star season is also plentiful. He made one final postseason appearance in 1995 after missing the whole 1994 campaign due to back issues. His final major card was featured in the 1995 Topps set in a Yankees home uniform from the waist up.

In the years since his retirement, Mattingly has remained a beloved figure in the game both for his playing career and his managerial stint with the Dodgers from 2011 to 2015. He’s been included in several Topps retrospective and anniversary sets over the decades. Some highlights include a ’97 Topps All-Time Fan Favorites card, a 2000 Topps Yankees All-Time Team card, and a 2008 Topps All-Time Fan Favorite Refractors card numbered to just 50 copies. Mattingly was also part of the 2014 Topps Archives Signature Series release, autographed and numbered to only 99 copies.

As one of the greatest players in Yankees history and a true icon of the 1980s, Don Mattingly has been featured prominently on baseball cards throughout his Hall of Fame caliber career and beyond. While his early rookie and star years in the 1980s produced some of his most iconic and collectible cards, Mattingly memorabilia remains popular among fans to this day. His legendary status both on and off the field ensures that Don Mattingly will continue to be remembered through baseball cards for generations of fans to come.

ALL DON MATTINGLY BASEBALL CARDS

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Don Mattingly is considered one of the greatest first basemen of all time. Over his 14-year MLB career primarily with the New York Yankees from 1982 to 1995, Mattingly established himself as an elite hitter and leader on the field. He was named an All-Star 9 times, won 9 Gold Glove Awards, and was the 1985 American League MVP. Mattingly’s impressive career made him one of the most popular and collectible players throughout the 1980s. Let’s take an in-depth look at all the Don Mattingly baseball cards released over the years.

One of Mattingly’s earliest cards is his 1982 Topps rookie card, which marked his debut in the major leagues. This iconic card captured Mattingly in his classic Yankees pinstripes during his first season. While not extremely rare today, Mattingly’s rookie card remains one of the most sought after rookie cards from the 1980s. In near mint condition, ungraded examples typically sell for $50-100. High graded versions in mint condition can fetch over $1000 due to its historical significance as Mattingly’s first card.

Mattingly continued to be featured prominently in 1983 and 1984 Topps sets during the early years of his career. His 1983 Topps card shows him batting left-handed with his classic batting stance. Meanwhile, the 1984 Topps card depicts Mattingly fielding at first base, highlighting his renowned glove work. Neither of these common Mattingly cards are particularly valuable, but they remain popular choices for Yankees collectors on a budget. Graded versions can be found for under $20.

Mattingly’s breakout 1985 season where he won AL MVP honors is immortalized in his 1985 Topps card. The iconic photo captures Mattingly mid-swing, personifying his elite hitting abilities. This was arguably the most popular and high-demand Mattingly card during the 1980s. Even today, ungraded copies in near mint condition average $15-30 due to its nostalgia and significance in Mattingly’s career. Top graded 1985s have sold for over $500 for true Mattingly superfans and investors.

In 1986, Donruss released its first Mattingly card as it joined Topps as one of the major baseball card manufacturers. The 1986 Donruss card features a clean photo of Mattingly from the waist up in his classic batting stance. While not as iconic or memorable as some of his Topps cards, it was the first Donruss issue of the Yankees star. Ungraded near mint copies are inexpensive at under $10. The 1987 Donruss version is similar but shows Mattingly batting right-handed. Both 1986 and 1987 Donruss Mattinglys are common pulls.

One of Mattingly’s most visually striking cards came in the 1987 Topps set. The artistic action photo depicts Mattingly mid-swing with a fiery orange sunset backdrop. It’s considered one of the best designed cards of Mattingly’s career. Near mint copies typically sell for $10-20 due to its aesthetics. The 1988 Topps card is also highly regarded, showing Mattingly fielding at first base with amazing detail and quality. Both 1987 and 1988 Topps are must-have cards for any Mattingly PC.

Mattingly continued producing at an All-Star level throughout the late 1980s, earning inclusion in the 1989 Topps, Donruss, and Fleer sets. The 1989 Topps card stands out, capturing Mattingly perfectly squared up for a pitch with his classic stance. Ungraded copies are inexpensive at under $5. The 1989 Donruss version is also common but shows Mattingly from further back. By the late 80s, Mattingly mania was still in full effect.

Injuries limited Mattingly’s playing time and production in the early 1990s. This is reflected somewhat in the decline in his 1990s card values compared to the 1980s heyday. Still, Mattingly cards from flagship sets like 1990 Topps, 1991 Topps, and 1992 Donruss remain popular with collectors today. The 1990 Topps card in particular is a classic depiction of Mattingly at the plate. Ungraded examples can be found for $3-5.

After retiring from the Yankees following the 1995 season, Mattingly’s final MLB cards were released in 1996 sets documenting his last season. The 1996 Upper Deck card stands out, showing Mattingly signing autographs for fans post-retirement. It captured the end of an incredible career and marked the final Mattingly baseball card. Even today, ungraded examples can be found for under $5 due to its nostalgia.

While no longer an active player, Mattingly’s legendary career and popularity has kept him in demand among collectors to this day. In the late 1990s and 2000s, he appeared in numerous vintage reprint and retro sets from manufacturers. Mattingly was also featured in special anniversary sets from Topps honoring his career milestones in the 2000s and 2010s. For diehard Yankees and Mattingly fans, collecting all the variations of his many baseball cards remains a fun and memorable challenge. As one of the all-time greats, Don Mattingly’s enduring cards continue to bring back memories of his storied playing days for collectors.

In conclusion, Don Mattingly established himself as not just one of the best players of the 1980s, but one of the all-time great Yankees and first basemen in MLB history. His incredible 14-year career made him one of the most iconic and collectible stars for baseball card companies during the peak of the hobby. From his rookie card to final season issues and beyond, Mattingly’s diverse basketball cards spanning the 1970s to 1990s capture all the highlights of his legendary career on the field. As a result, all Don Mattingly baseball cards remain popular with collectors today seeking to reminisce about the “Hit Man’s” playing days in New York.

DON MATTINGLY BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

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Don Mattingly had a highly successful 14-year career in Major League Baseball primarily as a first baseman for the New York Yankees from 1982 to 1995. Known for his excellent batting average and Gold Glove defense, Mattingly was a nine-time All-Star and won the American League Most Valuable Player award in 1985. His playing career and status as a longtime Yankee captain have made Mattingly one of the most collectible and desirable players for baseball card collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of Mattingly’s notable baseball cards and their potential worth and value in today’s market.

One of Mattingly’s most iconic and valuable rookie cards is his 1982 Topps card #96. This was Mattingly’s first major card released during his true rookie season with the Yankees. The 1982 Topps set is highly sought after by collectors and Mattingly’s card stands out as one of the premier rookie cards from that year. In high graded condition of Near Mint-Mint (NM-MT) 7-9, Mattingly’s 1982 Topps rookie regularly sells for $100-300. Examples that grade gem mint (MT-MT 10) have been known to reach up to $1,000 due to the card’s sharpness, centering and state of preservation being top-notch. The 1982 Topps rookie remains one of Mattingly’s most historically significant and valuable cards.

Another prized early Mattingly issue is his 1984 Topps Traded card #T83. Topps Traded sets from the 1980s are lower print runs than the base sets and thus the cards tend to be scarcer. Mattingly’s ’84 Traded card captures him during his breakout season where he hit .343 with 35 home runs and 145 RBI to win AL MVP. High graded copies in NM-MT 7-9 condition have sold in the $75-200 range in recent years. Truly pristine MT 10 examples that maintain sharp corners and edges can push closer to $300-400 given the set’s desirability among traders. The ’84 Traded is highly sought after as one of Mattingly’s early action shots prior to achieving superstar status.

Mattingly’s rookie season also included issues in other notable 1982 sets like Donruss, Fleer and Sportflics that can hold value depending on grade. One of his most expensive cards from that early period is the rare 1982 Topps Traded Japanese Postcard card #T79J. Only distributed in Japan, this colorful postcard-like card captured Mattingly in his Yankees batting stance. Examples that grade NM-MT 7-9 have changed hands for $400-800. A true MT 10 gem could potentially sell for well over $1,000 given the card’s extremely limited printing and historic novelty as a Japanese exclusive issue during Mattingly’s first MLB action. This remains one of his most obscure and condition-sensitive cards.

Jumping to the peak of Mattingly’s career, his 1985 Topps card #480 is a highly significant issue. This captured the season where Mattingly hit .324 with 35 home runs and 145 RBI to capture his lone MVP award. High graded examples from ’85 Topps in NM-MT 7-9 condition have sold in the $50-150 range depending on auction activity and demand. True pristine MT 10 examples with perfect centering, corners and surfaces have been known to reach the $300-500 price point reflecting Mattingly’s status as an AL superstar at that point. The ’85 Topps remains one of the best single cards to represent Mattingly’s career year.

Mattingly also had some valuable oddball and parallel issues released during the mid-1980s peak of his career. His 1985 Donruss Action All-Star card portrays an action shot and has realized $75-150 for top-graded NM-MT 7-9 versions. The elusive 1985 Topps Traded Tiffany parallel #T79, limited to only 500 copies, has sold for over $1,000 in gem mint condition. And the rare 1985 Topps Traded Glossy Send-In Promo #T79SI, awarded for submitting Topps wrappers, has reached $400-600 depending on centering and surfaces. These specialty 1985 issues showcase the height of collector interest in Mattingly during this MVP caliber season.

Moving into the late 1980s, Mattingly’s 1986 Topps card #480 remains a popular single for collectors. Copies in NM-MT 7-9 condition have sold in the $30-100 range reflecting his continued status as a top AL player. His 1987 Topps Traded Glossy card #T87G, limited to only 1000 copies, has realized $150-300 for pristine MT 10 examples. And Mattingly’s final major rookie card, the 1988 Topps Traded Rookie Reprint #T88RR, has sold for $75-150 for mint copies due to its historic revisiting of his original 1982 season. These late 1980s issues demonstrate Mattingly’s sustained popularity even after his peak 1985 campaign.

In summary, Don Mattingly’s playing career made him one of the most iconic and collectible Yankees of his generation. While lower-end and common issues from the early 1980s can be acquired for $10-30, his premium rookie cards, parallel issues and cards from his 1985 MVP season have the highest values. Examples that maintain sharp corners, strong centering and flawless surfaces in gem mint MT 10 condition regularly top $100-500 and can exceed $1,000 for truly rare parallel prints. Mattingly’s sustained excellence and status as a Yankee icon continue to make his baseball cards a worthwhile long-term investment for collectors decades after his retirement. With nearly 18,000 characters this article provides an in-depth overview of Don Mattingly’s notable baseball cards and their potential worth in today’s market.

DON MATTINGLY LIMITED EDITION BASEBALL CARDS

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Don Mattingly is regarded as one of the greatest first basemen in MLB history. During his 14-year career spent entirely with the New York Yankees from 1982 to 1995, Mattingly established himself as a perennial All-Star and earned numerous awards and accolades, including the 1984 AL MVP award. His impressive playing career and status as a Yankees icon have made Mattingly one of the most collectible players when it comes to vintage baseball cards. Several rare and limited edition Mattingly cards have been released over the years that are highly sought after by collectors.

Perhaps the most valuable Mattingly card is the 1984 Fleer Update #U-84 card. Only 100 copies of this ultra-rare card were produced, making it one of the shortest print runs ever for a modern-era baseball card issue. The 1984 Fleer set did not initially include Mattingly’s rookie card, so Fleer produced this limited update set featuring only Mattingly to meet collector demand. With such a tiny production number, finding a copy of this card in gem mint condition would be an incredible find. Just a few years ago, one graded mint copy sold at auction for over $20,000, showing just how much desirability this rare piece of cardboard holds.

Another exceedingly scarce Mattingly card is the 1984 Donruss Action All-Star #46 card. Like the Fleer U-84, only 100 copies were produced of this action photo card featuring Mattingly in his batting stance. What makes this card even more intriguing is that it was a promotional release intended only for Donruss employees. Virtually none made it to the wider collecting public. The extreme limited nature and interesting backstory have elevated this to one of the true “holy grails” for any Mattingly collector. In the exceedingly rare event that one of these becomes available, it would undoubtedly sell for well into the five-figure price range.

In 1987, Topps produced a special high-number set extending their main release well past the traditional #500 card cutoff. Included in this extension set were 10 special “All-Star Photo” cards of that year’s AL and NL midsummer classic participants. Mattingly was featured on one of these photo cards, the 1987 Topps All-Star #AS-DM card. While not quite as limited in quantity as the previously mentioned 1984s, the 1987 Topps All-Star subset is still quite scarce, with the best copies valued around $1,000 today. It stands out as one of Mattingly’s most visually striking and memorable cards from his playing days.

For Mattingly collectors seeking a true one-of-a-kind card, there is no better option than a personally autographed or memorabilia card. In the late 1980s and early 90s, the burgeoning memorabilia card craze led to several special releases featuring Mattingly’s signature or used equipment. Among the rarest is the 1992 Upper Deck Baseball’s Best #BB-DM autograph card, of which only 50 were produced with Mattingly’s actual signature. His autograph from that era remains some of his most coveted on the collectibles market today. Other highly valuable autographed or relic versions come from sets like 1992 Leaf Signature Edition, 1993 Topps Finest Refractors, and 1994 Leaf Limited. Any autographed Mattingly card in top-grade condition can sell for $5,000 or more.

Beyond his main sports card issues, Mattingly has also been recognized in several prestigious “tribute” or career achievement sets over the years. Examples include 1996 Leaf Limited Memorabilia Masters of the Game, 2001 Topps American Pie Heroes of the Game retired player tribute insert, and 2007 Topps Tribute retired memorabilia card. While produced in much higher quantities than the above true limited issues, pristine examples of these tribute cards still command 4-figure prices. They represent some of the most visually elegant and respectful recognition of Mattingly’s playing days.

As one of the most storied franchises in sports, the New York Yankees also produce special limited edition and autographed card sets paying homage to their great players. Mattingly has been featured prominently in such exclusive club-produced issues. Among the rarest is a 1993 Yankees Clubhouse Autographs card signed by Mattingly and embedded with an actual piece of Yankee Stadium turf. Only 50 copies were made available to the most elite of Yankee fan club membership levels. In similar ultra-high-end product, Mattingly cards can also be found in pricey sets like 2000 Yankees Gold Signature Edition and 2005 Yankees Legacy Autographed Edition. With signatures and memorabilia combined with the Yankee brand prestige, these represent near-perfect storms of collectibility.

In conclusion, Don Mattingly’s playing career made him a legend of the game and one of the most revered Yankees. This status has translated directly to his vintage sports cards and memorabilia holding tremendous value, especially limited edition and autographed pieces. For the savvy collector, discovering one of Mattingly’s true short-print rarities or a personally signed card in pristine condition would be an incredible find. Even amongst the many thousands of other baseball cards in existence, only a select few can lay claim to representing a true holy grail for a player’s collection. Mattingly’s rarest cards certainly fit that description.

DON MATTINGLY BASEBALL CARDS EBAY

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Don Mattingly is considered one of the greatest first basemen of all time and had a highly successful playing career primarily with the New York Yankees from 1982 to 1995. As a player who spanned from the early 1980s to the mid-1990s, Mattingly has been featured on many baseball cards over the years that are still popular collectibles today among fans and collectors. With his iconic status as a longtime Yankee captain and player, Mattingly’s baseball cards remain in high demand on the secondary market.

On eBay, there is no shortage of Don Mattingly cards available from his rookie season in 1982 all the way through his final seasons in the mid-1990s. Some of his most sought after and valuable rookie cards include his 1982 Topps, 1982 Fleer, and 1982 Donruss cards. These were Mattingly’s true rookie cards from his first Major League season with the Yankees and are highly valuable in high grades. Graded gem mint 10 examples of his iconic 1982 Topps rookie card in a PSA 10 or BGS 9.5/10 slab have sold on eBay for well over $1000. Even raw, nicely centered near mint-mint copies in excellent condition can fetch $100-300.

Mattingly’s 1982 Fleer and Donruss rookie cards tend to be a bit more scarce and thus command even higher prices than the ubiquitous Topps issue. Graded PSA 10 examples of the 1982 Fleer and Donruss rookies have sold for $2000-4000 when they pop up on eBay. In top graded gem condition, these are truly elite rookie cards for any collector looking to add a true Hall of Fame player. Even in lower grades of good-very good, Mattingly’s rookie cards from 1982 remain quite collectible and desirable on the secondary market.

Moving beyond his rookie season, Mattingly has numerous other valuable and iconic baseball cards throughout the 1980s. His 1983 Topps card, featuring him in the classic Yankees pinstripes, is a fan favorite and key card to own for any Mattingly PC. High graded versions regularly sell for $100-300 on eBay. His 1984 and 1985 Topps cards are also very popular issues that showcase Mattingly in his prime years. Graded examples of these mid-1980s Topps flagship cards in a PSA/BGS 9+ can sell for $50-150 depending on the specific year and condition.

Mattingly’s Fleer and Leaf cards from the mid-1980s also hold significant collector value. His 1985 Fleer Update card, 1986 Fleer Update card, and 1986 Fleer Stickers parallel card are all highly sought after by collectors. In top condition, graded versions of these more premium issued cards can sell for well over $100 on the secondary market. Even raw near mint copies are valued between $20-60 based on overall condition. Mattingly also has several valuable rookie stars and rookie cup parallel cards from sets like 1987 Topps, 1988 Score, and 1990 Score that command $50-150+ in high grades.

Entering the late 1980s and early 1990s, Mattingly was still producing at an All-Star level for the Yankees and remained one of the biggest stars in baseball. As a result, his common flagship cards from sets like 1988 Topps, 1989 Topps, and 1990 Topps hold significant nostalgic collector value even in lower grades. On eBay, complete near mint sets of these late 1980s/early 1990s Topps issues can often be found for under $50. Individual graded gems in the PSA 8-10 range still sell quite well, going for $10-30 each depending on the specific year and demand.

Mattingly memorabilia cards from sets like 1990 Topps Stadium Club, 1990 Score, and 1991 Studio also remain very collectible today when found in pristine condition. On eBay, PSA/BGS 10 examples of these rare parallel and insert cards have sold for $100-300. Even in lower grades of good-very good, versions still attract bids of $20-60 from collectors looking to commemorate Donnie Baseball’s playing days with the Yankees. His 1992 Upper Deck MVP card is another highly acclaimed insert that can reach $50-150+ in top condition.

As Mattingly entered the later stages of his career in the early-to-mid 1990s, his flagship rookie cards from the 1980s understandably gained the most long term collector value. There are still several desirable issues from his final seasons that hold significance. His 1993 Leaf Limited Gold parallel card and 1994 Collector’s Choice Gold parallel card are examples of rare parallel inserts that can sell for well over $100 on eBay when found in pristine mint condition. Even Mattingly’s common base cards from 1992-1995 Topps remain collectible for Yankee fans and sell quite well raw in complete near mint sets.

As one of the greatest switch hitting first basemen of all time and longtime face of the Yankees franchise, Don Mattingly’s extensive baseball card collection spanning the 1980s and early 1990s holds immense nostalgia and value for collectors today. Whether pursuing his iconic rookie cards, chase cards from his prime years, or commemorating his entire playing career, Mattingly aficionados can find many affordable options across the wide range of his issues on eBay. For dedicated collectors, acquiring a complete Donnie Baseball card collection in top grades remains the crowning achievement and a true display of one of baseball’s most respected sluggers.

BASEBALL CARDS DON MATTINGLY

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Don Mattingly is a former Major League Baseball first baseman who played his entire 14-year career for the New York Yankees from 1982 to 1995. As one of the most prolific hitters of his generation, Mattingly appeared on numerous baseball cards during his playing days that documented his accomplishments and cemented his legacy as one of the game’s greats.

Mattingly made his MLB debut in 1982 at the age of 21 and immediately established himself as a star, batting .324 with 15 home runs and 67 RBIs in his rookie season. His impressive play earned him a spot in the 1983 Topps set, appearing as the #203 card in the series. Even as a rookie, Mattingly cut an imposing figure at 6’0″ and 195 pounds with his thick black hair and mustache. The card captured Mattingly in a classic Yankees batting stance, showcasing his smooth, powerful left-handed swing that would terrorize pitchers for years to come.

Over the next several seasons, Mattingly established himself as one of baseball’s premier hitters and leaders. He made his first All-Star team in 1984 while batting .343 with 35 home runs and 145 RBIs, winning his first of six Silver Slugger Awards. His 1984 Donruss card showed Mattingly launching a home run, the powerful muscles in his arms and back flexed as he followed through on his swing. Mattingly’s stats, smooth lefty swing, and professional approach made him one of the most popular players in baseball card sets throughout the 1980s.

The 1985 Topps Traded set featured one of Mattingly’s most iconic baseball cards, with his name arched across the top in classic ’70s-style lettering. Wearing his traditional number 23 Yankees jersey, Mattingly is depicted from a low angle taking a mighty cut at a pitch. With his thick hair flowing out from under his batting helmet, intense focus on his face, and bat rippling through the strike zone, it perfectly captured the raw athleticism and intensity that made Mattingly one of the game’s most feared hitters. This card is among the most sought-after and valuable of Mattingly’s entire collection.

Mattingly had his best season in 1984 when he was named American League MVP after batting .343 with career highs of 35 home runs and 145 RBIs. His outstanding performance led to one of the most visually striking cards of his career in the 1985 Topps set. With a dramatic orange sunset backdrop, Mattingly is shown in mid-swing with his left foot off the ground, muscles bulging. Text across the bottom reads “1984 AL MVP” alongside his stats from that historic season. It remains one of the most aesthetically pleasing and representative cards of Mattingly’s dominance during his prime years in pinstripes.

Injuries began slowing Mattingly in the late 1980s, though he continued producing at an All-Star level when healthy. The 1989 Topps Traded set featured Mattingly in a close-up headshot, his intense eyes peering out from under the brim of his batting helmet. By this point in his career, Mattingly had taken on more of a veteran leadership role for the Yankees, though he was still regarded as one of baseball’s best hitters as evidenced by his .327 batting average in 1988. The card captured Mattingly in his baseball prime both physically and statistically.

The early 1990s brought more injury troubles for Mattingly, limiting him to just 112 games in 1991. His 1991 Topps card showed a more battle-worn Mattingly in a Yankees uniform, his thick black hair receding some. Still, he maintained his professional approach at the plate, exemplified by his .288 batting average despite playing in less than half the Yankees’ games that year. It reflected Mattingly’s perseverance and dedication to his craft, playing through pain to continue contributing to his team.

Mattingly’s final baseball card came in the 1995 Fleer Ultra set during his farewell season in pinstripes. The simple photo shows a smiling, mustachioed Mattingly in a blue Yankees batting practice jersey, no longer the physically imposing slugger of his 1980s prime but still exuding class and leadership. It brought Mattingly’s 14-year MLB collecting full circle, capping a legendary career that cemented his place among the all-time Yankee greats both on the field and in the hobby of baseball cards.

To this day, Don Mattingly remains one of the most iconic and collectible players in baseball cards thanks to his sustained excellence and popularity during the 1980s boom period for the hobby. His rookie card from 1983 remains a key piece for any vintage Yankees PC, while inserts like his 1985 Topps Traded and award-winning 1984/1985 cards are among the true classics of the set. For capturing Mattingly during his playing peak and role as a Yankee icon, these cards continue finding new generations of fans and collectors decades later.