The Most Valuable 1988 Fleer Baseball Cards (PSA 10 Prices)
The 1988 Fleer baseball card set may not be the crown jewel of the Junk Wax Era, but it holds a special place in the hearts of collectors who grew up watching baseball’s most iconic stars take the field. Featuring a mix of Hall of Famers, rising rookies, and unforgettable personalities, this set delivers serious nostalgia. From Bo Jackson’s two-sport legend status to Barry Bonds' early rise and the thunderous era of the Bash Brothers, 1988 Fleer captures the bold energy of late '80s baseball. Below are the most valuable cards in the set, ranked by estimated PSA 10 value, along with a look at what made each player’s card significant.
1. Bo Jackson #260
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $55–$75
PSA 10 Population: 136
Significance: Bo Jackson was one of the most electrifying two-sport athletes in history, excelling in both Major League Baseball and the NFL. His raw athleticism, powerful swing, and larger-than-life persona made him a fan favorite in the late ’80s. His highlight reel included outfield throws that defied physics and home runs that left stadiums gasping. That same year, he also played for the Los Angeles Raiders, making him one of the few true two-sport superstars in American history.
2. Nolan Ryan #455
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$65
PSA 10 Population: 377
Significance: Nolan Ryan was already a legend by 1988, known for his blazing fastball and record-setting strikeout totals. With over 5,000 career strikeouts and seven no-hitters, Ryan's cards continue to be sought after by collectors. This Fleer issue showcases the longevity and dominance that defined his Hall of Fame career.
3. Barry Bonds #322
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$60
PSA 10 Population: 174
Significance: This 1988 Fleer card features a young Barry Bonds during his early years with the Pittsburgh Pirates—well before he became baseball's all-time home run leader. At this stage, Bonds was already showcasing his elite speed and sharp batting eye that made him a rising star. He would go on to win 7 MVP awards, 8 Gold Gloves, and steal over 500 bases, becoming the only player in MLB history with both 500 home runs and 500 steals.
4. Don Mattingly #214
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$55
PSA 10 Population: 130
Significance: Don Mattingly, known affectionately as “Donnie Baseball,” was the face of the Yankees throughout the 1980s. A former MVP and batting champion, Mattingly was revered for his sweet swing and defensive prowess at first base. While injuries shortened his prime, his cards are still beloved by Yankees fans and '80s collectors alike.
5. Gregg Jefferies #137
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$55
PSA 10 Population: 57
Significance: Gregg Jefferies entered the majors with immense hype, becoming a two-time Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year. The Mets fast-tracked him to the big leagues, and by the time this 1988 Fleer card was released, expectations were sky-high. While Jefferies never blossomed into a perennial superstar, he still carved out a solid 14-year MLB career with two All-Star selections and a .289 lifetime batting average. This card is a nostalgic reminder of a time when collectors and scouts alike believed Jefferies was destined to be the next big thing in New York.
6. Rickey Henderson #209
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$50
PSA 10 Population: 100
Significance: Rickey Henderson redefined what it meant to be a leadoff hitter. By 1988, he was already a dominant force, routinely leading the league in stolen bases and changing games with his aggressive base running and unmatched on-base skills. Henderson would go on to set the all-time records for stolen bases (1,406), runs scored (2,295), and leadoff home runs.
7. Tony Gwynn #585
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$50
PSA 10 Population: 87
Significance: Tony Gwynn was the gold standard of hitting—his ability to consistently put the ball in play made him one of the most respected players of his era. By 1988, he had already captured multiple batting titles and established himself as the face of the San Diego Padres. Gwynn would finish his career with a .338 batting average, eight batting titles, and a reputation as one of the most dedicated players in the game.
8. Mark McGwire, Jose Canseco (Oakland’s Power Team) #624
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$50
PSA 10 Population: 84
Significance: Dubbed the “Bash Brothers,” Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco formed one of the most feared power-hitting duos of the late 1980s. This card celebrates their home run prowess and the excitement surrounding the Oakland A’s during their World Series runs. In 1988, Canseco became the first player ever to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in a season, while McGwire followed up his rookie year with more explosive power. Together, they helped define an era of muscle-bound dominance, and this dual card is a perfect piece of baseball nostalgia from their prime.
9. Darryl Strawberry #151
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$45
PSA 10 Population: 31
Significance: Darryl Strawberry was one of the most gifted sluggers of the 1980s, known for his effortless left-handed swing and towering home runs. By 1988, he was a centerpiece of a Mets team still riding high from their 1986 World Series title. He finished his career with 335 home runs and two Silver Slugger Awards. Strawberry’s cards, especially from his prime, remain deeply nostalgic for fans of ‘80s baseball.
10. Jose Canseco #276
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$45
PSA 10 Population: 35
Significance: By 1988, Jose Canseco had become one of baseball’s most electrifying stars—combining raw power, speed, and charisma. Canseco’s impact extended beyond the field, fueling the rise of muscle-bound sluggers and altering the game’s cultural landscape. This card captures him at the peak of his fame and remains a key piece for collectors of the late-'80s and '90s power era.
11. Mark McGwire (Rookie Record Setter) #629
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$45
PSA 10 Population: 45
12. Mark Grace, Darrin Jackson (Major League Prospects) #641
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$40
PSA 10 Population: 266
13. Mark McGwire #286
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$40
PSA 10 Population: 134
14. Ozzie Smith #47
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$40
PSA 10 Population: 51
15. Tom Glavine (Rookie) #539
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $25–$40
PSA 10 Population: 1,897
16. Mike Schmidt #315
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $25–$40
PSA 10 Population: 131
17. Edgar Martinez (Rookie) #378
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $25–$40
PSA 10 Population: 1,633
18. Bill Ripken, Cal Ripken Jr (The “O’s” Brothers) #640
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $25–$40
PSA 10 Population: 92
19. Greg Maddux #423
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $25–$35
PSA 10 Population: 81
20. Robin Yount #178
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $25–$35
PSA 10 Population: 60
21. George Brett #254
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $25–$35
PSA 10 Population: 109
22. Ryne Sandberg #431
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $25–$35
PSA 10 Population: 110
23. Cal Ripken Jr. #570
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $20–$35
PSA 10 Population: 195
24. Kirby Puckett #19
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30
PSA 10 Population: 106
25. Dale Murphy #544
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $25–$30
PSA 10 Population: 75
26. Barry Larkin #239
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $25–$30
PSA 10 Population: 33
27. O. Smith, R. Sandberg (Masters of the Double Play) #628
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $25–$30
PSA 10 Population: 47
28. Wade Boggs #345
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $20–$30
PSA 10 Population: 58
29. Reggie Jackson #283
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $25
PSA 10 Population: 89
30. Dave Winfield #226
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $25
PSA 10 Population: 26
Final Thoughts
While the 1988 Fleer set won’t break any records for rarity, it offers collectors a strong dose of flair and player star power. Cards of Bo Jackson, Nolan Ryan, and Barry Bonds still command solid interest, especially in PSA 10 condition. This set is a time capsule of an era filled with big swings, bigger personalities, and unforgettable moments. For collectors who value nostalgia just as much as investment potential, 1988 Fleer remains a fun and affordable way to connect with one of baseball’s most exciting decades.
