Don Mattingly Rookie Card Market Guide

As one of baseball’s most popular hitters of the 1980s and 1990s, Don Mattingly is best known for his record-breaking feat of hitting six grand slams in a single season in 1987, a record tied in 2006 by Cleveland’s Travis Hafner. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Mattingly’s powerhouse hitting won him the moniker “The Hit Man,” a nickname he lived up to during his entire 14-year career with the New York Yankees.

From the Minors to the Yankees

After being selected by the Yankees during the 1979 draft, Mattingly spent four seasons in the minors and made his professional debut in September 1982. During his rookie year as a Yankee, he hit .283, with a batting average that increased the following year to .339.During his first full season as a regular in the Yankees lineup in 1984, he won the American League batting title with a .343 average and was selected as a reserve for his first All-Star Game. In 1985, the year he won MVP, he batted third in the league at .324 with 25 home runs and the most season RBIs from a left-handed batter since Ted Williams broke the record in 1949.

Honors and Awards  

His breakout career included six All-Star selections, a Golden Glove Award and three Silver Slugger Awards. Despite that, Mattingly is considered the best Yankees player to never appear in a World Series, as the Yankees were going through one of the longest championship droughts in team history. After Mattingly retired in 1997, the Yankees retired his number (23), making Mattingly the only Yankee player to have a number retired without playing in a World Series. Since then, Mattingly has had an impressive career coaching and managing the Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins.

Are Don Mattingly Rookie Cards Valuable?

As a fan-favorite Yankee for most of his career, Don Mattingly continues to be a collectors’ favorite in the memorabilia market, and his card prices reflect his popularity.

In addition, Mattingly played his entire career with one of America’s most popular baseball teams, the New York Yankees, and this adds another collectors’ market for early Mattingly cards.

Investment Potential for Don Mattingly Rookie Cards

Don Mattingly played during a time known as the “Junk Wax Era,” when sports cards were overproduced. Because the market was flooded with them, many 1980s and 1990s cards have relatively low market values.

However, certain player cards have proven an exception, including Mattingly’s rookie cards. Thanks to his star status as a legendary hitter who could drive in runs, win batting titles and break long-standing records, he continues to have a huge fan base for his cards and memorabilia.  

Top Don Mattingly Rookie Cards

Although Don Mattingly made his Yankees debut late in 1982, his rookie cards didn’t appear on the market until 1984, the year he became a regular in the Yankees’ lineup. As was typical for his era, Mattingly only had four official rookie cards. These were issued by the Big Three manufacturers of the era: Topps, Donruss and Fleer. Fortunately for fans, Mattingly’s four seasons in the minor leagues also generated a handful of popular pre-rookie cards, plus a few promotional rookie cards that continue to trend well on the market.

These are the top Don Mattingly rookie cards:

• 1984 Donruss #248
• 1984 Topps #8
• 1984 Topps #8 Tiffany
• 1984 O-Pee-Chee #8
• 1984 Nestle #8
• 1984 Fleer #131
• 1981 Arby’s Nashville Sounds
• 1982 Columbus Clippers Police
• 1982 TCMA Columbus Clipper #21

Here’s how these cards are faring on popular value tracking sites like SportsCardsPro, PriceGuide.Cards and Sports Card Investor. Be aware that these fair market values are constantly updated and can change on any given day.

1984 Donruss #248Don Mattingly ($18,000)

Considered one of the iconic baseball cards of the 1980s (along with the Topps Mattingly issue), this classic features a natural-looking headshot of Mattingly looking towards the camera with a slight smile. There’s a yellow Yankees banner below, topped off with the Donruss logo. This particular card had a lower print run than the other Mattingly rookie cards of that year, which adds to its collectability.

On PriceGuide.Cards, Ungraded trends at an average price of $30 and a top price of $4,050. Graded trends at an average price of $128 and a top price of $18,000 (grades unspecified).

At Sports Card Investor, prices trend at a low of $35 and a top price of $9,999 (grades unspecified).

At SportsCardsPro, Ungraded trends at $44, Grade 7 at $45, Grade 8 at $61 and Grade 9 at $214. Grade 9.5 trends at $635, and Gem Mint tops out at $3,711.

1984 Topps #8 Don Mattingly ($10,295)

Another iconic 1980s card in the same class as the Donruss, this fan-favorite shows Mattingly fielding at first base. There’s also a great close-up headshot of Mattingly in the lower left corner, and a retro-vibe Yankees logo along the left side.

At PriceGuide.Cards, Ungraded trends at an average price of $10 and a top price of $2,350. Graded trends at an average price of $60 and a top price of $10,295 (grades unspecified).

At Sports Card Investor, prices trend at a high of $1,189 (grades not specified).

At SportsCardsPro, Ungraded trends at $8, Grade 7 at $19, Grade 8 at $27 and Grade 9 at $80. Grade 9.5 trends at $353, and Gem Mint at $873.

1984 Topps Tiffany #8Don Mattingly ($6,100)

The Tiffany version of the classic Topps #8 is printed on high-quality glossy card stock and boasts a brighter, more vibrant color than the standard card. This card is thought to have a production run of 10,000.

AtPriceGuide.Cards, Ungraded trends at an average price of $119 and a top price of $3,000. Graded trends at an average price of $340 and a top price of $6,100.

At SportsCardsPro, Ungraded trends at $256, Grade 7 at $218, Grade 8 at $396 and Grade 9 at $600. Grade 9.5 trends at $660, and Gem Mint at $3,879.

1984 O-Pee-Chee #8 Don Mattingly ($5,000)

Issued by the Canadian candy and card company, this O-Pee-Chee card is a direct spin-off of the Topps rookie card, with the exact same image and graphics. While it’s not rare, it’s still popular, and cards in top condition are difficult to find.

PriceGuide.Cards shows Ungraded trending at an average price of $16 and a top price of $1,899. Graded trends for an average price of $73 and a top price of $5,000.

At SportsCardsPro, Ungraded trends for $19, Grade 7 for $27, Grade 8 for $63 and Grade 9 for $165. Grade 9.5 trends at $760, and Gem Mint at $1,750.

1984 Nestle #8 Don Mattingly($2,352)

Like the O-Pee-Chee version, this card also replicates the original Topps image and graphics. However, a Nestlé logo has replaced the Topps logo, since Nestlé produced the card as part of a candy bar promotion. For $4.95 and five candy bar wrappers, collectors could get one of six uncut sheets, which featured the 792 Topps baseball cards from 1984.

PriceGuide.Cards shows Ungraded trending at an average price of $30 and a top price of $382. Graded trends at an average price of $166 and a top price of $2,352.

At SportsCardsPro, Ungraded trends at $12, Grade 7 at $103, Grade 8 at $208 and Grade 9 at $239. Grade 9.5 trends at $375, and Gem Mint at $1,700.

1984 Fleer #131 Don Mattingly ($2,299)

This fun card shows an action shot of Mattingly fielding at first base, with the Yankees logo at the lower right.

PriceGuide.Cards shows Ungraded trending at an average price of $9 and a top price of $730. Graded trends at an average price of $57 and a topprice of $2,299.

At Sports Card Investor, prices trend at a low of $1,150 and a top price of $1,538.

At SportsCardsPro, Ungraded trends at $11, Grade 7 at $18, Grade 8 at $30 and Grade 9 at $80. Grade 9.5 trends at $387, and Gem Mint at $812.

1981 Arby’s Nashville Sounds Don Mattingly ($500)

As Don Mattingly’s very first rookie card, this example has tremendous historic value for collectors. It shows a colorful shot of Mattingly fielding with his glove outstretched, smiling slightly and looking intently toward the hitter. The famous Arby’s logo is at the lower left.

A search of online auctions shows prices ranging from around $300 to $500 for Gem Mint cards.

1982 Columbus Clippers Police Don Mattingly ($400)

Issued as a promotion by the local police department, this intriguing card shows a youthful Mattingly at bat in his Clippers uniform, getting ready to swing. Sports cards issued by law enforcement departments always hold collector interest for baseball fans and are also popular with collectors of law enforcement memorabilia. This particular card can be difficult to find, especially in top-grade shape.

A search of online auctions shows prices for Grade 9 trending at just under $200 to around $400.

1982 TCMA Columbus Clipper #21 Don Mattingly ($200)

This early card is Mattingly’s second official pre-rookie card for the 1982 season. He’s featured kneeling on the field with the bat and smiling into the camera lens.

A search of online auctions shows prices trending at just below $200 for a Grade 9.5.

Where Can I Find Don Mattingly Rookie Cards?

You can find Don Mattingly rookie cards at sports shows, sports memorabilia stores and auctions. Here’s a list of some of the most popular online auction sites for sports cards:

• eBay
• Christie's
• Sotheby's
• Pristine Auction
• EBTH
• PWCC
• Goldin
• Heritage Auctions
• Lelands
• Invaluable
• Memory Lane
• SCP Auctions
• Sports and memorabilia shows are held throughout the year. By searching Google, collector forums and social media sites, you can find out about shows coming to your area.

How Are Don Mattingly Rookie Cards Graded?

Sports cards are graded through a numeric grading system that’s universally recognized by collectors, dealers and appraisers. Grades range from Ungraded to Perfect 10, according to the following criteria:

Perfect 10:Perfect card, with Gem Mint grades across all four criteria: edges, surface, centering and corners. Perfect 10 cards are flawless, even when they’re viewed at 10x magnification.

Gem Mint:Perfect centering, sharp corners, vivid colors and no condition or manufacturing flaws or damage.

Grade 9.5:Near Mint, usually with a minor flaw.

Grade 9:Excellent condition, with a few minor flaws.

Grades 8 and below:These cards have condition issues and/or manufacturing flaws and are priced accordingly.

Ungraded or Raw:Ungraded cards have never been graded. Raw cards are new to the market and have just been removed from their original packs or boxes.

Sports card values are fueled by three components: rarity, condition and collector demand. However, collector demand is the prime factor that ultimately determines value. A card may be exceedingly rare and flawless, but its value will stagnate and even be virtually unsellable if there's no collector interest. On the flip side, a more common card in lesser condition may be worth far more if that player has a big collector demand for memorabilia.

Online auctions can also fuel values. A certain excitement about auctions often compels people to bid record amounts for sports cards, and a bidding war between two enthusiasts can cause prices to skyrocket.

Should I Get My Sports Cards Graded?

Professional grading can authenticate your cards and give them a recognized quality level. During the grading process, a certified expert evaluates each card by identifying any condition issues or manufacturing flaws. The card is given a grade that reflects this quality level, and the information is entered into an international database.

Typically, graded cards are easier to sell than Ungraded and often have higher values because their quality is certified and established. And even if you don’t plan to sell your cards, grading can give them an authenticity that’s recognized throughout the industry and the collector’s market. Many collectors with no intention of selling their cards get them graded for personal satisfaction and posterity.

By getting your cards graded, you’ll have a collection that’s certified authentic, with an established quality that future generations will always recognize. For further information on CSG's 10-point Grading Scale and to find out more about our industry-leading services, visit CSGcards.com.

*Any mention of "investment potential" is for entertainment only and should not be construed as investment advice. The Certified Collectibles Group does not provide investment advice and is not liable for any buy, sell or trade decisions made by any parties.