Hey guys! Matt here with another deep-dive into a rookie card list. In this article, I’m going to cover the most valuable and recently sold Greg Maddux rookie cards.
Now, if you haven’t been paying attention to the early greats, like Maddux, let me tell you, you’re missing out. Greg Maddux is widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, and a deep dive into his statistics offers a clear insight into why. Here’s an argument based on his stats that solidifies his position among the all-time greats:
Consistency and Control
- Impressive Career Longevity: Maddux’s career spanned 23 years, a testament to his durability and consistency. Over this period, he maintained an exceptional ERA of 3.16, showcasing his ability to perform at a high level over an extended period.
- Control and Precision: His WHIP (Walks and Hits per Inning Pitched) stands at a remarkable 1.143, reflecting his extraordinary control and precision on the mound. Maddux was known for his ability to limit walks (BB9 of 1.8) and home runs (HR9 of 0.6), crucial in controlling the game’s pace and limiting opposing teams’ scoring opportunities.
Dominance at His Peak
- Peak Performance: Maddux’s peak years, particularly with the Atlanta Braves, highlight his dominance. His ERA+ (an ERA adjusted for the pitcher’s ballpark and the league average, where over 100 is better than average) was consistently well above average, peaking at 163 with the Braves. This indicates his performance was significantly better than the league average during this period.
- Strikeout-to-Walk Ratio: His SO/W ratio, which stood at 4.77 with the Braves, underscores his exceptional ability to strike out batters while maintaining low walk rates.
Awards and Recognition
- Cy Young Awards and All-Star Appearances: Maddux won the Cy Young Award four times and was an eight-time All-Star. These awards recognize the best pitchers in the league, underlining his excellence.
- Gold Gloves for Defensive Skills: His 18 Gold Glove Awards demonstrate his defensive prowess, an often overlooked aspect of a pitcher’s skill set.
Historical Significance
- Hall of Fame Status: Maddux’s induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame further cements his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers.
- Statistical Comparison: His career SO9 of 6.1 and low BB9 highlight his methodical approach to pitching, relying more on skill and placement than sheer power – a style that set him apart in an era increasingly dominated by power pitchers.
Now, without any further ado, let’s jump into this list!
1987 Topps Traded Greg Maddux RC #70T
- Grade: PSA 10
- Auction House: eBay
- Sale Date: November 2023
- Sale Price: $60
➡️ Compare prices of this Greg Maddux Rookie Card on eBay
Overview: The 1987 Topps baseball card set is iconic for its wood-grain borders and challenging grading criteria. The Topps Traded set shares the same qualities with the exception of having white cardstock, similar to the Tiffany cards.
Supply: PSA has graded 15,928 of the ’87 Topps traded Greg Maddux rookies with 4,285 grading gem mint 10, 7,210 mint 9 and the remaining NM-MT 8 or less.
Value: PSA 10 examples sell between $45 to $70 on eBay. With such a high PSA 10 supply, those values seem about right. If you want to add a 1987 Topps Traded Greg Maddux rookie card to your portfolio, consider looking for a BGS 10 example.
1987 Fleer Update Glossy Greg Maddux RC #U-68
- Grade: PSA 10
- Auction House: eBay
- Sale Date: November 2023
- Sale Price: $101
➡️ Compare prices of this Greg Maddux Rookie Card on eBay
Overview: The 1987 Fleer Update Glossy Greg Maddux rookie card is a notable collectible for several reasons:
- Glossy Variation: As part of the Fleer Update Glossy set, this card features a glossy finish, making it more desirable than the base Fleer Update set due to the higher quality and enhanced visual appeal.
- Limited Production: The Fleer Update Glossy set was produced in smaller quantities compared to the regular issue.
- Condition Sensitivity: The glossy finish makes the card more prone to noticeable wear, so higher-grade examples have higher demand.
Supply: PSA has graded 8,160 of the 1987 Fleer Update Greg Maddux rookie cards with 978 grading gem mint 10, and the remaining mint 9 or less.
Value: PSA 10 examples sell between $80 to $125 while PSA 9s sell for under $20, which is less than the cost to have them graded. For long-term investing, consider picking up a BGS 10 example or looking for PSA 10s at auction in hopes of picking one up for around $45.
1987 Donruss The Rookies Greg Maddux RC #52
- Grade: PSA 10
- Auction House: eBay
- Sale Date: November 2023
- Sale Price: $127
➡️ Compare prices of this Greg Maddux Rookie Card on eBay
Overview: The 1987 Donruss “The Rookies” set was a separate set offered by Donruss that showcased promising talent from that year. Mark McGwire, Bo Jackson, and Greg Maddux are the notable names from the 1987 set.
Supply: PSA has graded 5,880 of the 1987 Donruss Rookies Greg Maddux rookie card with 474 grading gem mint 10 and the remaining mint 9 or less.
Value: PSA 10 examples sell between $80 to $125 while PSA 9s sell for under $20, which is less than the cost to have them graded. For long-term investing, consider picking up a BGS 10 example or looking for PSA 10s at auction in hopes of picking one up for around $45.
1987 Donruss Greg Maddux RC #36
- Grade: PSA 10
- Auction House: PWCC Auctions
- Sale Date: November 2023
- Sale Price: $204
➡️ Compare prices of this Greg Maddux Rookie Card on eBay
Overview: The 1987 Donruss set is iconic, notably for introducing the ‘Rated Rookie’ logo on baseball cards. Additionally, its distinctive dark black borders present a challenge for grading, making high-grade examples, such as the Maddux rookie card, particularly valuable.
Supply: PSA has graded a substantial number of 1987 Donruss Greg Maddux rookie cards – 33,504, to be exact. While this number might initially seem overwhelming, it actually underscores the card’s popularity and demand.
Significantly, only 2,667 of these are graded as gem mint 10, constituting about 8% of the total graded population. This rarity, coupled with high demand, creates a strong case for investment, particularly in these high-grade examples.
Value: PSA 10 examples sell between $175 to $235 consistently while BGS 9.5 examples fetch $50 to $80. The better long-term bet is to go with a PSA 10. If you’re feeling optimistic, considering looking for a BGS 10 to further your investment.
1987 Topps Traded Tiffany Greg Maddux RC #70T
- Grade: PSA 10
- Auction House: PWCC Auctions
- Sale Date: October 2023
- Sale Price: $500
➡️ Compare prices of this Greg Maddux Rookie Card on eBay
Overview: The 1987 Topps Traded Tiffany Greg Maddux rookie card is a highly sought-after card for several reasons:
- Limited Edition: The Topps Traded Tiffany set was produced in significantly lower quantities than the standard Topps Traded set, making it rarer and more valuable.
- Higher Quality: Tiffany cards are known for their glossy finish and higher-quality card stock, distinguishing them from the regular issue Topps cards.
- Condition Sensitivity: The card’s glossy finish makes it prone to showing wear and tear more easily, making high-grade examples more valuable.
Supply: PSA has graded 3,674 of the 1987 Topps Traded tiffany Greg Maddux rookie cards with 640 grading gem mint 10, 1,967 mint 9 and the remaining NM-MT 8 or less.
Value: The value of the 1987 Topps Traded Tiffany Greg Maddux rookie card is heavily influenced by its condition. For example, a PSA 10 grade sold for $500 in October 2023, while a PSA 8 fetched $29 in September 2023.
For investors, acquiring cards graded 8.5 or higher could be a prudent strategy, keeping in mind that Maddux’s already well-established legacy might not necessarily guarantee a significant increase in value. As with any collectible investment, market dynamics and condition are key considerations.
1987 Leaf Greg Maddux RC #36
- Grade: PSA 10
- Auction House: PWCC Auctions
- Sale Date: August 2023
- Sale Price: $1,590
➡️ Compare prices of this Greg Maddux Rookie Card on eBay
Overview: The 1987 Leaf Greg Maddux rookie card is particularly significant for graded card investors due to several key factors:
- Rarity: The 1987 Leaf set, the Canadian counterpart to Donruss, had a significantly lower production run compared to its American version, making this card rarer and more sought after.
- High-Grade Value: For graded card investors, the value of this card escalates considerably in higher grades (e.g., PSA 10 or BGS 9.5), due to the rarity of finding this card in pristine condition.
Supply: PSA has graded 4,011 of the 1987 Leaf Greg Maddux rookies with 499 grading gem mint 10, 1,268 mint 9 and the remaining NM-MT 8 or less.
Value: The 1987 Leaf Greg Maddux rookie cards are highly valuable in gem mint condition. However, when foudn in mint condition the value drops considerably. For instance, in September 2023 PWCC Auctions sold a PSA 10 example for $1,730 while in June 2023 a PSA 9 sold for $44.
Conclusion
Greg Maddux’s career stats paint a picture of a pitcher who combined longevity, precision, and dominance. His ability to control the game, coupled with his accolades and recognitions, firmly establishes him as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.
For investors looking into his rookie cards, these stats are not just numbers but a testament to a legendary career that will continue to be celebrated and valued in the baseball community. Consider picking up some of his rookie cards listed above for a nice long-term investment.
From a young age, Matt dove deep into sports card valuation, turning to esteemed price guides like Beckett and Tuff Stuff. Eventually he extended to Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and Yu-Gi-Oh!. With a vision to sustain and nurture the hobby he loved, Matt established the ‘Graded Card Investor’ YouTube channel and website. He aims to foster a healthy community and offer invaluable insights to those entering the world of sports cards and TCGs. His depth of understanding, from the card market’s 2020 pinnacle to its 1990s valleys, is consistently fortified by meticulous research.
