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You are here: Home / Around the Hobby / Popularity of Cal Ripken Rookie Cards Not Just About The Streak

Popularity of Cal Ripken Rookie Cards Not Just About The Streak

April 7, 2020 By Chris Goodman

Cal Ripken, Jr. is and always will be “The Iron Man” of Major League Baseball, but Ripken was much more than just his remarkable streak. He was one of the most consistent players of his generation-if not, the most consistent. He didn’t just show up. He produced. Not only could you count on him to get 600 at bats per year, he’d also add power, run production, and stellar defense at shortstop/third base.  He was also a student of the game’s history and perhaps better than any other player, understood how important it was to interact and show his appreciation to baseball fans. Put it all together and there’s little reason why collectors have always had a special place for Cal Ripken Jr. rookie cards.

Of course, Ripken broke Lou Gehrig’s long-standing streak for consecutive games played on September 6, 1995, pushing the record to 2,131 straight games. He’d finally finish the streak at 2,632.  What started on May 30, 1982, ended 16 years later on September 19, 1998. It might forever be untouchable. 

Autographed 2131 photo Cal Ripken Jr.

Baseball’s First Family

Ripken was born in the town of Havre de Grace in Maryland on August 24, 1960. His dad, Cal Sr., was a long-time player and coach in the Baltimore Orioles system. “I was lucky to have an Encyclopedia of Baseball for a dad,” Cal says. Cal, Jr. always around during Orioles’ workouts and games and picked up lessons from veterans like Brooks Robinson.  Ripken eventually led Aberdeen High School to the state title in baseball. Ironically, it was his pitching that led the way. He had 17 strikeouts in the 1978 state title game.

It was apparent his talent was on a different level than many of his peers. “I’d prefer to play shortstop in the majors,” Ripken once said. “But I’ll play anywhere.”

In 1978, Baltimore selected him in the 2nd round of the MLB draft. The Orioles had no intention of employing Ripken as a pitcher. He’d start off his minor league career as a shortstop in Bluefield, West Virginia. He quickly recovered from a 33 error season in his debut to become an All-Star by the next year. By August of 1981, Ripken was headed to the big club.

Off To The Bigs

Ripken got off to a slow start as his rookie cards were being pulled from Topps, Fleer and Donruss packs in the spring of 1982, but it didn’t take long for him to adjust and the rest is history.

His major league career is as impressive as any other infielder or corner position player. He piled up many accolades like Rookie of the Year (1982), two AL MVP’s (1983 & 1991), 19 All-Star games, and a World Series title in 1983. He had every credential you’d need to be a first ballot entry into the Hall of Fame and he earned 98.53% of the vote in 2007–still the sixth highest vote total of all-time.

Of course, his streak is still one of the most celebrated achievements in baseball. In this age, players will be hard pressed to even surpass Lou Gehrig much less Ripken, Jr. Only a few players, including Miguel Tejada, Alex Rodriguez, and Hideki Matsui have even surpassed 500 consecutive games played in the past 20 years.

Cal Ripken Jr. Rookie Cards

For an all-time icon, Ripken rookie cards generally aren’t expensive thanks to a strong supply. Collecting was hot by the early 1980s and Topps, Fleer and Donruss all made sure to print a good amount of product to meet increased demand.  

Ripken has a pair of Topps rookie cards, one issued as packs were hitting store shelves in the winter of ’82 and another as the season was wrapping up.  Which one is most desirable or popular is a long-running debate, but there’s no doubt which one is in shorter supply.  We’ll quote some current prices for high-grade examples but NM/MT graded and “raw”copies will be even cheaper.  If you’re buying for the long haul in hopes of seeing some appreciation, we’d suggest the high-end, however.

He was front and center on the 1982 Topps Orioles Future Stars card (#21), sharing it with former teammates Bob Bonner and Jeff Schneider.  Schneider told one website he thought he was perhaps paid $25 to pose for the picture and that he had no idea he was going to be on a card with two other players.
 
1982 Topps was plentiful with PSA alone grading nearly 90,000 of them as of now and the majority of those rated 8-10.  With no chronic issues like centering,  there are thousands of Mint 9s with current values hovering between $65 and $85.  An 8 will run $25-$30 while willing to spring for one of the more than 530 PSA 10s can expect to pay $750-$1,000.  
  • 1982 Topps #21 Ripken rookie cards on eBay
 
The company also printed a solo card of Ripken, Jr. in their ’82 Topps Update/Traded set (the update/traded sets back then were issued in boxed form and sold to dealers only–not in packs).  Numbered 98T, only about 20 percent of these have been graded compared to Ripken’s far more common card from the flagship set. 
 
Ripken Update Rookies usually run $200-$250 for a 9; $100-$125 for an 8 and 10s shoot up to $750-1,000.
  • 1982 Topps Update/Traded Ripken rookie cards on eBay
 
Ripken also appeared in the 1982 Fleer and Donruss sets.  The Fleer (#176) is the only one of the four Ripken rookies to show him in action and in a defensive position.  The value of a Fleer Ripken rookie card ranges from $50-60 for a9 to $700 and up for a 10.   
  • 1982 Fleer Ripken rookie cards on eBay
 
The ’82 Donruss Ripken (#405) is probably the nicest looking of all of the Ripken rookie cards and it’s less plentiful than the Fleer card. Featurng a posed shot with a stadium backdrop, It can be found for $45-55 in a 9 and $225-$250 in a 10.
  • 1982 Donruss Ripken rookie cards on eBay

Minor League Cards

Ripken’s first appearance on cards actually came during his days as an Orioles minor leaguer in Charlotte and Rochester.  He has some pretty valuable 1980 Charlotte Orioles minor league cards that were a ballpark promotion and some lesser value issues during his time with Rochester in ’81.
 
Of course, he appeared on many other sets during his career.  Here’s a closer look at 21 favorites tied to his long and legendary career. 
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About Chris Goodman

Chris Goodman is a Midwest-based writer and broadcast pro who has been covering sports for more than 15 years. He's also a licensed insurance agent with experience in all types of coverage.

Filed Under: Around the Hobby, Popular Stories Tagged With: 1980s baseball cards, Cal Ripken Jr., Cal Ripken Jr. rookie, Hall of fame rookie cards

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