The Dugout│Top Five Most Valuable Greg Maddux Rookie Cards

The sports card investment market has surged since the pandemic, with enthusiasts ready to shell out thousands for prized cards. While some popular cards command five to six-figure dollar amounts, some undervalued sports cards are investment-worthy and more affordable. A prime example of this is the Greg Maddux rookie baseball card.

With Maddux's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame and his unparalleled skills on the mound, these baseball cards offer a golden opportunity to score big in the investment game. Let's explore the top five most valuable Greg Maddux rookie cards worth investing in.

The phenomenal Greg Maddux is an iconic pitcher who carved his name into MLB history. With eighteen Gold Gloves and 546 putouts, he's the epitome of control and precision on the mound. Think that's impressive? Well, he's notched 355 career wins, landing him in the eighth spot on the all-time wins list.

He's one of only ten pitchers to reach 300 wins and 3,000 strikeouts. But here's the kicker, he's the sole member of that elite club to have fewer than 1,000 walks. And he’s also had his number 31 retired by both the Braves and the Cubs.

Maddux is now a pitching coach at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. With such an illustrious career, it's no wonder the Hall of Famer's rookie cards are highly sought-after.

Greg Maddux rookie cards may have been overlooked in 1987, but their value has grown over time. They’re sought-after collectibles selling for high prices, such as the 1987 Leaf Greg Maddux #36. For instance, a PSA 10-graded 1987 Leaf Maddux card was auctioned by PWCC for $3,000 on February 16, 2021, via eBay.

However, if you're looking for a true gem, keep an eye out for that elusive 1987 Leaf Greg Maddux #36 SGC 100 Pristine, which sold for $5,040 in November 2017.

• Price Range: $11 to $2,150 
• Highest Sale Price: $3,250
• Supply: 498
• Brand: Leaf

In 1987, the iconic Leaf Greg Maddux rookie card #36 entered the baseball card scene. Its distinctive black borders set this card apart, making it pop like a fastball.

Although it wasn't the rarest option at first, the card has gained some serious value over time. With a price range of $11 to $2,150, depending on its condition, this card is a prized find for collectors. Just be careful, as those black borders can easily be a tad pesky and scuff.

• Price Range: $5 to $175
• Highest Sale Price: $570
• Supply: 468
• Brand: Donruss Rookies

The 1987 Donruss Rookies Greg Maddux #52 card came out after his MLB debut with the Chicago Cubs. While not his true rookie card since he had one in Donruss' regular season set, collectors still consider it a rookie card because it was released in the same year.

What makes this sports card special is that it was part of the Donruss’s The Rookies set, making it a tougher find than his regular season cards. Its glossy finish and distinctive green borders make it easily distinguishable from the rest on the list. Plus, you can get these Maddux rookie cards for $5 to $175.

So, if you're hunting for a special piece of Maddux's early career, this one's a home run.

• Price Range: $4 to $100
• Highest Sale Price: $700
• Supply: 817
• Brand: Fleer Update

The 1987 Fleer Update Greg Maddux rookie card #U68 is a real gem for collectors. While it didn't make it into the 1987 Fleer base set, Maddux secured his spot in the Fleer Update after his time with the Chicago Cubs. This card has a cool blue and white border matching the regular season set's design.

The card offers a premium glossy finish from Fleer. It captures Maddux in action, showcasing his impressive throwing form. And guess what? A PSA 10 raked $700 at an eBay auction in July 2021. So, if you stumble upon this beauty, consider yourself lucky.

• Price Range: $1 to $75
• Highest Sale Price: $600
• Supply: 4,241
• Brand: Topps 

Step up to the plate and behold the 1987 Topps Traded Greg Maddux #70T rookie card, a coveted piece of athletic memorabilia. This card holds major value as Maddux's first Topps appearance and has XRC status.

Despite being snubbed from the flagship set, he found a home alongside other rookie sensations in the traded box set alongside other rookie sensations. With its vintage wood-effect border and a glossy, eye-catching front, this card hits it out of the park.

The rare Topps Tiffany version adds even more sizzle, with a PSA 10 example selling for $600 in July 2021.

• Price Range: $50 to $375
• Highest Sale Price: $585
• Supply: 71
• Brand: David Berg

This card adds flavor to any collection with a number that matches Maddux's retired uniform. Priced between $50 and $375 and sometimes reaching a juicy $585, it's a feast for the eyes and a must-have for passionate collectors. Enjoy the taste of Cubs history.

Investing in Greg Maddux baseball rookie cards has been a home run for collectors, just like Maddux himself on the mound. These cards have been hitting it out of the park, gaining value over time.

Some Greg Maddux rookie cards can score big prices, like the PSA gem mint 1987 Fleer Update, which fetched $700, or the 1987 Topps Traded Tiffany graded PSA 10, which scored $600 on eBay. Owning one of these cards is akin to holding a VIP pass, reflecting Maddux's ball expertise that made dreams come true for many fans.

True, you might not become an instant millionaire, but you'll own a treasured slice of baseball lore. Cards are compared based on condition, rarity, and the player's career path, so keep those factors in mind. You’ll have to put in the work when on a card search, but opportunities will come your way if you’re in the right place at the right time.

Skip the common, battered cards and the oversaturated markets—your treasure lies in the unique, top-notch cards that showcase unforgettable snapshots of the player's journey. Keep card market trends in view and always check links on hobby websites to know what you’re buying. And most importantly, have a blast building your collection.