Greg Maddux Rookie Card Market Guide

During his 23 seasons in the MLB, Greg Maddux shattered numerous longstanding records to become one of baseball's greatest ever pitchers. He was the first pitcher to win the Cy Young Award four years in a row (1992-1995) and is still the only pro pitcher to win 15 games over 17 straight seasons.

Maddux also holds the record for winning the most Gold Gloves Awards (18) and won more games than any other MLB pitcher during the 1990s. In addition, he's the only MLB pitcher to achieve more than 300 wins and 3,000 strikeouts, while giving up fewer than 1,000 walks. So, how does Maddux’s astounding MLB career correlate to his rookie cards and their values? Our extensive market guide will answer exactly that.

From Cubs Rookie to Braves Powerhouse Pitcher

Maddux started his career with the Chicago Cubs in 1986 at the age of 20, making him the MLB's youngest player. By 1992, he had become a pitching star, winning 20 games that year, along with his first Cy Young Award. As a free agent, Maddux signed with the Atlanta Braves and made his debut with the team in 1993. He finished the year with another 20-win season and won his second straight Cy Young Award.

Thanks to the powerhouse pitching quartet of Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz and Steve Avery, the Atlanta Braves had their greatest postseason decade ever during the 1990s, which culminated in a 1995 World Series win (against the Cleveland Indians), which was the first for the team since moving to Atlanta in 1966. During that pivotal 1995 season, Maddux won 19 games and became the first MLB pitcher since Walter Johnson (in 1918 and 1919) to achieve successive ERAs under 1.80. After his World Series win, Maddux was awarded the Cy Young Award for a record-breaking fourth year in a row.

Maddux's Record-Breaking Legacy

Maddux continued to break records throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. In 2001, he pitched two 1-0 shutouts in the same month (the first pitcher since 1919 to achieve this feat) and pitched 72 1/3 innings without giving up a walk (a National League record). The following season, he broke another record by winning his 13th consecutive Golden Glove Award.

Finishing with a career 355 wins and an ERA average of 3.16, Maddux retired in 2008, just a month after receiving his 18th Golden Glove Award. In 2009, both the Braves and the Cubs retired his number (#31), and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Are Greg Maddux Rookie Cards Valuable?

Although Maddux's cards were issued during the infamous "Junk Wax Era" when cards were massively overproduced, many have held their value remarkably well. Several of his rookie cards sell for high prices, particularly those produced in lower numbers.

Investment Potential for Greg Maddux Rookie Cards

Maddux was one of baseball's greatest Hall of Fame pitchers, so there's always colossal collector interest in his cards and memorabilia. As a result, demand for his rookie cards should continue to remain strong, with the potential to possibly increase with time.

Top Greg Maddux Rookie Cards

Here's a look at some of the most popular Greg Maddux rookie cards:

1987 Topps Traded #70T Greg Maddux ($2,906)

This Topps favorite shows a great action shot of Maddux following through after a pitch. The image is bordered by a simulated woodgrain print and features the Cubs logo at the top, with the player’s name and the Topps logo at the bottom.

SportsCardsPro shows Ungraded trending at $3.50, Grade 7 at $6, Grade 8 at $9 and Grade 9 at $25. Grade 9.5 trends at $41, and Gem Mint at $74.

At PriceGuide.Cards, Ungraded trends at an average price of $7 and a top price of $1,000. Graded trends at an average price of $46 and a top price of $2,906.

1987 Leaf #36 Greg Maddux ($2,600)

One of the most sought-after baseball cards of the 1980s, this gem features a close-up shot of Maddux, who is sporting an unfamiliar mustache, as he’s in the middle of his windup about to pitch. It has an attractive black border with gold striping, with Leaf's "Rated Rookie" logo on the lower right.

This card is from Leaf's 264-card Canadian version of the Donruss Rated Rookie set and was produced in relatively low numbers, making it harder to come by. There's also a high-gloss Tiffany version that typically sells for more.

SportsCardsPro shows Ungraded trending at $11, Grade 7 at $5.50, Grade 8 at $21 and Grade 9 at $80. Grade 9.5 trends at $285, and Gem Mint at $1,363.

At PriceGuide.Cards, Ungraded trends at an average price of $11 and a top price of $211.50. Graded trends at an average price of $57 and a top price of $2,600 (grades unspecified).

1987 Donruss #36 Greg Maddux ($2,399)

This must-have rookie card features a shot of Maddux winding up for the pitch, framed in black and gold with a "Rated Rookie" logo at the bottom right. Printed in larger numbers than many of the other Maddux rookie examples, this card is a budget-friendly option — and it's also interesting because it misspells Maddux's middle name on the back (it is "Alan," not "Allen").

SportsCardsPro shows Ungraded trending at $3, Grade 7 at $8.75, Grade 8 at $9 and Grade 9 at $20. Grade 9.5 trends at $83, and Gem Mint at $227.

At PriceGuide.Cards, Ungraded trends at an average price of $4 and a top price of $1,492. Graded trends at an average price of $38 and a top price of $2,399 (grades unspecified).

1987 Donruss #52 Greg Maddux ($1,225)

Produced in a 56-card all-rookie set, this classic "The Rookies" issue shows a close-up portrait of the young Maddux outfitted in the Cubs’ blue jersey. This image is framed in forest green and gold, with "The Rookies" featured at the lower right.

SportsCardsPro shows Ungraded trending at $4, Grade 7 at $9, Grade 8 at $12 and Grade 9 at $21. Grade 9.5 trends at $43, and Gem Mint at $133.

At PriceGuide.Cards, Ungraded trends at an average price of $4 and a top price of $200. Graded trends at an average price of $30 and a top price of $1,225 (grades unspecified).

1987 Topps Traded Tiffany #70T Greg Maddux ($1,200)

Printed on high-quality card stock with excellent clear graphics, this high-gloss Tiffany has the same image as its base counterpart. In most cases, because Tiffany versions were produced in lower numbers, they often sell for a higher price. While Ungraded and lower graded cards sell for a higher average price, that isn’t necessarily the case for top-end graded cards.

SportsCardsPro shows Ungraded trending at $24, Grade 7 at $32, Grade 8 at $43 and Grade 9 at $75. Grade 9.5 trends at $210, and Gem Mint at $434.

At PriceGuide.Cards, Ungraded trends at an average price of $31 and a top price of $850. Graded trends at an average price of $84 and a top price of $1,200.

1987 Fleer Update Glossy #U-68 Greg Maddux ($595)

This collectors' favorite shows an action shot of Maddux following through with a pitch, set against a stadium background with a sky-blue border and the Cubs logo at the lower right. There's also a Glossy version that trends for slightly higher prices.

SportsCardsPro shows Ungraded trending at $3, Grade 7 at $6, Grade 8 at $7 and Grade 9 at $16. Grade 9.5 trends at $44, and Gem Mint at $95. For the Glossy version, Ungraded trends at $5, Grade 7 at $10, Grade 8 at $11 and Grade 9 at $20. Grade 9.5 trends at $43, and Gem Mint at $130.

At PriceGuide.Cards, Ungraded trends at an average price of $4 and a top price of $475. Graded trends at an average price of $20 and a top price of $415 (grades unspecified). For the Glossy version, Ungraded trends at an average price of $7 and a top price of $255. Graded trends at an average price of $30 and a top price of $595 (grades unspecified).

1987 David Berg Hot Dogs Giveaway #31 Greg Maddux ($431)

Sponsored by David Berg hot dogs, this set of 26 oversized cards featured various Chicago Cubs players and was part of a giveaway promotion at Wrigley Field. This example shows an exciting action shot of Maddux throwing the ball, framed by red, white and blue striping.

SportsCardsPro shows Ungraded trending at $45, Grade 8 at $60 and Grade 9 at $88. Grade 9.5 trends at $212, and Gem Mint at $431.

Where Can I Find Greg Maddux Rookie Cards?

You can find Greg Maddux sports cards at retailers and auction houses specializing in sports memorabilia. These are some of the most popular auction sites:

• eBay
• Invaluable
• Memory Lane
• Lelands
• PWCC
• Christie's
• Sotheby's
• EBTH
• SCP Auctions
• Goldin
• Heritage Auctions

In addition, you'll find sports cards for sale at sports memorabilia shows, which are held year-round across the country. You can check collector sites and social media pages to find out about shows scheduled for your area.

How Are Greg Maddux Rookie Cards Graded?

In sports card grading, professional appraisers depend upon a numeric system that's universally recognized throughout the industry. Here's how it works:

Perfect 10: This card has scored Gem Mint ratings across all four grading criteria: centering, corners, edges and surface. Even under 10x magnification, the card is perfect.

Gem Mint: This card has a 10 score overall, but one of the criteria scores slightly less than a Perfect 10.

Grade 9.5: Nearly Gem Mint, with a very minor flaw.

Grade 9: Excellent condition, with minor, unimportant wear.

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

Raw: Raw cards have just been removed from their original packs or boxes.

Ungraded: These cards have reached the market without having ever been graded.

Sports card values depend upon three prime components: condition, rarity and collector interest. A card can be rare and flawless, but prices may stagnate if collector interest isn't there. Likewise, a less rare card, or a card in a lesser condition, may spike in price if enough collectors want it.

Collector interest can be fueled by an athlete's performance or current popularity. However, a popular athlete may fade into obscurity the following season, while an almost-forgotten athlete may make a comeback on TV and soar in popularity again. Online auctions and bidding wars also fuel prices, especially if they're highly publicized. Ultimately, it's a good idea to focus on collecting the cards you want and buying the best condition card that you can afford.

Should I Get My Sports Cards Graded?

Professional grading is a great way to enhance the quality of your collection. Grading authenticates the originality of your cards and provides them with a condition rating recognized universally by sellers, collectors and appraisers everywhere.

During the grading process, an expert appraiser assesses each card, verifying its authenticity and identifying any manufacturing flaws or condition issues. Once the card has been graded, the information is entered into an international database, creating a permanent record of your card.

Typically, graded cards are often easier to sell or trade, and can sell for higher prices than Ungraded cards. And even if you don't plan on ever selling them, having your cards graded gives your collection an established quality level that will be recognized for generations to come. 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.