Danny Tartabull Baseball Card Value Guide: Prices, Rarities & Investment Potential

Danny Tartabull baseball cards represent an interesting segment of the 1980s and early 1990s sports card market. While not among the most valuable players of his era, certain Tartabull cards—particularly rookie cards and rare variations—have maintained collector interest over the decades. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the values, rarities, and investment potential of Danny Tartabull’s baseball cards.

Who Is Danny Tartabull?

Danny Tartabull played 14 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1984 to 1997. Known for his power hitting, Tartabull was an All-Star in 1991 and played for several teams including the Seattle Mariners, Kansas City Royals, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Chicago White Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies. While not a Hall of Famer, his solid career numbers and memorable stint with the Yankees have kept his cards relevant in the collecting community.

Tartabull’s career highlights include:

• 1991 All-Star selection
• Career .273 batting average
• 262 home runs and 925 RBIs
• 1986 The Sporting News American League Rookie Player of the Year

His moderate star status places his cards in a middle tier of baseball card collecting—not as valuable as superstars like Ken Griffey Jr. or Cal Ripken Jr., but still sought after by team collectors and 1980s-90s baseball enthusiasts.

Danny Tartabull’s Rookie Cards

Tartabull’s official rookie cards were released in 1985, with his key rookie appearances in these sets:

The 1985 Donruss card is generally considered his primary rookie card among collectors. For high-grade examples (PSA 9 or PSA 10), prices can increase significantly compared to raw cards. In particular, PSA 10 examples of Tartabull’s rookie cards can command a substantial premium, often selling for 5-10 times the value of a PSA 9.

Key Danny Tartabull Cards By Year

1980s Cards

The 1980s represent Tartabull’s early career cards, including his rookie season and initial years with the Seattle Mariners and Kansas City Royals:

The 1987 Topps Tiffany is particularly noteworthy as it was produced in limited quantities (estimated at around 30,000 sets) compared to the regular mass-produced Topps sets of the era. These premium Tiffany cards have glossier fronts and whiter card stock backs.

1990s Cards

The 1990s represent Tartabull’s prime years and his time with the New York Yankees:

Rare and Valuable Danny Tartabull Cards

1991 Topps Desert Shield

The 1991 Topps Desert Shield Danny Tartabull is considered his most valuable mainstream card. These cards were distributed to troops during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and feature a special gold foil stamp. With limited distribution and high loss rate, these cards are quite rare. Raw examples in decent condition typically sell for $50-150, while PSA 9 examples can fetch $200-300.

Autographed Cards

Authenticated autographed Tartabull cards can command significant premiums:

• PSA/DNA Authenticated autographed rookie card: $159.60
• 1987 Topps with authenticated signature: $25-75 depending on condition

Error and Variation Cards

A few error cards and variations exist for Tartabull:

• 1987 Topps with print flaw or alignment issue: Small premium over base value
• 1988 Topps with color variation: Slight premium for serious collectors

Factors Affecting Danny Tartabull Card Values

Card Condition

Condition is perhaps the most critical factor affecting Tartabull card values. Cards in near-mint to mint condition (NM-MT or better) can command significantly higher prices than those with visible wear.

Professional Grading

Professional grading has a substantial impact on Tartabull card values. For example:

• A raw (ungraded) 1985 Donruss rookie might sell for $1-3
• The same card in PSA 9 (Mint) condition: $50-60
• In PSA 10 (Gem Mint) condition: $200-300+

This price escalation for graded cards is particularly pronounced for his rookie cards and rare variations like the 1991 Topps Desert Shield.

Card Rarity

Rarer cards naturally command higher prices. The hierarchy of rarity for Tartabull cards is typically:

1. 1991 Topps Desert Shield (most valuable)
2. Authenticated autographed cards
3. 1987 Topps Tiffany and other premium sets
4. 1985 rookie cards in high grade
5. Standard issue cards (least valuable)

Player Popularity

While Tartabull had a solid career, he isn’t considered a baseball legend, which affects his card values. However, his cards remain popular among:

• New York Yankees team collectors
• Kansas City Royals team collectors
• 1980s and 1990s baseball card collectors
• Fans who remember his appearance in a “Seinfeld” episode

Market Trends and Investment Potential

Current Market Analysis

According to recent market data from Collectibles.com:

• Average Sale Price: $25.04
• Total Sales Volume: $1,051.55
• Recent Price Change: -$5.00 (-13.89%)

This indicates a moderate collector interest with some recent value decline, which is consistent with broader trends in the sports card market for non-superstar players from this era.

Value Trajectories

The values of Tartabull cards have shown these patterns:

1. Rookie Cards: Have maintained relatively stable values with premium graded examples seeing the most consistent demand
2. Desert Shield Cards: Continue to appreciate due to their rarity and historical significance
3. Common Cards: Have seen declining interest except for pristine graded examples
4. Autographed Cards: Show sporadic value increases based on scarcity in the market

Investment Recommendations

For collectors considering Tartabull cards as investments:

• Strong Potential: 1991 Topps Desert Shield in PSA 9-10; Authenticated autographed rookie cards
• Moderate Potential: 1985 Rookie cards in PSA 9-10; 1987 Topps Tiffany
• Limited Potential: Common issues from 1987-1997 in raw condition

First official Danny Tartabull cards appeared in Donruss, Fleer, and Topps sets, initially valued at just cents per card.

Tartabull's peak playing year coincided with the release of the rare Desert Shield cards during Operation Desert Storm.

Cards from Tartabull's Yankees years gained popularity among team collectors, especially O-Pee-Chee variants.

PSA and BGS grading created significant price differences between mint and common condition Tartabull cards.

Focused collector interest on rookie cards, Desert Shield variants, and high-grade examples, with limited interest in common issues.

Where to Buy and Sell Danny Tartabull Cards

Online Marketplaces

Several online platforms specialize in sports card sales:

• eBay: The largest marketplace with the most extensive selection of Tartabull cards
• COMC.com: Card-specific platform with detailed listings and condition notes
• Sportlots.com: Good for finding common Tartabull cards at low prices
• SportCardsPro: Price guide and marketplace for comparing values

Auction Houses

For higher-value Tartabull cards (like PSA 10 rookies or Desert Shield cards), consider specialty sports memorabilia auction houses:

• Heritage Auctions
• Goldin Auctions
• Robert Edward Auctions

Card Shows and Local Shops

Don’t overlook traditional buying opportunities:

• Regional sports card shows often have dealer tables with Tartabull cards
• Local card shops may carry inventory or help with consignment sales
• Collector groups and forums can facilitate private sales

Authentication and Grading Services

Major Grading Companies

The primary grading services for Tartabull cards include:

• PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator): Most recognized grading service with the strongest price premiums
• BGS (Beckett Grading Services): Popular alternative with subgrades for centering, corners, edges, and surface
• SGC (Sports Card Guaranty): Growing service with distinctive slabs and competitive pricing

What to Grade

Not all Tartabull cards are worth the cost of grading. Consider grading:

• 1985 rookie cards in apparent Near Mint condition or better
• 1987 Topps Tiffany cards in pristine condition
• 1991 Topps Desert Shield cards (almost always worth grading)
• Any cards that appear to be potential PSA 10 candidates

Authentication for Autographs

For signed Tartabull cards, authentication services include:

• PSA/DNA
• Beckett Authentication Services (BAS)
• JSA (James Spence Authentication)

Caring for Your Danny Tartabull Cards

Storage Solutions

To protect your Tartabull cards:

• Use penny sleeves inside top-loaders for ungraded cards
• Consider card savers for cards intended for future grading
• Store valuable cards in acid-free storage boxes
• Keep Desert Shield and Tiffany cards in one-touch magnetic holders

Environmental Considerations

Protect cards from environmental damage:

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Maintain consistent temperature and humidity (60-70°F, 40-50% humidity)
• Keep cards away from basements, attics, and garages where conditions fluctuate
• Consider silica gel packets for storage containers in humid environments

Common Questions About Danny Tartabull Cards

The 1991 Topps Desert Shield is typically Danny Tartabull's most valuable mainstream card, especially in high grade. PSA 9 examples can sell for $200-300, while PSA 10 copies are extremely rare and valuable. However, for true collectors, his 1985 rookie cards (particularly Donruss and Fleer) in PSA 10 condition can sometimes exceed Desert Shield values.

Authentic 1991 Topps Desert Shield cards feature a distinctive gold foil shield emblem on the front, typically in the upper right or left corner of the card. The stamping should have consistent depth and clarity. Be wary of counterfeits with painted-on emblems or inconsistent foil application. When in doubt, consider professional authentication through PSA or BGS.

Danny Tartabull cards represent a mixed investment opportunity. High-grade rookie cards and rare variations like the Desert Shield can show moderate appreciation, but common cards from the overproduced late 80s and early 90s have limited investment potential. The best investment approach is focusing on PSA 9-10 graded rookies and authenticated rare variations rather than bulk purchases of common cards.

Danny Tartabull's 1985 Donruss #27 is generally considered his primary rookie card by most collectors, though he also has rookie cards in the 1985 Fleer (#647) and 1985 Topps (#362) sets. Some collectors also recognize his 1984 Cramer Salt Lake City Gulls minor league card as a "pre-rookie" card of significance.

To determine current values for your Danny Tartabull cards, you can check recent sales on platforms like eBay (completed listings), COMC.com, or card-specific price guides like Beckett or Sports Card Pro. For more accurate valuations, consider the card's condition, whether it's graded, and any special attributes (autographs, rare variations). Online sports card communities can also provide helpful price assessments based on photos of your specific cards.

Most standard 1980s and 1990s baseball cards, including common Danny Tartabull cards, are unlikely to see substantial value increases due to massive overproduction during this era. However, specific high-grade examples, particularly PSA 10 rookie cards and truly scarce variations like Desert Shield cards, have better appreciation potential. The sports card market demonstrates that even in overproduced eras, the absolute best examples of cards can still command premium prices and show growth over time.

External Resources for Danny Tartabull Card Collectors

A comprehensive price guide listing hundreds of Danny Tartabull cards with current market values and available inventory.

Detailed auction results tracking prices realized for Danny Tartabull's 1987 Topps card at various grade levels.

Marketplace featuring a wide selection of Danny Tartabull cards with high-resolution scans and condition notes.

Historical price tracking for vintage Danny Tartabull cards with sales records and market trends.

The largest online marketplace for buying and selling Danny Tartabull cards with current listings and auction opportunities.

Searchable database of Danny Tartabull card values with comparative pricing data and market analytics.

Conclusion: Danny Tartabull Cards in the Modern Collecting Landscape

Danny Tartabull’s baseball cards occupy an interesting niche in the sports card collecting world. While not among the most valuable players of his era, his cards—particularly high-grade rookies and rare variations like the Desert Shield—continue to attract dedicated collectors.

For those interested in Tartabull cards, focusing on condition and authenticity is key. The most promising cards for both collectors and investors are PSA 9-10 graded rookies, Desert Shield variants, and authenticated autographs. Common issues from the mass-production era have limited value but remain affordable options for player and team collectors.

As with many players from this era, the market shows greatest respect for the truly exceptional examples rather than common cards. This pattern will likely continue, with the gap between gem mint and average condition examples growing over time.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the power-hitting outfielder, a team collector focusing on the Royals or Yankees, or simply interested in the sports card market of the 1980s and 1990s, Danny Tartabull’s cards offer an accessible entry point with some genuinely collectible highlights for the discerning collector.