Will Clark, affectionately known as “The Thrill,” is one of the most respected players in Major League Baseball. A six-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger Award winner, Clark played primarily for the San Francisco Giants and the Texas Rangers during his career. As one of the top players of his era, Clark’s rookie cards have become sought-after pieces for baseball card collectors. Here are some of the best Will Clark rookie cards to consider for your collection.
The Best Will Clark Rookie Cards
This is the criteria we used to come up with our list:
- Values: We’ve factored in for some of the most valuable Will Clark rookie cards on the market
- Rarity: Rarity will always have a role to play in terms of interest and pricing
- Popularity and branding: How popular is the brand, or the set itself?
- Rookie cards: RCs are always going to sell for a premium, as the first ever cards to feature a baseball player
- Potential ROI: Arguably most important, can you expect a decent potential ROI if it’s a long-term hold?
1. 1986 Donruss The Rookies Will Clark #32 (eBay)
This card is often considered the definitive Will Clark rookie card. It features a young Clark in his Giants uniform and showcases the classic Donruss design. As one of the earliest cards featuring Clark, it’s a must-have for any fan or collector. While not the most expensive, its significance in Clark’s card history makes it a valuable piece of any collection. A PSA 10 copy recently sold for under $60.
Check prices of 1986 Donruss The Rookies Will Clark RC on eBay
2. 1986 Topps Traded Tiffany Will Clark #24T (eBay)
The 1986 Topps Traded set introduced a subset known as Tiffany, which were special high-gloss versions of the standard cards. The Tiffany cards were produced in much lower quantities, making them more rare and valuable. The Will Clark Tiffany card shows him posed ready at bat and is a beloved choice for collectors due to its high-quality production and premium feel. A PSA 10 copy recently sold for just over $400.
Check prices of 1986 Topps Traded Tiffany Will Clark RC on eBay
3. 1987 Fleer Glossy Will Clark #269 (eBay)
Fleer’s 1987 set included a “glossy” variant, which added a shiny finish to the cards for a more premium look. The Will Clark card from this set is a popular choice among collectors for its high-quality feel and striking design, featuring a close-up action shot of Clark at the plate. PSA 10 copies come in at roughly $120 as of June 2023.
Check prices of 1987 Fleer Glossy Will Clark on eBay
Will Clark Rookie Cards: Investment Outlook
Will Clark’s rookie cards are a solid investment for both the casual collector and the more serious investor. Despite retiring over two decades ago, Clark’s legacy in baseball keeps his cards in demand. Moreover, due to the era in which his rookie cards were produced, they’re not overly abundant like some other cards from the late ’80s and early ’90s, which adds to their value.
The worth of Clark’s rookie cards varies based on factors like condition, rarity, and demand. The 1986 Donruss and 1987 Fleer Glossy cards are generally more affordable, making them great for casual collecting. On the other hand, the 1986 Topps Traded Tiffany is rarer and commands higher prices, making it ideal for more serious investments.
In Summary
Will Clark is a legend in baseball, and his rookie cards capture the early moments of a career that would leave a lasting impact on the sport. Whether you’re a fan of “The Thrill,” a Giants or Rangers enthusiast, or a baseball card collector, adding a Will Clark rookie card to your collection is a way to own a piece of baseball history. Each card mentioned offers a unique piece of Clark’s legacy, but all serve as a testament to his remarkable career. So, when considering which Will Clark rookie cards to collect, consider not just their value but also their connection to one of baseball’s truly exceptional players.