1990 Donruss

I vividly remember paying $18 a box for these monstrosities. (and I bought two boxes...) To this day I still have trouble reading the names on the front. Donruss continued their descent into the pre-school market with what are commonly referred to as the "Christmas Cards." 

I can't believe I spent $36 on these, and I didn't even get a whole set. (this was $36 in 1990 to boot!) $36 today will buy 2/3 of a tank of gas for my Toyota Camry, 3 pair of boxer shorts at Casual Male XL, or dinner for two at Chili's with a tip. Personally, I'm leaning towards going commando and going to Chili's.....

The 1990 Donruss Detroit Tigers:

16 Lou Whitaker Diamond King

38 Brian DuBois

60 Chet Lemon

62 Doyle Alexander

90 Alan Trammell

178 Matt Nokes

180 Frank Tanana

209 Mike Heath

296 Mike Henneman

298 Lou Whitaker

327 Frank Williams

415 Kevin Ritz

417 Jeff Robinson

445 Dave Bergman

533 Mike Brumley

535 Doug Strange

563 Edwin Nunez

599 Rick Schu

610 Guillermo Hernandez

621 Gary Ward

636 Tracy Jones

639 Jack Morris

657 Paul Gibson

661 Gary Pettis

696 Scott Lusader

For the third year in a row, Donruss gave us the lame MVP "insert" set. Luckily, for the third year in a row it was Alan Trammell. I guess that's something.

BC-26 Alan Trammell

I don't have this Rookies card, but I'm guessing it's green.

4 Brian Dubois

I do however have this blue card of Cecil Fielder. Judging by the back, I am assuming it's a Baseball's Best issue. I am also assuming there should be more, but given how bad this team was, I'm not betting on it.

133 Cecil Fielder

1988 Donruss Baseball's Best

Just in case you thought I was bullshitting earlier about Donruss figuring out that there was a world full of suckers ready to pounce on anything in 1988, let me offer this set up as Exhibit A. Case closed, the glove fits, Colonel Mustard did it with the lead pipe in the kitchen. Fleer released a set of Baseball's Best in 1988. It contained 44 cards. Donruss issued one as well. 336 cards.

That's right. It's not a typo. 336 cards. Baseball's Best. 

Uh-huh.....

The 1988 Donruss Baseball's Best Detroit Tigers:

13 Doyle Alexander

35 Darrell Evans

69 Mike Heath

91 Mike Henneman

125 Willie Hernandez

147 Chet Lemon

181 Jack Morris

203 Gary Pettis

237 Matt Nokes

259 Frank Tanana

281 Alan Trammell

293 Walt Terrell

315 Lou Whitaker

At least the gaudy orange and black motif fits with the Tigers.....

(Photo of the boxed sets courtesy of ebay. Right now the high bid on these FIVE complete sets is $4.34. Amazing. Or pathetic. You decide......)