Greg Maddux Rookie Card Guide: 1987 Donruss Rated Rookie and the Mad Dog PC
Greg Maddux's 1987 Donruss #36 RC, Topps Traded, and the 2026 PSA buying guide for the four-time Cy Young winner.
Greg Maddux is a Hall of Famer, four-time Cy Young winner, World Series champion, and one of the most efficient pitchers ever. His 1987 RC is in a deep set with multiple companion RCs.
Here's the 2026 Mad Dog playbook.
Quick answer
Maddux's flagship RC is the 1987 Donruss #36 (Rated Rookie). PSA 10s in the $200–$500 range. The 1987 Topps Traded #70T is the Topps RC.
Tier 1: Mad Dog RCs that matter
1987 Donruss Rated Rookie #36
The flagship base RC.
1987 Topps Traded #70T
Topps Traded RC.
1987 Fleer Maddux
Fleer base RC.
1987 Leaf Maddux
Premium Leaf RC.
Tier 2: Strong supporting cards
- 1987 Donruss Maddux base — companion.
- 1988 Topps Maddux — second-year card.
Centering reality
The 1987 Donruss set has classic '80s condition issues. The 9 → 10 spread on the Rated Rookie is 3–5x.
Grading priorities
PSA dominates. BGS 9.5s exist. SGC has growing presence.
What to chase in 2026
Mad Dog PC build:
- 1987 Donruss Rated Rookie #36 PSA 9 as entry.
- PSA 10 as the realistic trophy.
- 1987 Topps Traded #70T PSA 10 as the secondary chase.
Time horizons
Maddux is HOF (97.2% vote), four-time Cy Young, WS champion. Permanent vintage MLB asset.
How AI pre-grading helps
The 1987 Donruss set requires pre-grading. AI screens centering and surface before submission.
CardSense AI supports the 1987 MLB RC class with PSA / BGS / SGC live comps.
FAQ
Is the Donruss Rated Rookie the only Maddux RC? The flagship. Topps Traded and Fleer are the secondary RCs.
Are Maddux Leaf cards worth grading? Yes — Leaf was the premium '87 set with a smaller print run.
Related guides
The bottom line
Maddux's 1987 Donruss Rated Rookie #36 is the flagship. Anchor on PSA 9, target 10s.
Last updated: April 22, 2026.
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