1982 Donruss #405 Cal Ripken Jr. Rookie

How I Arrived at the Hobby Score

This card received an 81 overall Hobby Score.

The 1982 Donruss Cal Ripken Jr. #594 rookie card was part of Donruss’s early 1980s boom, featuring a classic white border and action shot of the young shortstop. Like the Topps Traded issue, this card was easily found in hobby boxes and rack packs, making it accessible but limiting scarcity.

Donruss cards from this era are known for vibrant color printing but also for occasional registration and centering issues. As a result, high-grade PSA 9s and 10s are harder to come by, which helps elevate its desirability despite a large overall population.

Ripken’s durability and stellar career—highlighted by two MVP Awards and a then-record consecutive games streak—give this card long-term significance. The 81 score reflects its mix of broad availability, solid design, and the enduring legacy of “The Iron Man.”