1981 Donruss Rickey Henderson #119

How I Arrived at the Hobby Score

This card received a 78 overall Hobby Score.

The 1981 Donruss Rickey Henderson #119 comes from a pivotal year in hobby history. 1981 marked Donruss’ entry into the baseball card market, breaking Topps’ longtime monopoly. This was their first full MLB-licensed baseball set, and although the quality was shaky — with thin cardstock, rushed photography, and printing flaws — it still holds nostalgic value.

The card itself showcases a youthful Rickey during his second MLB season, a time when his raw speed was already creating buzz. The design is simple and clean, and it remains relatively affordable — but its historical importance and Rickey’s legacy keep it from falling into obscurity.

As a fun bit of Henderson lore: Rickey once slid into second base, stood up, picked up the base, and held it overhead to celebrate breaking Lou Brock’s single-season stolen base record. That same swagger radiated his career and cards.