1983 Donruss Baseball

By Patrick Mondout

The 1983 Donruss set was somewhat of a disappointment. The 660 card set features virtually the same design as the previous year - one that won no awards - and the cards were once again produced in quantities in excess of demand, limiting how much profit could be made by a growing number of speculators.

At least Donruss reduced the number of errors for the second straight season. One card that looks like it is in error is the card for Phillies Hall of Fame third basemen Mike Schmidt. His photo depicts him wearing #37 when we all know he wore #20. It turns out his jersey was stolen and the equipment manager had to improvise something for him to wear.

The Diamond Kings were back with 26 new players featured while a painting by Dick Perez of Ty Cobb was used on this year's puzzle pieces.

Packages of the cards sold for a suggested retail of 30¢ and contained 15 cards plus three puzzle pieces. Factory sets were once again made available to hobby dealers.

The major rookie cards were Tony Gwynn, Ryne Sandberg and Wade Boggs while Julio Franco, Willie McGee and Mel Hall rookies received varying amounts of attention.

While the similarity in design of the '83 Donruss cards to its predecessor may have been the result of trying to create a brand identity for a company that was still relatively new to most baseball card collectors, we all hoped the 1984 set would be more innovative. We needn't have worried.

A checklist for all 660 cards is available here.

1983 Donruss at a Glance Back Checklist Wax Pack SD Chicken! Cobb Puzzle Diamond Kings

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