Manufacturer: Donruss
Set: 1986 Donruss Baseball ➡️
Player Name: Rick Aguilera
Position/Team: Pitcher for Mets
Card #: 441
Card Size: 2-1/2” x 3-1/2”
Card Values: See Pricing Table Below
Aguilera broke into the big leagues as a starter with a devastating slider and a calm demeanor.
1986 World Series: As a young starter/reliever, he was a key part of that wild Mets championship team.
The “Problem”: The Mets had a surplus of elite arms (Gooden, Darling, Ojeda, Fernandez). Aguilera became the centerpiece of one of the most lopsided trades in baseball history.
In mid-1989, the Mets traded Aguilera to the Minnesota Twins in a deal for Frank Viola. It was in Minnesota that manager Tom Kelly made the franchise-altering decision to move “Aggie” to the bullpen. He became an elite closer almost overnight.
1991 World Series: Aguilera was the anchor of the Twins’ bullpen during their legendary 7-game series against the Braves. He earned the win in the iconic Game 6 (the Kirby Puckett “See you tomorrow night” game).
In a weird twist of baseball history, the Twins traded Aguilera to the Chicago Cubs in 1995. He saved 8 games for them in a few months, but the Twins missed him so much they re-signed him as a free agent the following winter. He spent almost the rest of his career in Minnesota, eventually moving back into the starting rotation for a stint before returning to the pen.
Aguilera is the gold standard for the “Professional Closer.” He didn’t have a flashy entrance theme or a crazy persona; he just came in, threw strikes, and shook hands. He is currently in the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame and remains one of the most beloved figures in Twin Cities sports history.
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Pricing Data For This Rookie Card
➡️ See All 1986 Donruss Rookie Card Prices
Pricing chart includes raw card price & some graded card value estimates.
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