Manufacturer: Donruss
Set: 1981 Donruss Baseball ➡️
Player Name: Danny Ainge
Position/Team: 2nd Base for Blue Jays
Card #: 569
Card Size: 2-1/2” x 3-1/2”
Card Values: See Pricing Table Below
Before he was an NBA mainstay, Ainge was a standout baseball prospect. While attending BYU, he was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays and actually made it to the Big Leagues while still in college.
MLB Career (1979–1981): He played 211 games as a second baseman and third baseman. To this day, he remains the youngest player in Blue Jays history to hit a home run (at 20 years and 77 days).
After struggling at the plate (batting .220 over three seasons), he decided to focus entirely on basketball, leading to a legal battle between the Blue Jays and the Boston Celtics over his contract.
Drafted by the Celtics in 1981, Ainge became a vital piece of the 1980s dynasty alongside Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish.
Ainge transitioned seamlessly into leadership roles after retiring in 1995. He coached the Phoenix Suns from 1996 to 1999, leading them to three playoff appearances.
As the Celtics’ President of Basketball Operations (2003–2021), he earned the nickname “Trader Danny” for his bold moves—most notably the 2007 trades for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, which delivered the 2008 NBA title.
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Pricing Data For This Rookie Card
➡️ See all 1981 Donruss Rookie Card Prices
Pricing chart includes raw card price & some graded card value estimates.
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