The 1990 baseball card season featured some of the biggest stars and rookie cards of the decade. While the late 80s boom was starting to cool off, 1990 still provided plenty of exciting cards for collectors to hunt. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key 1990 baseball cards collectors should keep an eye out for.
Ken Griffey Jr Rookie Card (Upper Deck): Widely considered one of the most iconic and valuable rookie cards ever printed, the 1990 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr is the undisputed crown jewel of the set. Griffey would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie is one of the most sought after by collectors. In pristine mint condition, examples have sold for over $100,000. Even well-centered near mint copies still fetch thousands. This is a true holy grail card that is essential for any serious collection.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card (Fleer): While Griffey’s was the bigger star at the time, Frank Thomas also debuted in 1990 and had a spectacular career of his own. His rookie card comes from Fleer and shows Thomas in the midst of his powerful swing. Like Griffey, Thomas would have a long, productive career playing in the era after steroids. High grade Thomas rookies still sell for four figures and are a key piece of history from the year.
Nolan Ryan Express Postcard (Donruss): Donruss paid tribute to Nolan Ryan’s express train-like fastball with this creative postcard design. It captures an iconic image of the flamethrower winding up. Ryan was nearing the end of his career in 1990 but remained one of the most intimidating hurlers in the game. This innovative card remains a highly collectible piece, especially for Ryan completests.
Rickey Henderson (Fleer): Arguably the greatest leadoff hitter and basestealer in baseball history, Rickey Henderson was in his prime in 1990. His Fleer card shows him in full sprint around the bases. Henderson was a true game-changing talent and his cards from this era remain some of the most popular for Athletics and general baseball collectors.
Barry Bonds Rookie Variation (Bowman): While Bonds had made his debut in 1986, he was still learning in 1990 and hadn’t fully blossomed into the superstar he would become. His rookie cards, especially the short print variation from Bowman are very desirable for collectors today. Bonds would go on to smash the single season and all-time home run records, making any of his early cards big keys.
Cal Ripken Jr. (Score): By 1990, Ripken had broken the streak record and was the iron man of baseball. His Score issue shows him fielding at shortstop. Ripken was the consummate professional and one of the most respected players of the era. High grade copies of this all-action card are highly sought after.
Roger Clemens (Fleer): Arguably the top pitcher of the late 80s-early 90s, Clemens’ intimidating stare down glare graced the front of his 1990 Fleer issue. “The Rocket” won multiple Cy Youngs and would have a long, decorated career. Clemens cards remain some of the most popular for pitcher collectors.
Wally Joyner Rookie (Donruss): While not in the same galactic stratosphere as Griffey or Thomas, Wally Joyner still had a solid career and his rookie is an important Angels piece from the season. Joyner was a productive first baseman/DH for several seasons. His rookie remains a nice affordable option for Angels or rookie card collectors.
Ozzie Smith (Score): A true wizard with the glove, Ozzie Smith was in his prime in 1990 as the best defensive shortstop who ever lived. His up the middle diving play is captured on his Score issue. “The Wizard” was a fan favorite and his cards are always popular with Cardinals and defensive specialist collectors.
This covers some of the biggest stars and most historically important rookie cards from the 1990 season. Sets like Upper Deck, Fleer, Donruss and Score did a great job chronicling the era. Finding high grade examples of the stars like Griffey, Thomas, Henderson, Ripken and Clemens would make for an amazing vintage core to any collection.
