The 1990 CMC baseball card set was unique in that it was one of the first sets released after the MLB players strike that cancelled the 1990 baseball season. With no games being played, card companies had to get creative with the photography and designs for that year’s rookie cards. While it lacked some of the big star rookies of other years due to the strike, there were still several valuable and collectible cards included in the 288-card set. Here’s a look at some of the most valuable and sought after 1990 CMC baseball cards:
Ken Griffey Jr. – The “Junior” rookie card is arguably the crown jewel of the 1990 CMC set. Griffey was already being hailed as a future superstar and living up to the hype in his early MLB seasons prior to the strike. His sweet left-handed swing and golden boy good looks made him enormously popular among fans of all ages. While production numbers on Griffey rookie cards were high across several card brands in 1989, the CMC version has consistently been one of the toughest to acquire in high grade. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $10,000 in recent years. Even well-centred PSA 9 copies can fetch $3,000-$4,000. Griffey’s iconic pose and the card’s classic design have cemented it as one of the most valuable modern rookie cards ever produced.
Frank Thomas – “The Big Hurt” announced his arrival in the majors in 1990 and did nothing but mash from day one of his career. His rookie card in the CMC set showcases Thomas swinging away with his trademark wide batting stance. Like Griffey, Frank Thomas rookies were produced in high numbers overall. What makes the CMC version more key is that it carries the additional cache of being the lone Frank Thomas card from his true rookie season in 1990 after the players’ strike. PSA 10s have sold for over $2,000.
Roberto Alomar – Already an established star by 1990, Alomar’s smooth fielding and line drive swing made him a fan favorite. The CMC Alomar card features a close-up headshot photo of the second baseman. Low-print Alomar rookie cards from 1988 Bowman and Topps are out of reach price wise for most collectors. As a result, the 1990 CMC version is one of the more affordable ways to own an early Alomar card. Graded PSA 9 copies can be acquired for under $100, though PSA 10s will set you back over $400.
Nolan Ryan – By 1990, Ryan had firmly cemented his status as a living legend with over 4,000 career strikeouts to his name. Any card showing the Express mowing down hitters is a classic. The CMC card has Ryan in a leg kick windup pose, with his famous jersey number “30” prominently displayed. High grade examples have endured due to Ryan’s immense popularity. A PSA 10 has sold for over $500 in recent auction.
Roberto Kelly – Coming off an impressive rookie season split between the Padres and Cubs in 1989, Kelly entered 1990 with big expectations. An ankle injury hampered him that year but he rebounded to have a productive career. His CMC rookie card, like Frank Thomas’s, serves as the lone card from Kelly’s true rookie season. The design has Kelly striding towards the batter’s box and is one of the more visually appealing cards in the set. With a PSA 10 recently selling for over $450, this card has experienced rising values in recent years.
Shawn Abner – A highly-touted prospect in the Astros organization, Abner was expected to be among the next wave of young stars to emerged in the early 90s. Arm and shoulder injuries derailed his career before it really took off. His rookie card in the 1990 CMC set has him gripping a bat with an intense expression. It’s one of the more iconic and aesthetically designed photos in the set. With such a short big league career, the card has taken on greater mystique over the decades. PSA 10s have sold for nearly $350.
Ken Hill – Hill broke out in 1990 with the Rangers, going 13-6 with a 2.89 ERA before the strike. His CMC rookie card is one of the scarcer cards in the set with relatively low print runs. Graded mint PSA 10 copies are difficult to come by, with one recently attracting a winning auction price of over $175. Even in PSA 9 condition they can bring $50-$75 due to Hill’s solid production and the card’s very low pop reports in top grades.
Roberto Hernandez – Forever etched in baseball lore as the pitcher who recorded the FIRST 20-strikeout game in modern MLB history in 1990, Hernandez’s CMC rookie card has developed quite a following. Sporting a sweet high leg kick on the mound, the card oozes 1990s baseball nostalgia. While production numbers aren’t as low as some others on this list, top graded copies in PSA 10 have still managed to surpass $100 at auction.
Tom Pagnozzi – While not a household name, Pagnozzi put together a respectable 11-year career catching for the Cardinals and Angels after being acquired by St. Louis in 1986. His 1990 CMC rookie card depicts him behind the plate wearing his Cardinals gear. With very low CMC card production runs, PSA 10 examples have sold for over $70 due to their scarcity and Pagnozzi’s enduring popularity among Cardinals fans and collectors from that era.
Honorable Mentions: Dennis Cook (Astros rookie reliever), Mark Williamson (Rangers pitching prospect), Juan González (Rookie of the Year runner-up), Jeff Tackett (young Reds outfielder), Doug Jones (Flame-throwing Indians closer).
While lacking some true superstar rookies, the 1990 CMC baseball card set contains several scarce and visually appealing cards that have grown in value and intrigue over the years. For modern collectors, it offers a glimpse into the generation of players that would have starred in the 1990 season had it not been cut short by labor issues. High quality examples of stars like Griffey, Frank Thomas, and Roberto Alomar continue to be widely sought. But there are also values to be found in lesser known rookie cards that are tougher to grade well like Ken Hill, Roberto Kelly and Tom Pagnozzi. For nostalgia and affordability, the 1990 CMC set provides plenty of worthwhile cards to chase.
