The 1990 CMC baseball card set is a nostalgic reminder of a unique time in the baseball card collecting hobby. Issued by Classic Medallion Collectibles shortly after the 1989 MLB season, the 1990 CMC set featured players from all 26 Major League teams at the time. With cards of stars like Rickey Henderson, Nolan Ryan, and Wade Boggs, as well as key rookie cards, the set captured a snapshot of baseball during an era when the hobby was booming.
While not as well-known or highly sought after as flagship releases from Topps or Donruss in the late 80s/early 90s, the 1990 CMC set still holds value for collectors today due to its rookies and memorable players. Card values from the 1990 CMC set range widely depending on several factors like the player featured, the card’s condition and rarity. Strong performances on the field or post-playing career achievements can also boost demand and prices for certain cards over time.
Common base cards from the 1990 CMC set in well-centered, near mint condition average between $1-3. Stars of the era like Henderson, Ryan, Andre Dawson, and Kirby Puckett in the same condition may fetch $5-10. Age and the amateur design/production values of CMC cards compared to the majors brands means finding high grade examples of even stars is challenging. Condition is critical to value with CMC, as their paper stock was not as durable as the top companies.
Some key stars that command higher prices include Hank Aaron’s card, which has sold for up to $35 in mint condition due to his legendary career and status as a hall of famer. Ozzie Smith’s defensive wizardry at shortstop makes his card another popular one, ranging $15-25. Fernando Valenzuela, winner of the 1981 Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards, led the Dodgers’ resurgence and his card reaches $12-18.
The true gems of the 1990 CMC set are its prolific rookie cards, headlined by two future hall of famers – Greg Maddux and Frank Thomas. Maddux broke in with the Chicago Cubs in 1986 and went on to rack up 355 career wins and 4 Cy Young Awards as one of the greatest pitching artists of all-time. High grade PSA/BGS gem mint examples of his rookie have sold for north of $500 in recent years due to his sustained dominance and place among the games all-time pitching greats.
Frank Thomas debuted with the Chicago White Sox in 1990 and promptly established himself as perhaps the premier right-handed power hitter of the 1990s. Nicknamed “The Big Hurt”, Thomas smashed 521 career home runs and captured back-to-back American League MVPs in 1993-1994. Like Maddux, his 1990 CMC rookie has increased steadily in value based on his hall of fame caliber career. Near mint copies in and around a PSA 8 or BGS 8.5 grade demand $150-250, with gem mint 9s and up bringing over $500.
John Smoltz also broke in during 1990 with the Atlanta Braves and went on to become both a dominant starter and closer over 21 seasons. His rookie card value has crept up to $30-50 in top grades as he continues to near career milestones and hall of fame enshrinement. Jay Bell cracked the majors in 1988 with the Cleveland Indians but his rookie card is considered to be his 1990 CMC issue. Bell put together a solid career spanning 17 seasons and his card hovers around $10-15.
Rookie cards of pitchers Willie Banks (Yankees), John Burkett (Padres) and catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. (Indians) have increased worth as well since their brief MLB tenures during the early 90s. Banks and Burkett have gained recognition as strong pitching prospects who never quite panned out, while Alomar developed into an all-star behind the plate and now does TV work for the Cleveland Indians. In top shape, their rookies sell in the $5-12 range and provide affordable thrills for 1990 CMC collectors.
Of course, Condition is absolutely paramount to 1990 CMC card values. Even the biggest names may only fetch a buck or two in well-worn, creased condition. Cards need to maintain crisp corners, clean surfaces and firmly attached inches to earn solid dollar amounts. Paper quality flaws from CMC’s printing process like indentations, scratches or wrinkling further drag prices down. As such, the set presents a challenge to achieve and maintain pristine examples worthy of upper end money – a fitting test for those eager to own a piece of baseball’s past through the underrated 1990 CMC release.
While the 1990 CMC baseball card set never reached the same heights of popularity as the flagship brands of its day, it still provides a fun and affordable collecting opportunity for both casual fans and nostalgia seeking investors. Modest prices for stars and solid rookies offer a relatively cheap entry point versus other late 80s/early 90s choices. And the prospect of booming values for elites like Maddux and Thomas keeps the set compelling as their careers are remembered and analyzed in depth. Overall condition sensitive but with plenty of cards under $20, 1990 CMC rewards patience and perseverance for collectors dedicated to owning authentic pieces of baseball card and MLB history from that exciting decade.
