The 1990 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the more iconic and valuable sports card releases of the early 1990s. While it did not feature major rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, there are still several key cards from the set that collectors look to find today. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top 1990 Fleer baseball cards to keep an eye out for.
Ken Griffey Jr. (#313) – Griffey’s rookie season was in 1989 for Upper Deck, but the 1990 Fleer card was his true mainstream rookie card as it was released by the major brand Fleer. Griffey went on to have one of the greatest careers in baseball history and his rookie cards from the late 1980s/early 1990s are among the most valuable in the hobby. High grade Griffey Jr. rookies can sell for thousands.
Nolan Ryan (#375) – Arguably the greatest strikeout pitcher ever, Nolan Ryan was nearing the end of his legendary 27-year MLB career in 1990 but still dominated on the mound. His iconic Fleer card from this set depicting him windmilling a pitch is one of the more memorable in the brand’s history. Highly sought after by Ryan collectors.
Ozzie Smith (#179) – Nicknamed “The Wizard” for his flashy defensive skills, Ozzie Smith was a perennial Gold Glove shortstop for the Cardinals throughout the 1980s. His 1990 Fleer card showing him backflipping is one of his most iconic. Considered a key Cardinals / 1980s star card to find in top grades.
Cal Ripken Jr. (#307) – After breaking Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record earlier in the decade, Ripken and the Orioles were still one of the most popular teams going into the ’90s. His action pose Fleer card remains a standout among Ripken enthusiasts to this day.
Jose Canseco (#235) – Canseco was already establishing himself as one of the game’s top power hitters by 1990 after winning the 1988 AL MVP and ROY awards. His Fleer rookie star card showing his muscular physique created buzz and remains a highlight for Raiders fans.
Don Mattingly (#24) – As the longtime captain and most popular Yankee of the late 1980s, Mattingly’s cardboard was in high demand. His clean-cut smiling Fleer portrait is appealing to Yankee collectors to this day, especially in top condition.
Dave Stewart (#239) – As the ace of the 1990 World Series champion Oakland A’s, Stewart was one of the most dominant starters in baseball. His dramatic windup Fleer issue commemorating his title run that year is a standout among A’s and pitching enthusiasts.
Roberto Alomar (#214) – Considered one of the purest and most talented second basemen ever, Alomar was already an All-Star and Gold Glover by 1990 with the Padres. His rookie Fleer card remains a prized rookie for Alomar PC builders.
Randy Johnson (#471) – “The Big Unit” was still in his early years with the Expos in 1990 but was already showing glimpses of the dominance to come with his blazing fastball. An iconic rookie card for Johnson collectors, still relatively affordable compared to his later Mariners RC’s.
Ken Hill (#486) – Although lightly produced, Hill’s rookie card is highly sought after today as he went on to have a solid 15-year MLB career as a reliable starter. Considered one of the tougher 1990 Fleer cards to acquire in high grade.
Bob Welch (#246) – Fresh off winning the 1990 World Series and ALCS MVP with the A’s, Welch had one of his best seasons ever. His action pose Fleer card is a standout among A’s and 1970s/1980s star collectors.
Cecil Fielder (#254) – Fielder was just starting to make a name for himself with the Blue Jays in 1990, foreshadowing his 51 HR season with the Tigers in 1990. His rookie card remains a favorite among Tigers PC builders today.
While the 1990 Fleer set lacks mega-stars’ true rookie cards, veterans cards like Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, Cal Ripken Jr. and Don Mattingly remain highly popular as does rookie/early career issues of Ken Griffey Jr, Roberto Alomar, Randy Johnson, and others. With the likes of Jose Canseco, Cecil Fielder and Bob Welch also remembered today, there are still several compelling 1990 Fleer cards that collectors look to find.
