The 1990 Leaf Baseball card set features cards of Major League Baseball players from that season. While not one of the elite brands like Topps or Donruss at the time, Leaf still managed to secure licenses for star players and produced a memorable and collectible 352-card base set. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top cards from the 1990 Leaf set and their estimated values today:

Ken Griffey Jr. – Arguably the most famous and sought-after baseball card from the 1990s is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card from the 1990 Leaf set. Widely considered one of the top rookie cards of all-time, Griffey’s immense talent and marketability made his rookie one of the Holy Grails for collectors from day one. In near-mint to mint condition, Griffey’s 1990 Leaf rookie in a PSA 10 gem mint slab can fetch $10,000 or more at auction. Even well-centered raw copies in excellent shape command $1,000-$2,000.

Frank Thomas – Another all-time great player to debut in 1990 was Frank Thomas, known as the “Big Hurt.” Thomas burst onto the scene by winning the American League’s Rookie of the Year award. Like Griffey, Thomas became a consensus top-5 player of the 1990s. His Leaf rookie card remains quite valuable, with PSA 10 copies selling for $2,000-$4,000. Raw near-mint copies usually sell in the $200-$400 range.

Roberto Alomar – A smooth fielding second baseman and consistent .300 hitter, Roberto Alomar was already an established star by 1990 after winning a Gold Glove in 1989 as a rookie. His 1990 Leaf card holds extra cachet as one of the most visually striking and memorable designs from the set. PSA 10 Alomar rookie cards sell for $500-750, while excellent near-mint raw copies fetch $75-$150.

Don Mattingly – One of the best pure hitters of the 1980s, Don Mattingly’s career was cut short by back injuries but he was still in his prime in 1990. His clean-shaven look and iconic New York Yankees uniform make his 1990 Leaf card a consistent seller. Mint PSA 10 Mattingly rookies sell for $150-$300, with raw near-mint copies trading hands for $25-$50.

Ryne Sandberg – A perennial All-Star and nine-time Gold Glove winner at second base for the Chicago Cubs, Ryne Sandberg had already put together a Hall of Fame resume by 1990. His Leaf card from that year continues to be a popular PC (personal collection) item for Cubs fans new and old. PSA 10 Sandberg rookies sell in the $125-$250 range, while raw near-mint copies go for $15-$30.

Tom Glavine – Though not quite the household name then that he would become pitching for the Atlanta Braves, Tom Glavine was already an established ace for the Braves and durable 20-game winner by 1990. His Leaf rookie remains a solid bargain for fans of 1980s and 1990s rookie cards. PSA 10 Glavine rookies sell around $75, while raw near-mint copies can be found for under $10.

Nolan Ryan – By 1990, “The Ryan Express” was 43 years old and nearing the end of his Hall of Fame career that spanned four decades. But collectors still love seeking out later vintage Ryan cards from the tail end of his record-setting career. Ryan’s 1990 Leaf card commonly sells for $30-$50 in PSA 10 condition, or $5-10 for a raw near-mint copy.

Mark McGwire – A legend for breaking the single-season home run record, McGwire also started collecting rookie cards as an up-and-coming slugger for the Oakland A’s in the late 1980s. While not his true rookie card (which is 1987), McGwire’s 1990 Leaf remains affordable and collectible. PSA 10 copies sell around $25, raw near-mints trade for under $5.

Ken Griffey Sr. – As the father of perhaps the biggest rookie card star of the 1990s, Ken Griffey Sr.’s cards from his later career also hold historical significance. Griffey Sr. was playing his 16th MLB season with the Cincinnati Reds in 1990, and his Leaf card remains a fun, affordable PC pickup. PSA 10 copies can be found for under $15, raw near-mints under $3.

Ozzie Smith – A Wizard with the glove and one of the most famous shortstops ever as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals’ 1982 World Series champions, Ozzie Smith was still in the prime of his career in 1990 at age 35. His Leaf card from that season is a steady seller around $10-15 for a PSA 10 copy, $2-3 for a raw near-mint.

The 1990 Leaf Baseball set contains a Who’s Who of stars from the late 1980s and 1990s. While not the most expensive vintage set, it offers affordable opportunities to collect star players from a transitionary period before the explosive growth of the 1990s hobby boom. For fans and collectors prioritizing iconic players and designs over sheer mint condition rarity, 1990 Leaf remains a fun and rewarding group to chase.