The 1990 Score Rising Stars baseball card set featured some of the top rookie prospects in baseball at the time. While not all panned out, several became superstars and their rookie cards from this set are highly valuable today. The 1990 Score Rising Stars set included 144 cards and featured players who had yet to play in the major leagues but were considered can’t-miss prospects. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top rookies from this set and what their cards are worth today.

One of the biggest stars and most valuable cards from the 1990 Score Rising Stars set is Ken Griffey Jr. Griffey was universally considered a can’t-miss superstar from the time he was drafted first overall in 1987. His flowing left-handed swing and athleticism made him a sure thing even before debuting in the majors in 1989. In the 1990 Score Rising Stars set, Griffey’s card is number 110. This iconic card of “The Kid” swinging his bat is among the most sought after and valuable baseball cards ever produced. In near mint to mint condition, Griffey’s 1990 Score Rising Stars card can fetch $2,000 or more. In pristine gem mint 10 condition, it has sold for over $10,000.

Another superstar whose 1990 Score Rising Stars card holds great value is Frank Thomas. Like Griffey, Thomas was considered a future Hall of Famer from the time he was drafted. His powerful left-handed swing and ability to get on base made scouts drool. Thomas’ card from this set is number 52. Known for his thick physique and nicknamed “The Big Hurt,” Thomas lived up to the hype by winning back-to-back American League MVP awards in 1993-1994. Today, Thomas’ 1990 Score Rising Stars rookie card in near mint to mint condition sells for $400-600. In gem mint 10 condition, it has sold for over $2,000.

While Griffey and Thomas became surefire Hall of Famers, other stars from this set like Barry Larkin and Roberto Alomar also panned out quite well. Larkin’s card is number 49 in the 1990 Score Rising Stars set. The shortstop was the first overall pick in the 1985 draft and made his MLB debut in 1986. He went on to win an NL MVP award in 1995 while playing his whole career for the Cincinnati Reds. Larkin’s smooth defense and timely hitting made him a 12-time All-Star and he was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2012. His rookie card sells for $150-250 in top condition today.

Second baseman Roberto Alomar’s card is number 62 in the 1990 set. Alomar made his debut in 1988 and established himself as one of the best defensive second basemen ever along with being a consistent .300 hitter and base stealer. He was a 12-time All-Star and won 10 Gold Glove awards between the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles. Alomar’s smooth swing and flashy defense made him a fan favorite. His 1990 Score Rising Stars rookie card sells for $75-150 in top condition today.

While Griffey, Thomas, Larkin, and Alomar became surefire Hall of Famers, other stars from this set had careers that fell just shy of Cooperstown. Shortstop Ozzie Smith’s card is number 67. Known as “The Wizard” for his highlight-reel defense, Smith made 15 All-Star teams during his career that was spent entirely with the St. Louis Cardinals. He fell just short of the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2002, but was later elected in 2002. Smith’s 1990 Score Rising Stars rookie card sells for $50-100 in top condition today.

Pitcher Bret Saberhagen’s card is number 80 in the 1990 Score Rising Stars set. Saberhagen broke in with the Kansas City Royals in 1984 and went on to win two Cy Young Awards in 1985 and 1989. He had a very solid career compiling a 167-117 record and was known for his impressive changeup. Injuries limited Saberhagen’s career potential and he fell short of the Hall of Fame. Still, his 1990 rookie card remains popular with Royals fans and sells for $40-75 in top condition.

While most of the superstars panned out, some top prospects ended up busting. Shortstop Walt Weiss was considered a can’t-miss prospect when drafted first overall by the Oakland A’s in 1981. However, Weiss never developed the power expected of him. His defensive skills kept him in the majors for 17 seasons but he was never an All-Star. Weiss’ card from the 1990 set is number 107. Despite his prospect pedigree, his rookie card only sells for around $10-15 today.

Pitcher Bill Krueger was drafted second overall by the Houston Astros in 1986 and was considered a future ace. However, Krueger struggled with injuries and command issues and never fulfilled his potential. His card from the 1990 set is number 106. Even though Krueger was a former top pick, his rookie card only sells for around $5 due to his lack of success in the majors.

While not all of the prospects panned out, the 1990 Score Rising Stars set featured the rookie cards of future superstars like Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, Barry Larkin, and Roberto Alomar. Their iconic rookie cards remain some of the most popular and valuable in the hobby. For fans, this set provides a fun look back at baseball’s rising stars from 1990 before most went on to Hall of Fame careers. When found in top condition, the rookie cards of the set’s biggest stars can sell for thousands.