The 1991 Leaf Baseball card set was truly a unique release that featured some of the sports’ biggest stars and highest quality photography from the previous season. While it did not carry the same brand recognition as sets from Topps or Donruss at the time, 1991 Leaf had several standout cards that have become highly sought after by collectors in the decades since. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best and most valuable cards from this underrated but memorable issue.
Undoubtedly the crown jewel of the entire 1991 Leaf set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Often considered one of the top rookie cards of all time across any sport, the Griffey is a true icon in the hobby. Photographed with a serious expression peering out from under his Mariners cap, this card captured “The Kid” on the precipice of superstardom before he went on to have a Hall of Fame career. High-grade Griffey rookies in PSA 10 condition regularly sell for well over $10,000 today, a true testament to how beloved this star player became.
Another iconic rookie from 1991 Leaf was Chuck Knoblauch’s debut card for the Minnesota Twins. Knoblauch became a premier defensive second baseman who was a threat at the plate as well, making four All-Star teams over his career. His sharp horizontal stance and batting form make for an eye-catching design. Knoblauch rookie PSA 10 gems can bring over $1,000. For Twins collectors, this is an essential piece.
No baseball card set from the early 1990s would be complete without inclusion of superstar pitcher Nolan Ryan. The 1991 Leaf release featured not one but two highly coveted Ryan cards—his action shot sporting a teal Angels uniform, and a classic portrait card in a Rangers jersey after being traded. Both capture the intensity and focus of the legendary hurler who was still in his late 30s but defying father time on the mound. High-grade Ryan cards from this set can sell for $200-300 each.
Another future Hall of Famer who had two cards in 1991 Leaf was Cal Ripken Jr. One depicts Ripken at the plate for the Orioles with bat readied, an iconic image of the durable shortstop who holds the record for consecutive games played. The other is a simple blue-bordered portrait. While not as valuable as his famous Fleer and Upper Deck rookies, high-grade Ripken options from this set still command $100-150.
Power hitters dominated the sports landscape in the early 1990s, and 1991 Leaf featured terrific cards showcasing some of baseball’s biggest boppers. A favored card is the Mark McGwire card picturing him unleashing a mighty swing for the A’s. Prior to the steroid controversies, “Big Mac” was one of the most beloved stars in the game – this powerful image sells for $75-100 graded mint.
Leaf also included dual cards featuring sluggers in action. A particularly eye-catching “duo” card shows Jesse Barfield of the Blue Jays and Darryl Strawberry of the Dodgers both taking a big cut. As key members of their respective lineups, these popular sluggers in their primes on one card creates demand. High-end examples sell for $60-80.
Roberto Alomar’s smooth defense and potent bat made him a fan favorite as he emerged into stardom with the Blue Jays in the early 90s. His 1991 Leaf issue depicts him fielding a ball and represents a cheaper Alomar rookie option compared to pricier Pinnacle and Score issues. Graded gems can still sell for $50-75 showing his enduring popularity.
Hometown heroes are beloved by collectors, and 1991 Leaf included standout cards for superstars on Midwest teams. A PSA 10 Kirby Puckett card of the Twins centerfielder smiling in the on-deck circle is a classic Minnesota favorite worth $50-75. A sharp Barry Larkin rookie for the Reds perfecting his swing can sell for similar money given the Cincinnati native’s career and popularity in Ohio.
Rookie sensation David Justice got his first baseball card in the 1991 Leaf issue, pictured charging in from left field for the Braves. While not the most valuable on the checklist, it captured an exciting young power hitter on the verge of a stellar career. PSA 10 Justice rookies demand $40-60 from Atlanta collectors keen to commemorate his early years.
While overshadowed by giants like Topps and Donruss at the time of its 1991 release, Leaf shone by including phenomenal rookie cards and true icons of the era in vivid photography. Led by the peerless Ken Griffey Jr. flagship rookie, key stars like Cal Ripken Jr., Nolan Ryan, Mark McGwire and Chuck Knoblauch had memorable cards that have continued to gain esteem with collectors. Hometown heroes and stars on contending clubs at the time like Larkin, Justice, Puckett and Alomar provide exciting options as well. Three decades later, 1991 Leaf endures as one of the all-time great classic baseball sets.