The 1991 Score baseball set featured some of the most notable rookie cards in the modern baseball card era. While rookie cards from the late 1980s are often highly coveted by collectors, the class of rookies featured in 1991 Score went on to have tremendous major league success and their rookie cards remain quite valuable to this day.
Two future Hall of Famers had their rookie cards in the 1991 Score set – shortstop Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees and third baseman Chipper Jones of the Atlanta Braves. Considered by many to be two of the greatest players of their generation, demand for their rookie cards has always been extremely high. Jeter’s card could fetch over $1000 in top graded gem mint condition while a PSA 10 version of Chipper Jones’ rookie sold for over $2600 in early 2020.
Another superstar from the 1991 Score rookie class was pitcher Greg Maddux of the Chicago Cubs. Maddux would go on to win four Cy Young Awards and is widely regarded as one of the best pitchers in baseball history based on his incredible control and command. While not quite at the legendary status of Jeter or Jones, Maddux’s rookie card still holds significant value in the collecting market. Pricing tends to be in the $200-500 range depending on condition.
Rounding out the absolute elite talents from the 1991 Score rookie crop was third baseman Mike Piazza of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Though primarily known as a catcher, Piazza established himself as possibly the greatest hitting backstop ever. His rookie card found new popularity in recent years after rumors surfaced that Piazza may have taken steroids, though he has denied such allegations. Still, a PSA 10 Piazza rookie can now fetch $1000-1500 on the open market.
A few other notable rookies from 1991 Score include pitchers Alex Fernandez of the Chicago White Sox and Roger Clemens of the Boston Red Sox. Fernandez had three excellent seasons for Chicago in the early 90s before injuring his shoulder. A solid talent, his rookie nonetheless carries a more modest price tag of around $50-100 graded. Clemens, of course, went on to become one of the most decorated pitchers in history, winning 354 career games and seven Cy Young Awards between the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Yankees and Astros. High grade Clemens rookies tend to sell in the few hundred dollar range.
While the superstars attracted the biggest money, there were several other solid players that had their rookie cards debut in 1991 Score as well. Shortstop Walt Weiss of the Athletics, first basemen Todd Helton of the Rockies, and pitchers Scott Erickson of the Twins and John Burkett of the Padres all went on to have lengthy big league careers after being featured in Score that year. Their rookie cards hold more niche appeal and value today for collectors of those particular franchises.
For investors and enthusiasts of the hobby, 1991 Score rookie cards proved to be an excellent long term investment. Featuring so many future Hall of Famers and all-time great talents has ensured strong residual demand for the high-end cards even decades later. While it took some time for recognition and appreciation to fully set in,1991 is now regarded as one of the best and most valuable rookie classes in the modern era of sports cards. Serious collectors are always on the lookout to add graded copies of stars like Jeter, Jones, Maddux and Piazza to their collections. The magical allure of their early career accomplishments as captured in cardboard continues to enthral fans and drive marketplace prices even after 30 years.
