The 1993 Fleer Ultra baseball card set was one of the most iconic and valuable sets released during the height of the baseball card boom of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Fleer Ultra provided fans with spectacular photography and design techniques that went above and beyond standard issue cards of the time. The set is primarily notable for capturing some of the game’s biggest stars and rookie talents at the peak of their careers or just as they were breaking into the majors. Here’s a look at the top 10 most noteworthy cards from the 393-card 1993 Fleer Ultra set based on player performance, statistical milestones, rookie potential, and current secondary market values:

Cal Ripken Jr. (#288)

At the time of the 1993 Fleer Ultra release, Cal Ripken Jr. was coming off back-to-back American League MVP awards in 1991-1992 and had established himself as one of the game’s most consistent and durable stars. His ’93 Fleer Ultra card showcases his smooth left-handed swing and captures him in the midst of starting what would become a then-record consecutive games played streak of 2,632 straight games played. While not the flashiest card, Ripken’s consistency and durability make this a mainstay in many collections. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies typically sell for around $50-75.

Ken Griffey Jr. (#282)

When it came to talented young players with huge upside in 1993, few compared to Ken Griffey Jr. After winning the 1990 AL Rookie of the Year award, Griffey followed that up with back-to-back 40 home run seasons in ’91 and ’92 while establishing himself as one of the game’s premier five-tool talents. This ’93 Fleer Ultra card perfectly captures Griffey’s smooth left-handed swing and athleticism that would come to define his legendary career. High-grade PSA 10 copies usually trade hands for $100-150 given Griffey’s status as a fan favorite and iconic talent from the 1990s.

Greg Maddux (#103)

By 1993, Greg Maddux had already cemented himself as one of the top pitchers in baseball, winning the first of what would become a record 4 straight Cy Young awards in 1992. This unique Fleer Ultra Maddux card features a tight close-up facial photograph that lets you see the intense focus and precision in his eyes that exemplified his approach and talent on the mound. Maddux was arguably the best pitcher of the 1990s and cards from his dominant Atlanta Braves years hold significant appeal. PSA 10 examples change hands for $150-200.

Roberto Alomar (#244)

Coming off a breakout 1992 season that saw him finish 2nd in AL MVP voting, second baseman Roberto Alomar was one of the top pure hitters in the game in 1993. This classic Fleer Ultra card captures Alomar’s elegant left-handed swing and showcases why he was so smooth and talented in the field as well. Alomar went on to have a Hall of Fame career and his Fleer Ultra rookie cards from 1988 are some of the most iconic and valuable from that entire decade. PSA 10 versions of this ’93 offering sell in the $200-250 range.

Barry Bonds (#245)

By 1993, Barry Bonds was already establishing himself as perhaps the best all-around hitter in baseball. Coming off back-to-back NL MVP awards and 40+ home run seasons, Bonds was in his athletic prime and beginning to put up the numbers that would define his legendary career. This Fleer Ultra card peers into the intensity and focus that made Bonds nearly unhittable at the plate. His Fleer Ultra rookie cards from 1986 are all-time valuable, making high-grade versions of his early-90s issues quite desirable as well. PSA 10s trade around $250-300.

Frank Thomas (#189)

Nicknamed “The Big Hurt”, 1993 was a breakout season for first baseman/DH Frank Thomas as he led the American League with 41 home runs and won the AL MVP award. This iconic Fleer Ultra image captures Thomas’ gifted left-handed swing, huge size and strength at the plate that allowed him to hit for both power and average throughout his Hall of Fame career. Thomas remained a force at the plate throughout the 1990s and his rookie cards from 1990 are considered true gems. PSA 10s of this ’93 Ultra routinely eclipse $300.

Derek Jeter (#321)

While he didn’t make his MLB debut until 1995, Derek Jeter was one of the top prospects in baseball entering 1993 after being selected #6 overall in the 1992 draft by the New York Yankees. This memorable rookie card from Fleer Ultra perfectly captures the athleticism and promise that would come to define Jeter’s sure-handed play at shortstop for the Yankees dynasty teams of the late ’90s. In PSA 10 condition, it’s one of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards from the entire 1990s, selling in the $500-1000 range.

Pedro Martinez (#101)

By 1993, Pedro Martinez was already showing glimpses of the dominance that would make him arguably the best pitcher of the late 1990s. After winning 16 games as a 22-year-old in ’92 for the Dodgers, Martinez was chasing stardom. This Fleer Ultra card captures the long-limbed, lightning-fast delivery that would define his Hall of Fame career. Not only is this one of the most visually stunning cards from the set, but high-grades in PSA 10 condition routinely bring $1000-1500.

Pudge Rodriguez (#107)

Catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez was already well on his way to one of the best offensive careers ever for the position after finishing 2nd in AL Rookie of the Year voting in 1991. This iconic Fleer Ultra image displays the hand-eye coordination and raw athleticism that would take Rodriguez to 13 All-Star Games and a Hall of Fame plaque. Considered the best catching prospect of his generation, PSA 10s of this standout rookie card are highly sought after trophies selling in the $1200-2000 range.

Griffey Jr. SP Variation ( unnumbered SP)

The true crown jewel of 1993 Fleer Ultra is the elusive Ken Griffey Jr. short printed variation card without a number on the front. Only approximately 100 of these rare specimens were inserted into packs, making them among the most difficult cards from the entire decade to obtain in high grades. For collectors looking to acquire one of the true iconic pieces from 1990s cardboard, a PSA 10 Griffey Jr. SP variation routinely fetches $2500-4500 in today’s market due to its incredibly low print run and capturing the game’s brightest young star at the absolute peak of his abilities.

1993 Fleer Ultra gave collectors an unprecedented artistic look at the best players from baseball’s peak popularity period in the early 1990s. Featuring legendary Hall of Famers, MVP winners, and future stars; high-grade copies of the set’s top rookie and star cards remain highly sought after by collectors and represent some of the most visually stunning and statistically meaningful cardboard from the decade. For capturing so much diamond talent and presenting it in an elegant artistic package, 1993 Fleer Ultra stands as one of the true crowning achievements among all vintage sports card sets.