The 1994 Action Packed baseball card series celebrated the return of MLB after the players strike ended the 1994 season early. The set was produced by Upper Deck and brought exciting photography and a creative design to capture the excitement of America’s favorite pastime. While the on-field product that year was disappointing for fans, these cards provided a nostalgic look back and featured some of the game’s biggest stars from that era. Over time, certain cards from the 1994 Action Packed set have increased steadily in value for collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top cards and what they may be worth today.
Undoubtedly one of the most valuable cards in the entire set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the best all-around players of his generation, Griffey was already a superstar by 1994 in just his 5th major league season. His rookie card featured him in a powerful batting stance with saturated colors and action photography that really popped. In near mint condition, Griffey’s rookie currently sells for around $1,000 but can be worth much more if it grades higher. The card captured Griffey at the absolute peak of his abilities before injuries derailed his career. His rookie remains one of the iconic cards in the hobby.
Another extremely valuable card is the Frank Thomas rookie. Like Griffey, Thomas established himself as a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate very early in his career. His rookie card shows him unleashing a mighty swing with excellent details. Thomas’s impeccable stats and longevity have added to his legend, making his rookie a big ticket item for collectors. Near mint examples can reach $800-900 and only continue climbing in value as Thomas nears consideration for the Hall of Fame. Scouts said he had no holes in his game and this card depicts the beauty in his swing that terrorized pitchers.
For Packers fans, the definitive star of the 1994 set is the Brett Favre rookie card. Taken during his breakthrough season where he led Green Bay back to relevance, the photo shows a gritty, determined Favre dropping back to pass. As one of the sport’s most beloved legends and toughness personified on the field, Favre’s rookie has seen demand increase steadily. Near mint ones appraise around $500 now but Favre’s legacy and popularity will likely ensure this card appreciates for years. The close-up image captures #4’s gunslinger mentality that defines his Hall of Fame career.
Rookie cards are coveted but stars in the primes of their careers can also hold strong value. One such example is the Ken Griffey Jr. card where he is pictured from the back making a running catch in deep centerfield. This parallel image showcases Griffey’s otherworldly combination of power and defense. Even with multiple Griffey rookie cards available, his action shots remain highly sought after. Near mint examples can reach $300-350 depending on the collector’s preference. The action shot exemplifies why Griffey was a human highlight reel making web gems look routine.
Another prime player card that performs well is the Frank Thomas card where he is adjusting his batting gloves in the on-deck circle with intense focus. Thomas intimidated pitchers before even stepping in the box and this quiet moment exudes his killer preparation. Near mint copies have been selling for $200-225 and only figure to rise as Thomas’s legacy grows. Though not quite as iconic as his rookie, it’s still one of the more respected Thomas images in the collection.
Rookies tend to dominate discussions but there are team cards that provide unique value as well. The Chicago Cubs team card features an array of young stars that would power the franchise’s revival later in the decade like Sammy Sosa, Kerry Wood, and Mark Grace. Near perfect versions can reach $150-175 since they encapsulate the excitement around Cubs baseball transitioning to brighter days ahead. As Sosa emerged and Wood’s rookie campaign took the league by storm, this card foreshadowed great things were coming on the North Side again.
Upper Deck usually included a World Series highlight card to commemorate the Fall Classic each year. The 1994 World Series card honors the champion Toronto Blue Jays defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers, with Joe Carter’s iconic walk-off home run. Near mint copies sell around $100-125 given its historical significance. It preserves one of the most thrilling finishes in postseason history and Blue Jays fans eat it up as the definitive ending image. While not a star player per se, its enduring popularity makes it a highlight among set collectors.
While the 1994 baseball season itself was truncated, Upper Deck’s Action Packed set succeeded in providing exciting photographs capturing the essence of some of the game’s true greats from that time. Whether it’s rookies like Griffey, Thomas, and Favre or stars entering their primes, these cards have proven to hold significant nostalgia and financial value decades later. As collectors continue pursuing the complete sets and star cards of their childhood, demand will ensure iconic images like Griffey’s batting and Thomas in the on-deck circle maintain strong secondary market prices. The combination of encapsulating sports legends coupled with tangible memories make cards from this set highly valued by the collecting community.
