The 1990 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most popular and highly sought after releases from the brand during the height of the baseball card boom in the late 1980s and early 1990s. With 792 total cards in the base set and an array of insert sets and parallel cards also included, the 1990 Donruss offering provided collectors with a deep pool of players and memorabilia cards to pursue. While individual tastes may vary, here’s a look at some of the most notable, valuable, and historically important cards from the 1990 Donruss set that still stand out over 30 years later.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1) – Widely considered one of if not the most iconic rookie card of all-time, Griffey’s 1990 Donruss card is arguably the crown jewel of the entire set. Featuring the emerging young superstar in a Mariners uniform, Griffey would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and this early card capture his potential before he’d proven himself on the field. In high grade it can fetch thousands of dollars today.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card (#99) – Like Griffey, Thomas also debuted in the 1990 Donruss set and what a debut it was. A perennial MVP candidate throughout the 1990s, “The Big Hurt” established himself as one of the game’s most feared sluggers. His rookie is a key piece for any serious baseball card collection.
Nolan Ryan Record Breaker (#250) – This card commemorated Ryan breaking Sandy Koufax’s record for career strikeouts in 1989. It highlights one of the most hallowed pitching records in the game and captures a true legend of the mound in one of his final active seasons. Any Nolan Ryan card holds value but this one has extra significance.
Ozzie Smith (#345) – As a 14-time Gold Glove winner, “The Wizard” was arguably the greatest defensive shortstop ever. This action shot highlights why he won so many gloves. It’s a pivotal card for any collection focused on great fielders.
Rickey Henderson (#384) – “Rickey Being Rickey” is stealing a base as only he could. As MLB’s all-time stolen bases leader, this card encapsulates Henderson’s unparalleled speed and base-running prowess. It’s a critical piece of baseball card history.
Kirby Puckett (#424) – Puckett was in the midst of his stellar Twins career when this card was issued. It captures the 6-time All-Star and 2-time World Series champ with his signature smile. He brought joy to the game and this card reflects that.
Dennis Eckersley (#481) – “Eck” is immortalized on the mound delivering one of his legendary sinkers. As a 20-game winner and MVP as a starter and then the dominant closer who coined the term “Eckceptional,” this card is a must-have for any collection focused on great pitchers.
Ryne Sandberg (#528) – Few could do it all like “Ryno.” He won the 1984 NL MVP and this card shows why with his smooth swings. It highlights the skill and athleticism that made him a 10-time All-Star second baseman.
Don Mattingly (#584) – The smooth-swinging “Donnie Baseball” was a perennial batting champion for the Yankees. This card captures one of the game’s most elegant hitters in his prime. It’s among the most iconic from the entire 1980s.
Cal Ripken Jr. (#647) – Before breaking Lou Gehrig’s famed Iron Man streak, Ripken was already establishing himself as one of baseball’s great shortstops. This card exemplifies his dedication and highlights why he’d go on to be a Hall of Famer.
Roger Clemens (#676) – Arguably the most feared pitcher of the late 1980s-1990s, “The Rocket” is caught mid-windup here. It captures one of the game’s all-time great hurlers and hardest throwers in his Red Sox days.
Dwight Gooden (#707) – “Doc” Gooden burst onto the scene as a rookie sensation in 1985 and won the Cy Young just one year later. This card shows why he was so unhittable during his mid-80s Mets peak. It’s among the most iconic from that franchise.
Ken Griffey Sr. (#773) – As the father of perhaps the most famous rookie in card history, Griffey Sr. has historical significance of his own. This card is a rare glimpse of the elder Griffey, who played 22 MLB seasons.
While individual cards and their grades will determine precise values, with such iconic players and key moments in baseball history featured, these 1990 Donruss cards will remain some of the most sought after and important in the modern era. They offer a unique snapshot into the game in 1990 and provide a valuable connection to the players and teams that defined baseball for generations of fans.
