The 1990 Bowman baseball card set was the last major issue released by Topps’ main competitor, Bowman Gum Company, before they ceased operations later in 1990. While the design was very basic compared to modern card sets, the 1990 Bowman issue contained many young prospects and established stars that would go on to have great Major League careers. As a result, certain cards from this set have increased dramatically in value over the past 30 years.

One of the biggest risers has been the rookie card of Hall of Famer Frank Thomas, known as “The Big Hurt.” Thomas’ rookie card was the 199th card in the set and looked very plain with just a headshot on a white background. After hitting over 500 home runs in his career and winning two American League MVP awards, collectors sought out Thomas’ rookie. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies in particular have sold for over $1,000 in recent years, making it one of the most valuable regular rookie cards from the 1990s.

Another potent rookie from 1990 Bowman was Ken Griffey Jr. Griffey was already a major star coming up through the minors and his graceful left-handed swing dazzled MLB for over two decades. His 217th card shows him in a Mariners uniform even though he had not yet played a game in the big leagues. High-grade Griffey rookies regularly change hands for $500-800, a testament to his enduring popularity among collectors.

While stars like Thomas and Griffey increased the most steadily, lesser known prospects from 1990 also boomed in value. One example is the 142nd card depicting a fresh-faced Jeff Bagwell in an Astros jersey. Bagwell went on to win an MVP award in 1994 and make the Hall of Fame, causing his fairly common rookie to appreciate to $75-150 in top condition. Fellow Astros rookie Derek Bell, card #125, has also gained due to his decade of MLB play.

Not every valuable card necessarily depicts a future Hall of Famer either. Shortstop Barry Larkin’s 36th card portrays him in his rookie season with the Reds and it has climbed past $100 for well-centered copies. Larkin enjoyed a solid 19-year career but fell just short of Cooperstown induction. Meanwhile, outfielder Larry Walker’s 206th card shows him as an Expo early in his career. Walker made the Hall in 2020 on his 6th ballot, sending his 1990 Bowman skyward too.

While the stars and prospects earned most attention, ace pitchers also found new respect from collectors. Dave Stewart’s 190th card gained value after he authored five 20-win seasons including the 1989 World Series MVP award with the A’s. Tom Glavine’s 146th card spiked following the lefty’s outstanding 305 career wins and two Cy Young trophies with the Braves. Both can exceed $50 each in top shape now.

Of course, not every card is a winner in the long run. Young hurlers like Erik Hanson (115), Bill Krueger (81), and Brian Harper (141) never fully blossomed, leaving their early cards modest at best. Outfield prospects Chad Mottola (148) and Kevin Young (136) likewise faded into obscurity. But the big risers far outweigh the others in the 1990 Bowman set overall.

For astute investors, searching through unloved boxes of 1990 Bowman in attics or antique stores still holds promise. Stumbling across a Thomas, Griffey Jr., Bagwell, or Walker rookie in pristine condition could yield a four-figure reward with patience. But even key cards of stars like Larkin, Stewart, and Glavine hold lasting worth. Three decades after its initial run, the 1990 Bowman baseball issue remains one of the most collectible mainstream releases from the early 1990s sports card boom. For players who went on to Hall of Fame careers, it serves as an affordable way to hold a piece of baseball history in your collection.

While most 1990 Bowman cards have not increased dramatically, there are a select number of rookie cards and stars from the set that have appreciated significantly given the all-time careers of Frank Thomas, Ken Griffey Jr., Jeff Bagwell, and others. Their cards now sell for hundreds of dollars in top condition. Cards of steady veterans like Barry Larkin, Tom Glavine, and Dave Stewart have gained value as well. The 1990 Bowman baseball set remains a worthwhile avenue for collectors pursuing affordable memorabilia from some of the game’s modern greats.