The 1990 score superstar baseball card set featured some of the biggest stars in Major League Baseball at the height of their popularity and talent. While not the flagship set of 1990, score superstars had an eye-catching design and focused on the cream of the crop players that any collector would want. As such, many of these cards have held their value well or increased over the past 30 years. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable cards from this 100 card release and why collectors remain interested in adding them to their collections.
The undisputed star and most valuable card from the 1990 score superstars set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was already establishing himself as a generational talent and fan favorite during his early years with the Seattle Mariners. His smooth left-handed swing and effortless defense in center field captivated audiences. When Score produced this rookie card in 1990, Griffey mania was just starting to take off. Today, a pristine, mint condition Griffey rookie from this set can fetch tens of thousands of dollars. Even well-worn near mint copies still sell for thousands. Not only was this one of the best rookie cards ever made, but Griffey went on to have a Hall of Fame career and is still revered as one of the greats over 30 years later. Condition is crucial, but any Griffey rookie holds value due to his lasting legacy.
Another hugely valuable card, now routinely selling for well over $1000 even in played condition, is the Nolan Ryan card from the 1990 set. Known as “The Ryan Express” for his blazing 100mph fastball, Ryan was already a living legend in 1990 with thousands of strikeouts to his name. What makes his card particularly sought after is that the 1990 Score issue was one of the last cards produced while Ryan was an active player. He retired after the 1993 season. Compared to other Ryan rookie and early career cards which can go for tens of thousands, his 1990 Score Superstars sells at a relative “discount.” But it remains one of the best versions of the pitching great who is arguably the greatest strikeout artist of all time.
One of the most iconic players of the 1980s was George Brett of the Kansas City Royals. Known for his batting prowess as well as memorable gestures like stomping his cleats in the batter’s box, Brett remained a perennial all-star throughout that decade for the Royals. His 1990 Score Superstars issue shows a clean-shaven Brett in a Royals batting stance. While not worth nearly as much as his true rookie cards from the late 1960s and early 1970s, Brett’s 1990 portrayal has proved to be a steady riser in value in recent years. Currently, well-kept copies can be resold for $300-400 depending on the marketplace. For fans of 1980s star players and the Royals, the Brett is a must-have piece.
Two massive sluggers who tore up the National League in the late ’80s continue to be popular collecting targets today – Mike Schmidt and Darryl Strawberry. Schmidt redefined what a third baseman could do with his bat during his long Phillies career, smacking over 500 home runs and winning 10 Gold Gloves. His imposing size and swing are captured perfectly in his ’90 Score issue, which has gained over $100 in value since initial release. Just a few years prior, Darryl Strawberry was setting the Mets’ rookie records and becoming a hometown hero. Unfortunately injuries hampered his career later on, but collectors still shell out $200-250 for his ’90 SSS card showing his huge muscles and signature high socks. Both belong in any ’80s NL component collection.
While many 1980s Los Angeles Dodgers have gained value, one player who doesn’t get as much love but may be primed for an uptick is Orel Hershiser. In 1988, “Bulldog” led the Dodgers to a World Series title and set the record for most consecutive scoreless innings in a single season. His dominance on the mound made him the NLCS and World Series MVP that year. Injuries cut his career shorter than expected. But with more time passing since his accomplishments, awareness may grow. A sharp Hershiser ’90 SSS in nice shape can still be found for under $100, making it an undervalued pickup.
A shocking fall from grace but still a tremendously talented player, Dwight Gooden’s 1990 Superstars issue comes at the beginning of his well-documented substance abuse issues. As a young “Doc,” Gooden won the 1985 Cy Young Award and led the Mets within a game of a World Series title. His ball-striking 12-6 curve was nearly unhittable. But injuries and personal problems soon followed. Perhaps because his decline started in the early ’90s, Gooden’s ’90 SSS only demands $50-75 at this time. His pre-1991 rookie cards hold allure as a reminder of what could have been.
While not the priciest by today’s astronomical standards, Randy Johnson’s 1990 Superstars card holds nostalgia as one of the first photos capturing the beginnings of his transformation into the most dominating pitcher of the 1990s. At that point with Seattle, “The Big Unit” was still finding his way at 6’10” with a mid-90s fastball. It’s exciting to own one of his earliest vintage issues showing the seeds of what made him a future Hall of Famer and five-time Cy Young winner. Near mint copies trade between $75-100 based on comparing to his more valuable late ’80s Fleer rookie issues.
Ozzie Smith is beloved not just in St. Louis but throughout baseball as the greatest defensive shortstop ever. In 1990 with the Cardinals, he was still an annual Gold Glove winner, though entering his mid-30s. His acrobatic plays and flair for the highlight reel remained must-see TV. In addition to demand from Cardinals collectors, enthusiasts of defensive magic chase Ozzie’s ‘90 SSS issue, where he is depicted in his trademark crouch. Graded gem mint examples have even eclipsed $300. With over 15 seasons as a big leaguer but an iconic style, Ozzie cards hold up as testimony to his profound impact.
Many of the most affordable 1990 Score Superstars cards today come from talented players whose careers were cut shorter than expected or who fell outside the modern day spotlight. Bobby Bonilla hit .291 for Pittsburgh in 1990 as a 27-year old, but is perhaps better remembered for his massive Mets contract over a decade later. In a solid mid-80s grade, his 1990 SSS card can be found for under $30. The same goes for oft-injured but superstar-caliber Tim Raines, whose 1990 Expos photo portrays his skills and trademark hat flip. Both remain interesting historic figures, even if not elite Hall of Fame talents.
The 1990 Score Superstars release perfectly captured many of the biggest stars of baseball’s late 1980s glory days. Nearly all have proven to be good long-term investments for collectors, from affordable $30 Raines and Bonilla options up to $3000+ for a pristine Ken Griffey Jr. rookie. Players like Brett, Schmidt, Hershiser and Johnson offer reasonable value plays still below $500 as hobby nostalgia increases. And icons like Smith, Gooden and Strawberry deliver affordable 80s/90s thrills. Overall, 1990 Score Superstars succeeded in commemorating an exciting baseball era players that still captivate fans today through these enduring on-card images.
