The 1991 Topps baseball card set was unique in that it featured many star rookies who went on to have great MLB careers. Sometimes referred to as the “Class of ’91”, players like Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, Cliff Floyd, Bobby Higginson, and others started their careers in 1991 and their rookie cards from that year are some of the most sought after from the entire decade.
The 1991 Topps set totals 792 cards as was typical for baseball releases at the time. The design featured a vertical photograph on most cards with the team name and logo across the top. Statistics like batting average and ERAs were listed on the reverse. Highlights of the rookie class that year include:
Chipper Jones (Card #1): As the #1 overall pick in the 1990 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves, Jones burst onto the scene hitting .426 in a 29 game cup of coffee in 1991. He became a perennial All-Star and won the 1999 NL MVP award. PSA 10 examples of his rookie card now sell for over $1000.
Jim Thome (Card #144): Drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 1989, Thome made his debut in 1991 but only had 8 at-bats. He blossomed into one of the premier power hitters of the 1990s/2000s, finishing with 612 home runs which are the 8th most all-time. High grade Thome rookies have sold for over $500.
Cliff Floyd (Card #166): The 6th overall pick in the 1991 draft, Floyd debuted late that season for the Montreal Expos. He was an All-Star in 1998 and 2003, playing until 2009. Considered a star rookie at the time, his card remains one of the key ones from the set selling in the $50-100 range.
Bobby Higginson (Card #337): The 9th overall pick by the Detroit Tigers in 1989, Higginson debuted in 1991 and went on to play 11 seasons for the Tigers. Not a superstar but a solid outfielder/hitter for many years. His rookie remains one of the more affordable from the set at $10-30.
Charles Johnson (Card #347): Drafted 1st overall by the Houston Astros in 1991, Johnson made his MLB debut later that season. He was an All-Star in 1995 as the catcher for the champion Marlins. Played until 2004, powerful right-handed hitter. His card trades around $30-50.
Jason Bere (Card #387): Third overall pick by the Cubs in the 1989 draft, Bere made his MLB debut in 1991 but really arrived in 1992 going 13-8 with a 2.92 ERA. Played through 2003 for several teams, going 101-93 overall. Rookie card valued around $10-15.
John Smoltz (Card #428): After being selected in the 22nd round of the 1985 draft by the Detroit Tigers, Smoltz was dealt to the Braves in 1987. Made his MLB debut in 1988 but his rookie card was in the 1991 Topps set as he transitioned to starting pitcher. 3-time Cy Young winner, inducted to the Hall of Fame. One of the most valuable in the set at $200-300 PSA 10.
Craig Shipley (Card #439): Drafted 9th overall by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1988, Shipley debuted for them in 1991. As a light-hitting middle infielder he only played parts of 3 seasons. An affordable rookie around $5-10 for Phillies collectors.
Luis Alicea (Card #497): selected 10th overall by the Twins in 1988, Alicea debuted in 1991 playing shortstop and third base for the Twins until 1997. Posted a career .261 average over 10 seasons, rookie valued around $10.
Cal Eldred (Card #517): Drafted 4th overall by the Brewers in 1988, Eldred made his MLB debut as a starting pitcher for them in 1991. He went 106-112 over 13 seasons for several teams. Affordable rookie around $5-10.
Along with these star rookies, the set featured veterans like Nolan Ryan (Card #1), Roger Clemens (Card #33 SC), Tony Gwynn (Card #82), Cal Ripken Jr. (Card #125), Barry Bonds (Card #165), and others. A fun unique insert was the Desert Shield Designs (cards #610-614) which featured MLB stars with camouflage designs to support troops in the Gulf War.
The 1991 Topps set endures as one of the most significant of the 1990s because of the all-time great talent that was featured as rookies. While not the most valuable vintage set overall, key cards from Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, John Smoltz and others are some of the most coveted rookie issues for their respective players. Graded examples often sell for hundreds to even over $1000 as these players’ careers play out in the Hall of Fame. For collectors of the early 90s, it Marks an iconic year for the hobby.
