The 1991 Score baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the early 1990s. Coming off a decade that saw the hobby boom to new heights, collectors were eager to see what the upcoming year would bring. Score did not disappoint, delivering a flagship set featuring some of the biggest names and rising young stars in the game at the time.

With 792 total cards in the base set, 1991 Score had no shortage of players to choose from. A handful of rookies and veterans stood out above the rest in terms of their on-field production, cultural significance, and lasting collector demand. Let’s take a closer look at some of the true heavy-hitters from the 1991 Score checklist that have endured as highly sought after pieces for baseball card investors and enthusiasts.

Ken Griffey Jr. – Card #1

The obvious choice for the top card from 1991 Score is “The Kid” himself, Ken Griffey Jr. An incredibly talented five-tool player, Griffey was already well on his way to superstardom and a likely Hall of Fame career by his early 20s. His rookie card from 1989 Fleer is one of the most iconic in the modern era, but collectors consider the 1991 Score the true rookie as it was his first flagship card released by Score/Topps.

Griffey’s poise and prodigious abilities were on full display in 1990 when he hit .300 with 22 home runs and 61 RBIs in just his second full MLB season. He followed that up in 1991 by batting .308 with 25 homers and 91 RBIs. Needless to say, card #1 from Score was highly anticipated and has lived up to the hype as one of the most valuable modern baseball cards available. PSA 10 examples regularly sell for well over $10,000.

Frank Thomas – Card #88

Nicknamed “The Big Hurt,” Frank Thomas established himself as one of the premier power hitters in baseball during the early 1990s. After a breakout 1990 season that saw him finish third in AL MVP voting, Thomas took his game to an even higher level in 1991. He led the league with .318 batting average and hit .330 with 32 HRs and 109 RBIs, winning the AL MVP award in a landslide.

Thomas’ dominance at the plate made him one of the most must-have rookies in the ’91 Score set. While not quite as iconic as Griffey’s card #1, Thomas #88 has proven to be extremely valuable long-term for collectors. High-grade copies in PSA 10 condition consistently sell in the $1,000-$2,000 range.

Barry Bonds – Card #234

Barry Bonds was already well on his way to a Hall of Fame career by 1991, but that year marked a true breakout as one of the game’s elite power threats. After hitting .301 with 33 HRs and 103 RBIs in 1990, Bonds took home his first NL MVP in 1991 by batting .292 with 33 HRs and 113 RBIs for the Pirates.

Bonds would go on to shatter the single season home run record and put together one of the most decorated careers in baseball history. His 1991 Score card showcases him in his Pittsburgh days and remains a highly coveted piece for collectors. PSA 10 examples can sell for $500-$1,000 depending on market conditions.

Tom Glavine – Card #327

The 1991 Score set featured a number of future Hall of Famers in their rookie or early career seasons. One of the standouts was Braves lefty Tom Glavine, who had a breakout first full season in the bigs in 1991. Glavine went 14-8 with a 2.55 ERA and finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting, establishing himself as the ace of the Atlanta staff.

While not quite in the same league as Griffey or Bonds in terms of overall card value, Glavine’s rookie card from Score ’91 is still a highly sought after piece. It was the first flagship card issued of the future 300-game winner and two-time Cy Young award recipient. PSA 10s trade hands for $200-300.

Cal Ripken Jr. – Card #375

By 1991, Cal Ripken Jr. was already well on his way to breaking Lou Gehrig’s legendary consecutive games played streak. That year, Ripken suited up for his 900th straight game while continuing his outstanding all-around play for the Orioles. He hit .273 with 21 HRs and 84 RBIs, finishing third in AL MVP voting for the second time in three seasons.

Ripken’s consistency and durability made him one of the true iron men in baseball history. While not quite as flashy statistically as other big names in ’91 Score, his card has proven to be an extremely sound long-term investment. Even well-centered, but lower graded PSA 8 copies can sell for $100-150 based on Ripken’s enduring popularity.

Nolan Ryan – Card #480

By 1991, Nolan Ryan was pushing 40 years old but was somehow still one of the most intimidating and electric hurlers in the game. “The Ryan Express” went 16-14 that year with a 3.43 ERA and 232 strikeouts for the Rangers, surpassing his 300th career victory.

Ryan’s blazing fastball and record-setting strikeout prowess made him a fan favorite for over two decades. His 1991 Score card pays homage to one of the true legends of the mound. Even in lower grades, it remains a popular pickup for collectors due to Ryan’s iconic status. PSA 8 copies are valued around $50-75.

Roberto Alomar – Card #573

One of the top young stars emerging in the early 1990s was Blue Jays second baseman Roberto Alomar. After a breakout 1990 season that saw him hit .295 with 11 HRs and 84 RBIs, Alomar took his game to new heights in 1991. He batted .323 with 10 HRs, 105 RBIs and 30 stolen bases, finishing second in AL MVP voting in just his third full big league campaign.

Alomar went on to have a Hall of Fame career and establish himself as arguably the greatest defensive second baseman ever. His 1991 Score rookie card showcases him in the early days with Toronto and remains a blue chip piece for collectors. PSA 10s trade in the $300-500 range.

Dennis Eckersley – Card #683

After dominating as a starter for much of the 1970s and 1980s, Dennis Eckersley reinvented himself as a lights-out closer for the A’s dynasty teams of the early 90s. In 1992, he became the first pitcher ever to win both the AL Cy Young and MVP awards.

Eckersley’s transition to the bullpen was ahead of its time. His 1991 Score card commemorates one of the pioneers of the modern closer role. While not his most valuable vintage issue, it remains a highly collectible piece showcasing “Eck” in his transition years with Oakland. PSA 10 copies can sell for $75-150.

This covers some of the true heavy hitters and standout rookie cards from the massive 792-card 1991 Score baseball set. Loaded with future Hall of Famers and superstars in their early primes, it’s easy to see why this release has endured as one of the most sought after vintage issues for investors and collectors alike. While the individual values may fluctuate over time, these cards establish themselves as true blue chip holdings for any collection.