The 1991 Score baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the early 1990s. Coming off a decade of immense growth and popularity in the hobby, 1991 Score delivered exciting rookie cards and memorable images of the game’s biggest stars from that era. While any vintage card set from the late 80s/early 90s boom period holds nostalgia and value for collectors today, some stand out more than others in terms of on-field performance and lasting legacy. Here are some of the most noteworthy cards and players featured in the 1991 Score baseball set.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card (#157) – Widely considered one of the best rookie cards ever produced, Thomas’ debut Score issue out of Auburn University would prove to be a harbinger of greatness. “The Big Hurt” went on to have a Hall of Fame career hitting .301 with 521 home runs over 19 seasons. He won back-to-back AL MVP awards in 1993-1994 and finished top-5 in voting five other times. High-grade Thomas rookies still fetch thousands due to his dominance and the card’s iconic design showing him in an Auburn batting stance.
Ken Griffey Jr. (#159) – While not technically a rookie card since Griffey had played parts of two seasons prior, collectors treat this as his true first card in the hobby. It captures “The Kid” at the beginning of his stardom with the Mariners and before injuries limited his career. Griffey was a 10-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glover and hit 630 home runs en route to Cooperstown. Condition sensitive due to its widespread distribution, pristine Griffey Jr. 1991 Score cards can sell for over $1000.
Chipper Jones (#168) – As a high school draftee by the Braves, Jones’ debut Score issue became one of the more identifiable and valuable rookie cards from the early 90s. He went on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with Atlanta, winning the 1999 NL MVP and batting .303 lifetime. Even in well-centered but lower grades, Chipper’s rookie card remains a highly sought after piece for any collection.
Tom Glavine (#183) – The ace lefty of the Atlanta Braves pitching staffs of the 1990s, Glavine’s rookie card portrays him pitching for the Mets farm system. He would be traded to the Braves and go on to win 305 games over 22 seasons, capturing two NL Cy Young Awards. Glavine also played a crucial role in Atlanta’s 1995 World Series championship. His rookie card provides a glimpse into the beginnings of a surefire Hall of Famer.
Greg Maddux (#185) – Another Braves hurler who found his way to Cooperstown, Maddux’s rookie issue is one of the more iconic pitching cards from the early 90s. He won four consecutive NL Cy Youngs from 1992-1995 with Atlanta and the Cubs, finishing with a 355-227 record and 2.15 ERA over 23 big league seasons. Maddux’s pinpoint control and mastery on the mound make this a must-have for any collection.
David Justice (#219) – As the starting right fielder for the World Series champion Atlanta Braves teams, Justice provided consistent power production in the middle of their lineup. He hit .279 with 224 home runs and drove in over 100 runs four times during his career. Justice’s Score card depicts him in the thick of the Braves championship run in the early 1990s.
Barry Bonds (#224) – While not quite in the midst of his record-breaking home run prowess yet, Bonds’ 1991 Score issue shows him in the early stages of his Hall of Fame career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He would win his first MVP award the following season and go on to smash the all-time home run record. High-grade examples still hold value for collectors given Bonds’ place as one of the game’s all-time great sluggers.
Roberto Alomar (#236) – A twelve-time All-Star and ten-time Gold Glove second baseman, Alomar dazzled defenders with his range and hitting prowess at the top of the order throughout the 1990s and 2000s. This card portrays him as a youngster for the San Diego Padres before being traded to the Toronto Blue Jays. Alomar’s smooth defensive skills and career .300 average make this a noteworthy rookie issue.
Tom Glavine Autograph (#TGA) – While short printed, the autographed Tom Glavine card from 1991 Score holds extra cachet for collectors given his Hall of Fame career. It provides a rare opportunity to own an on-card autograph from the lefty ace dating back to the earliest stages of his playing days. Even in lower grades, Glavine autographs command premium prices.
The 1991 Score baseball set did an excellent job highlighting many future Hall of Famers and stars at the start of their MLB tenures. Cards like Frank Thomas, Ken Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones, Greg Maddux and others have stood the test of time not just for their visual designs but the iconic careers of the players depicted. For collectors three decades later, these issues still hold nostalgia and significance representing a golden era of the hobby. High-end examples can sell for thousands to serious vintage baseball card investors.
