The 1990 CMC baseball card set featured many future Hall of Famers and stars as rookies or early in their careers. While not as well known as brands like Topps and Donruss, CMC released quality cardboard that year and the set has gained popularity with collectors in recent decades. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top rookie and star cards from the 1990 CMC set and what they may be worth today.
One of the most valuable rookie cards in the 1990 CMC set is Ken Griffey Jr. As one of the most talented players of his generation, Griffey was one of the most hyped rookie prospects ever. His smooth left-handed swing and effortless athleticism made him a fan favorite from the start of his career. In the early 90s, Griffey mania was in full effect and his rookie card was one of the most sought after on the market. Today, a Griffey Jr. 1990 CMC rookie card in near mint to mint condition could fetch $150-$250. If graded by PSA or BGS at gem mint 10, the price jumps up significantly to $500-$1,000 due to the card’s sharp corners and surfaces.
Another coveted rookie from the 1990 CMC set is Frank Thomas, known as “The Big Hurt” during his Hall of Fame career. Thomas slugged his way to over 500 home runs and had a career .301 batting average playing first base for the Chicago White Sox. His powerful left-handed swing produced plenty of tape measure shots in his prime. The 1990 CMC Thomas rookie has gained value in recent years due to his legendary playing career. A PSA 9 copy could sell for $75-$125, while a PSA 10 gem could reach $250-$350 given how difficult Thomas rookies are to find in pristine condition.
Chipper Jones had one of the best careers of any third baseman in MLB history during his time with the Atlanta Braves. The 1990 CMC set featured Chipper as a rookie, foreshadowing his future stardom. He would go on to hit over 450 home runs and make 8 All-Star teams in his 19 year career spent entirely in Atlanta. Chipper’s smooth lefty swing and Gold Glove defense at the hot corner made him a fan favorite for decades. His 1990 CMC rookie in good condition could sell for $30-$50, with a PSA 9 bringing $75-$125 and a PSA 10 grading out around $200-$300 due to the card’s strong demand.
While not a true rookie card, the 1990 CMC set is also notable for featuring Barry Bonds as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates. At the time, Bonds was already establishing himself as one of the game’s best players and had started to show signs of the prolific power hitter he would become. In Pittsburgh, Bonds made 4 All-Star teams and won 3 Gold Gloves and an MVP before moving on to the San Francisco Giants where he smashed the single season and career home run records. The 1990 CMC Bonds is a key card from his Pirates days and in a PSA 9 could sell for $50-$75, with a PSA 10 potentially reaching $150-$250 given his legendary status.
Other notable stars featured in the 1990 CMC set include Roberto Alomar, Kenny Lofton, Jeff Bagwell, Tom Glavine, and Greg Maddux. Each were among the best players of the 1990s and their early career CMC cards have value, especially in high grades. For example, a PSA 9 or 10 Jeff Bagwell from 1990 might sell for $75-$125 given his stellar career and the Houston Astros franchise player status he achieved. Meanwhile, a mint Tom Glavine or Greg Maddux from the set in a PSA 10 could reach $150-$250 as two of the best pitchers of their generation who dominated for over a decade.
While not as well-known today as brands like Topps and Donruss, the 1990 CMC baseball card set gave collectors a first look at future Hall of Famers like Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and Chipper Jones. It also featured Barry Bonds as a budding superstar with the Pirates. Each of these star rookie and early career cards have gained value in the vintage baseball card market. High graded versions can sell for hundreds, with a PSA 10 Griffey or Thomas rookie bringing over $500. For collectors looking to add iconic pieces from the early 90s to their collections, the 1990 CMC set remains an affordable and enjoyable option.
