The 1990 baseball card season featured some of the most iconic and valuable cards in the modern era. Players like Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., and Nolan Ryan appeared on highly sought after rookie and star cards that have brought collectors huge returns on investment over the past few decades. With a mix of dominant veterans, promising rookies, and significant milestones reached in the 1989 season, here’s a look at the top 10 most coveted 1990 baseball cards as selected by collectors and researchers:
Ozzie Smith – St. Louis Cardinals (Donruss #156): A beloved defender at shortstop known as “The Wizard”, Ozzie Smith came through with another stellar season in 1989 as he chased his 6th career Gold Glove award. This sharp looking Donruss card highlights Smith’s acrobatic plays and his trademark backflip celebration. In graded mint condition it trades hands for $50-75 due to Smith’s popularity and icon status at his position.
Nolan Ryan – Texas Rangers (Fleer #89): At age 42 during the 1989 season, Ryan amazingly struck out 216 batters and tossed his 6th career no-hitter. This eye-catching Fleer card memorializes one of the all-time great’s remarkable later career accomplishments. Graded gem mint 10 versions can be worth $150-200 today despite Ryan having appeared on many prior cards over his 27-year MLB tenure.
Cal Ripken Jr. – Baltimore Orioles (Score #652): Ripken was becoming one of baseball’s premier slugging shortstops by the late 80s, belting 34 home runs and driving in 114 runs in 1989. This Crisp Score card highlights Ripken’s rising star status with eye-catching graphics and an action photo. Graded gem mint 10 copies often trade at auction for $200-300 due to Ripken’s popularity and his later record-breaking Iron Man streak.
Greg Maddux – Chicago Cubs (Fleer #308): Maddux enjoyed a breakout rookie season with the Cubs in 1986, but he truly announced his arrival as a pitching sensation in 1989 by going 18-8 with a 2.95 ERA and 193 strikeouts to finish 2nd in Cy Young voting. This sharp Fleer rookie card foreshadowed Maddux’s Hall of Fame greatness and has appreciated nicely, with a PSA 10 bringing around $350-500.
Barry Bonds – Pittsburgh Pirates (Score #639): Bonds was already a three-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner by 1989, but this Score issue captured him on the cusp of superstardom after he blasted 25 home runs and stole 34 bases. High-grade rookie Bonds cards are highly sought after and command $400-600 due to his considerable talents being evident very early in his Pirates tenure.
Ken Griffey Jr. – Seattle Mariners (Upper Deck #1): Griffey’s major league debut with the Mariners in 1989 ignited unprecedented card collecting frenzy. This iconic Upper Deck rookie emerged as the most coveted modern issue and remains one of the signature cards of the entire hobby. PSA 10 copies routinely sell for well over $1,000 due to Griffey’s flawless swing, smooth defense, and magnetic smile captured perfectly here in his rookie year.
Rickey Henderson – Oakland A’s (Fleer #361): Henderson was in the midst of his record-breaking career in 1989, having just stolen 66 bases to mark his 5th straight season with over 50 thefts. This sharp Fleer issue showcases Henderson’s peerless base-stealing ability which helped earn him MVP honors that year. Top graded copies in the $1,000-1,500 range have serious potential to appreciate even further.
Kirby Puckett – Minnesota Twins (Fleer #279): Puckett put on a power/speed show in 1989, batting .339 with 27 homers and 101 RBIs while leading the Twins to a World Series title. This bold Fleer card perfectly captured Puckett’s swing and joy for the game at the absolute peak of his Hall of Fame abilities. Gem mint versions ring up over $2,000 regularly these days due to Puckett’s enduring popularity and the results of ’89.
Nolan Ryan – Houston Astros (Score #642): In his first season with Houston after 22 years with the Mets and Angels, Ryan amazingly tossed his record 6th career no-hitter at age 42. This historic Score issue celebrates that transcendent moment which firmly cemented Ryan’s status as perhaps the greatest pitcher ever. With such an iconic subject and moment encapsulated, PSA 10s hover around the $3,000 mark.
Frank Thomas – Chicago White Sox (Score #711): “The Big Hurt” exploded onto the scene in 1990 by batting .339, blasting 41 home runs, and racking up 113 RBIs to win both the Rookie of the Year and MVP awards for the White Sox. This super rare Thomas RC is widely considered one of the most iconic modern cards due to his astonishing debut season. Just a single PSA 10 copy is known to exist, and it sold for over $15,000 back in 2015.
The 1990 baseball card season truly had something for everyone. Established superstars like Griffey Jr., Ripken, Henderson and Ryan appeared on iconic issues, while rookie cards of Maddux, Bonds, Puckett and Thomas foretold of future greatness. For collectors, high-grade examples from this memorable year remain among the most financially fruitful investments in the entire hobby decades later. The above 10 cards simply represent the consistent biggest money makers that have held their luster extremely well since capturing remarkable players and moments from the 1989 MLB campaign.
