The 1990 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues of all-time. While not the most valuable set overall, it featured several of the game’s biggest stars and future Hall of Famers. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the best and most notable cards from the 792-card flagship Topps release from 1990.
Undoubtedly one of the premier cards from the set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was already establishing himself as a superstar outfielder in his first full season with the Seattle Mariners in 1989. His sweet left-handed swing and elite defense made him a fan favorite. The 1990 Topps Griffey rookie became one of the most iconic and valuable rookie cards ever issued. While production numbers were high for the era, graded mint condition copies have sold for over $100,000.
Another hugely popular rookie card was Frank Thomas’ debut issue. “The Big Hurt” announced his arrival in 1990 by winning the AL Rookie of the Year award. He slugged .294 with 21 home runs for the Chicago White Sox. Thomas would go on to have a Hall of Fame career. High-grade copies of his rookie frequently trade hands for $1,000 or more.
Nolan Ryan’s record-breaking seventh no-hitter card is a true icon from the set. The front captures Ryan’s intensity on the mound during his 1990 gem for the Texas Rangers. The back details his amazing career no-hit totals at that point. It’s one of the defining cards for the all-time strikeout king. Near-mint copies can reach $500 given Ryan’s popularity and the historical significance.
Rickey Henderson’s 1990 issue shows him in an Oakland A’s uniform, celebrating after stealing a base. “Rickey Being Rickey” was in his prime, coming off a career-high 66 steals in 1989. The card captures one of the aspects he is most famous for – base stealing. It’s a key card in chronicling one of the game’s greatest leadoff hitters and base stealers.
Ken Griffey Sr.’s 1990 card is a nice parallel to his son’s rookie. It shows the elder Griffey playing alongside his soon-to-be superstar offspring in Seattle. The father-son dynamic added interest. High-grade copies in near-mint condition have sold for over $100 in recent years.
Arguably the most visually striking card is the Nolan Ryan Express subject card. It features an action shot of Ryan’s blazing fastball, with numbers illustrating his velocity. The creative design made it stand out. It’s one of the defining cards for the Express. Near-mint copies routinely sell for $50-75.
The Barry Bonds rookie card gained more notoriety in later years as Bonds’ career took off. But even in 1990, collectors saw his immense talent. The card shows Bonds launching a home run in his rookie season for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Pristine copies have reached over $500 at auction.
Roberto Alomar’s rookie card gained more appreciation after his Hall of Fame career was complete. But even then, his five-tool talents were evident. The card depicts Alomar making a play for the San Diego Padres. High-grade copies routinely sell for $100 or more today.
Other notable stars featured included Ken Griffey Sr., Nolan Ryan, Rickey Henderson, Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, and Ozzie Smith. The set also included rookie cards for future stars like Jeff Bagwell, Moises Alou, and Tom Glavine.
The 1990 Topps baseball card set will long be remembered for its star power and rookie card classics. Names like Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, Barry Bonds, and Alomar debuted and made lasting impressions. Iconic cards like Nolan Ryan’s 7th no-hitter issue and Rickey Henderson stealing a base also stand the test of time. For both nostalgia and investment purposes, the 1990 Topps set remains hugely popular among collectors.
