The 1990 Leaf baseball card set was unique for its time, eschewing glossy photographs in favor of artist renderings on each card. While an unorthodox approach, the rendered cards produced some true baseball treasures that have stood the test of time. Let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest stars and most valuable cards from the 1990 Leaf set.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card: Widely considered the crown jewel of the 1990 Leaf set is the rookie card of Ken Griffey Jr. Griffey was already showing superstar promise in his early MLB seasons with the Seattle Mariners and his rookie card captured the excitement of his arrival on the scene. The simplicity of the front, showing a front facing portrait of Griffey against a dark blue background, lets his talent shine through. The card ranks as one of the most iconic and valuable rookie cards ever issued, in high grade it can fetch thousands of dollars due to Griffey’s incredible career and lasting fan popularity.
Nolan Ryan Express Card: Pitching legend Nolan Ryan was in his late 30s but still dominant when this card was issued. It showcases “The Ryan Express” in a full windup, his long hair flowing as he prepares to unleash a 100 mph fastball. The action shot on a dark teal background is dynamic and thrilling. As one of the most feared and respected pitchers ever, any Ryan card from his playing days holds value but this 1990 Leaf stands out for its captivating artwork. Graded mint copies have sold for over $1000.
Barry Bonds Rookie Card: Like Griffey, Barry Bonds was just getting his career going in 1990 but already displayed his five-tool talent. His rookie card features a close-up view of the teenage Bonds in the on deck circle, bat on his shoulder with a stern, intense expression. It encapsulated his serious, dedicated approach from the beginning. As one of the all-time greats, high grade copies of Bonds’ rookie card continue to gain in value and recognition years after his retirement.
Rickey Henderson Card: Baseball’s all-time stolen base king, Rickey Henderson, is depicted dashing towards third base on his 1990 Leaf issue. The action shot on a blue field perfectly captures Henderson’s blazing speed and daring base running. He was a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate for much of the 1980s and early 90s, making this card a must-have for collectors. Even in low grades it retains value due to Henderson’s unique talents and status as a fan favorite.
Ozzie Smith Backflip Card: Defensive wizard Ozzie Smith was known for his acrobatic backflip celebrations after making spectacular plays at shortstop. His 1990 Leaf card recreates one such moment, with Smith high in the air and mid-twist following a stunning defensive gem. It’s an iconic snapshot of “The Wizard” doing what he did better than anyone. The dynamic pose and artwork make it a desired Smith card for collectors to this day.
Dennis Eckersley Card: Hall of Fame closer Dennis Eckersley was in the midst of his dominance as the Oakland A’s top reliever during this time period. His card shows him poised on the mound, glove held out staring down batters in the late innings. His intense, no-nonsense demeanor was perfect for shutting teams down and the card captures his clutch, intimidating presence on the mound. It’s among the more valuable cards in the set for collectors today.
Kirby Puckett Card: Future Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett was an established star centerfielder for the Minnesota Twins by 1990. His card portrays him camped under a high fly ball, glove ready to make the catch against a starry sky background. It highlights Puckett’s gold glove caliber defense as a key part of his all-around excellence. Due to his six batting titles and World Series heroics, Puckett cards from his playing days carry lasting desirability in the hobby.
These were just a few of the top stars and standout cards from the unique 1990 Leaf baseball set. While an untraditional design, the hand-drawn artwork produced lasting collectibles celebrating the biggest names in the game from that season. Three decades later, cards of rookie stars like Griffey and Bonds or legends like Ryan, Henderson and Puckett retain immense value as cherished pieces of baseball history for dedicated collectors. The 1990 Leaf set showed creativity can uncover true gems that stand the test of time.
