The 1991 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While sets from this time period featured massive print runs that led to cards being worth just pennies, there are still a handful of highly sought after rookie and star player cards that have stood the test of time and retained significant value. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best and most valuable cards collectors search for from the 1991 Fleer set.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card – Griffey’s rookie is arguably the most famous and coveted card from the entire junk wax era. Even with an enormous print run in the millions, Jr.’s card has maintained a high price due to his incredible career and status as one of the greats of the game. In pristine gem mint 10 condition, a Griffey rookie can fetch thousands of dollars. But there is still value to be found even in lower grades. This is a must-have for any collection.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card – Like Griffey, Thomas put together a Hall of Fame career and his rookie is one of the true star cards from the 1991 Fleer set. Thomas went on to win back-to-back AL MVP awards and finished in the top-5 eleven times. In top condition this card has sold for over $1000. It’s a highly recognizable and historically significant rookie to own.
Nolan Ryan Record Breaker Card – This iconic Nolan Ryan card commemorates him breaking Sandy Koufax’s record for strikeouts. It captures an incredible moment and one of the most hallowed records in baseball. The card is sharply designed and a true piece of baseball history to own. High grade examples can reach $500-$1000 due to Ryan’s legendary status.
Cal Ripken Jr. Career Grand Slam Leader Card – This card pays tribute to Ripken passing Lou Gehrig’s record for grand slams. It highlights one of Ripken’s many incredible career accomplishments on his way to breaking Gehrig’s famed “Iron Man” consecutive games played streak. A true one-of-a-kind milestone card to own of a surefire Hall of Famer.
Roberto Alomar Rookie Card – Alomar made his MLB debut in 1988 but did not have an official rookie card until the 1991 Fleer set. He went on to have a stellar career with Hall of Fame credentials. His rookie is one of the most iconic short print cards from the set, making it highly sought after. Pristine copies can reach $500 or more.
Kirby Puckett Career Hits Leader Card – This card commemorates Puckett passing Tony Oliva’s record for career hits as a Twin. It’s a fantastic tribute to one of the franchise’s all-time greats. Sadly Puckett’s career and life were cut short, adding significance to any cards featuring this beloved Minnesota star player.
Dennis Eckersley No-Hitter Card – This card pays tribute to Eckersley’s no-hitter for the A’s in 1977, one of only five no-hitters in franchise history. It highlights an incredible pitching accomplishment and moment in A’s team history. Eckersley would go on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily as a closer.
Ozzie Smith Career Hits as Shortstop Leader – This card commemorates Ozzie passing Luis Aparicio’s record for career hits as a shortstop. It captures an incredible defensive wizard having an all-time great career at the most important defensive position. “The Wizard” was a fan and player favorite who helped bring a World Series to St. Louis.
Roberto Clemente Tribute Card – This moving tribute card honors Clemente, who tragically died in a plane crash in 1972 working to provide aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. Clemente was already a Hall of Famer and one of baseball’s greatest ambassadors. The card pays respect to his incredible career and humanitarian work.
In addition to these star cards, the 1991 Fleer set also featured rookie cards for future Hall of Famers Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, and Craig Biggio. While print runs were enormous, strong demand has kept values respectable for these rookie cards in the decades since. The 1991 Fleer set successfully captured iconic players and career milestones from the late 80s and early 90s. While it comes from the junk wax era, strong collector interest has endured for the top rookie and star cards in the set. The cards highlighted here remain some of the most historically significant and valuable to find in a pack or collection from that year.
