The 1991 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the brand’s storied history. While not quite as large as some previous Donruss sets with only 378 total cards, the ’91 release featured some true all-time greats and future Hall of Famers that have stood the test of time. Here’s a look at some of the best and most valuable 1991 Donruss baseball cards to look out for nearly 30 years later.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie (#1) – Widely considered one of if not the greatest rookie card of all-time, Griffey’s iconic 1991 Donruss issue remains one of the most sought after and valuable modern cards on the market. Capturing “The Kid” in his Seattle Mariners uniform during his early superstar years, this card has only increased in demand as Griffey’s legendary career has cemented his legacy as one of baseball’s all-time great outfielders. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies routinely sell for well over $1,000 today and have reached over $10,000 in auction. Even well-centered near mint copies still fetch hundreds making this the crown jewel of the ’91 Donruss set.
Frank Thomas (#79) – Like Griffey, Thomas’ rookie card from the ’91 Donruss set is a true icon of the modern era. Known as “The Big Hurt” during his dominant hitting career mostly with the Chicago White Sox, Thomas would go on to win two MVP awards and hit over 500 home runs. His rookie sporting the classic White Sox uniform remains a highly sought after card in the hobby. PSA 10 Gems have sold for over $2,000 with most near mint copies still valued well into the triple digits.
Chipper Jones (#255) – As a rookie for the Atlanta Braves in 1991, Jones didn’t put up huge numbers but his Donruss issue from that year proved to be the start of a surefire Hall of Fame career. A perennial All-Star and MVP winner during his time with the Braves, Chipper Jones is remembered as one of the game’s greatest third basemen. High grade copies of his rookie in the PSA 8-10 range can still demand $200-500 at auction given his legendary status.
Roger Clemens (#40) – Already a star pitcher by 1991 with multiple Cy Young awards, Clemens’ move to the Boston Red Sox made his Donruss card from that season one of the more iconic Red Sox issues. As “The Rocket” went on to pile up 354 career wins and seven Cy Youngs, his ’91 Donruss showing him in a Boston uniform remains both historically significant and highly collectible for Red Sox fans. PSA 10 Gems have reached over $500 with most well-centered near mint copies still valued at $100-200.
Barry Bonds (#115) – One of the game’s most polarizing stars, Bonds’ 1991 Donruss was early in his career before the steroid allegations but captured him in his prime Pirates days. Already a three-time batting champ by 1991, Bonds went on to smash the all-time home run record and win a record seven MVP awards. While controversy clouds his legacy, his rookie cards remain some of the most historically significant from the early ’90s. PSA 10s have reached $400-500 over the years.
Roberto Alomar (#289) – A second year star for the Toronto Blue Jays in 1991, Alomar’s Donruss issue showed him in the early stages of a Hall of Fame career. A 12-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glover at second base, Alomar was known for his smooth defensive skills and hitting prowess. His ’91 Donruss remains one of the more iconic and valuable Blue Jays cards from the brand’s archives. PSA 10s have sold for $300-400 in recent years.
Tom Glavine (#328) – Another star pitcher captured early in his career, Glavine’s 1991 Donruss rookie showed him as a promising young lefty for the Atlanta Braves. He would go on to win 305 career games and two Cy Young awards as one of the best pitchers of the 1990s. While not quite as rare as some other rookies on this list, PSA 10 copies have still reached $150-200 given Glavine’s eventual Hall of Fame induction.
Cal Ripken Jr. (#353) – By 1991, Ripken was already a two-time All-Star and Gold Glover but his Donruss issue from that year remains highly sought after as a key early career Ripken card. Of course, he’d go on to break Lou Gehrig’s iconic consecutive games played streak and cement his legacy as one of baseball’s true iron men. High grade ’91 Ripkens still demand $100-150 and hold extra significance in any Orioles PC.
Rickey Henderson (#378) – The 1991 Donruss set’s final card featured the one and only Rickey Henderson, already a perennial All-Star and stolen base king with the Oakland A’s. He’d go on to break Lou Brock’s career stolen base record and remain the unrivaled base thief of all-time. As one of the set’s true short prints and featuring a future Hall of Famer, PSA 10 Rickey Hendersons have reached over $300 at auction.
While not quite as large as some previous years, the 1991 Donruss baseball set remains iconic for capturing so many future all-time greats and Hall of Famers early in their careers. Stacked with star rookies and key issues of players who cemented their legacies in the 1990s, high grade copies of cards like Griffey, Thomas, Bonds, Clemens and more continue to hold significant collector value nearly 30 years later. For fans of the brand and players from that era, 1991 Donruss remains a truly seminal release.
