The 1990 baseball season produced some of the most valuable rookie cards in the history of the hobby. Players like Frank Thomas, Gregg Jefferies, and Brien Taylor debuted and their rookie cards have increased tremendously in value over the decades. Let’s take an in-depth look at the top rookie cards from 1990 and get a sense of their current market prices according to PSA’s Baseball Card Price Guide.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card (1990 Fleer): Frank Thomas is considered one of the greatest right-handed hitters of all-time and his rookie card from 1990 Fleer is the most valuable card from the set. In a PSA 10 gem mint condition, this rookie card has an average auction price of over $4,000. Even in PSA 9 near mint-mint condition, it still fetches around $1,500. What makes this card so desirable is Thomas’ legendary career that included two MVP awards and a .301 batting average over 16 seasons.
Gregg Jefferies Rookie Card (1990 Score): Jefferies was one of the top prospects in baseball when he debuted with the Mets in 1990 and his rookie card has maintained strong demand. In a PSA 10 gem mint state, the 1990 Score Jefferies rookie card has an average sales price of about $850. In PSA 9 near mint condition it sells for around $350. While Jefferies didn’t have the career many expected, his rookie card remains a key piece for Mets and ’90s collectors.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (1990 Upper Deck): Even though Griffey Jr. didn’t make his MLB debut until 1989 with the Mariners, his official rookie card came in 1990 Upper Deck. This is one of the most iconic baseball cards ever printed and has achieved legendary status. A PSA 10 gem mint Griffey Jr. rookie card will fetch over $5,000 today. Even in PSA 9 condition, it still sells for around $2,000 on average which is amazing considering the massive print run for Upper Deck cards in 1990.
Moises Alou Rookie Card (1990 Fleer): The son of former MLB outfielder Felipe Alou, Moises had a solid 17-year career and his rookie card has performed very well. In a PSA 10 gem mint state, the 1990 Fleer Moises Alou rookie card averages around $350-$400 based on recent sales. In PSA 9 near mint condition, it sells for roughly $150. Alou was a .303 career hitter and three-time All-Star so there is lasting collector interest in his rookie card.
Brien Taylor Rookie Card (1991 Upper Deck): Taylor was considered the best pitching prospect of his generation when he was selected #1 overall by the New York Yankees in the 1991 MLB draft. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury derailed his career but that hasn’t stopped his rookie card from gaining value. In PSA 10 gem mint condition, the 1991 Upper Deck Brien Taylor rookie card sells for around $700-$800 on the current market. Even in PSA 9 near mint condition, it still fetches $300-$350. Taylor remains one of the biggest “what ifs” in baseball history.
Cecil Fielder Rookie Card (1990 Fleer): Fielder smashed 51 home runs in 1990 with the Detroit Tigers on his way to being named AL Rookie of the Year. His rookie card from Fleer is quite affordable today. In PSA 10 gem mint condition, a Cecil Fielder 1990 rookie card averages around $150-$175. Even in PSA 9 near mint condition, you can find them selling for under $50 regularly. While not as valuable as some others, it’s still a key rookie card for Tigers and ’90s collectors.
Juan Gonzalez Rookie Card (1990 Fleer): Gonzalez would go on to win two AL MVP awards during his career and his rookie card has held up very nicely in price. A PSA 10 1990 Fleer Juan Gonzalez rookie card averages around $250-$300 currently. In PSA 9 near mint condition, they sell for roughly $100. Gonzalez showcased big power right away and hit 434 home runs over 15 seasons so his rookie remains a popular pick up for Rangers collectors and investors.
Sandy Alomar Jr. Rookie Card (1990 Upper Deck): Alomar Jr. was a six-time All-Star and defensive wizard behind the plate who played 17 seasons in MLB. His rookie card comes from the ultra-popular 1990 Upper Deck set. In PSA 10 gem mint condition, a Sandy Alomar Jr. rookie card averages around $175-$200 based on recent sales. Even in PSA 9 near mint condition, they still sell for roughly $75. Alomar Jr. had one of the longest and most consistent careers of any player from this rookie class.
Derek Bell Rookie Card (1990 Score): Bell played 15 seasons in the majors as a solid outfielder and his rookie card has held steady in price. In PSA 10 gem mint condition, a 1990 Score Derek Bell rookie card averages around $125-$150 currently. Even in PSA 9 near mint condition, they sell for $50-$75 pretty consistently. While not in the same league as stars like Griffey Jr., Bell still had a long career so his rookie card remains popular with Astros and collectors from the early ’90s.
This covers some of the most notable and valuable rookie cards from the 1990 season based on PSA’s Baseball Card Price Guide. Players like Frank Thomas, Ken Griffey Jr., Gregg Jefferies and others broke out as rookies that year and their cards have increased tremendously in demand. Even lesser known rookies from 1990 like Sandy Alomar Jr. and Derek Bell have rookie cards that hold value. The 1990 rookie class overall is one of the strongest and most investment worthy in the entire hobby.
