The 1990 Upper Deck baseball card set was truly groundbreaking and revolutionized the hobby. It featured some of the biggest stars and rookies of that era. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable and sought after cards from the 1990 Upper Deck set.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1) – Widely considered the crown jewel of the 1990 set and one of the most iconic rookie cards of all-time. Griffey was already a budding superstar by 1990 and went on to have a Hall of Fame career. His rookie card from Upper Deck is the most valuable from the set, easily fetching thousands of dollars in gem mint condition. Even well-worn copies still sell for hundreds. The card features beautiful photography of a young Griffey swinging and captured his unlimited potential. It’s no surprise this was the #1 card collectors chased back in the day.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card (#217) – Thomas was just starting to break out in 1990 but went on to have an incredible career as well. His rookie is the 2nd most valuable from the set after Griffey. Mint copies can sell for well over $1000. The card features great action photography of “The Big Hurt” at the plate. Thomas was one of the game’s most feared sluggers throughout the 90s and 2000s, making this an important rookie to own for any collection.
Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (#207) – Alomar was already an established star by 1990 but this served as his first flagship rookie card. He would go on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily known for his defense and hitting for average. The card features a clean photo of Alomar at bat. Even well-worn copies still sell for $100 or more due to his status as a fan favorite and Cooperstown inductee.
Barry Bonds Rookie Card (#91) – Bonds was just starting to break out in 1990 as one of the game’s best young players. Little did anyone know he’d develop into arguably the greatest hitter of all-time. His rookie card from Upper Deck is iconic and among the most valuable from the set, routinely fetching $500+ in mint condition. The card captured Bonds during his early Pirates days and is a must-have for any collection.
Cal Ripken Jr. (#181) – Though not technically a rookie card, Ripken’s 1991 Upper Deck card is still highly sought after for good reason. He was already a two-time AL MVP and regarded as the best shortstop in baseball. Ripken went on to break Lou Gehrig’s iconic iron man streak. The card features great action photography and remains popular to this day. Even well-centered, played copies can sell for $100+.
Nolan Ryan (#111) – Ryan was nearing the end of his Hall of Fame career in 1990 but remained one of the most intimidating and respected pitchers around. His Upper Deck card is a classic featuring the flamethrower winding up. It’s one of the most iconic pitcher cards from the set. Even in well-worn condition, copies can still fetch $50-75 due to Ryan’s legendary status.
Don Mattingly (#21) – Mattingly was already a six-time All-Star and 1985 AL MVP by 1990 but remained one of the game’s most popular players. The card features clean photography of “Donnie Baseball” at the plate. It remains a popular vintage card that can sell for $50+ even in rougher condition due to his Yankee fandom.
Kirby Puckett (#201) – Puckett was already a two-time AL batting champ and fan favorite by 1990. He went on to help lead the Twins to two World Series titles. The card features great action photography of Puckett in the field. It’s among the most popular and valuable commons from the set, routinely selling for $30-50.
Dennis Eckersley (#131) – Eckersley was already a star starter who had transitioned to a dominant closer by 1990. He remains one of the best relievers in MLB history. The card features a clean photo and remains popular to this day. Well-centered copies can sell for $30-40.
Ozzie Smith (#186) – The Wizard was a 13-time Gold Glove winner and fan favorite by 1990. He remains one of the best defensive shortstops ever. The card features a classic action photo and is among the most iconic commons from the set. Copies in decent shape still sell for $20-30.
Rickey Henderson (#66) – Henderson was already a perennial All-Star, stolen base king, and one of baseball’s most electrifying players by 1990. The card features a nice action photo and remains very popular. Even played copies can sell for $15-25 due to Henderson’s legendary status.
Those were just some of the biggest stars, rookies and most valuable cards to look for from the groundbreaking 1990 Upper Deck set. The photography, production quality and star power made it an instant classic that is still widely collected and appreciated today. Whether you’re looking for affordable commons or the pricier rookie gems, there are great cards to be found that will hold value for any collection.
