The 1992 Score baseball card set was issued at the height of the baseball card boom of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Score released large sets each year with over 700 cards in 1992. While not the most popular or valuable set of that time period, the 1992 Score cards provide an interesting snapshot of the players and teams from that season over 25 years ago. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards and players from the 1992 Score baseball card set that still hold value for collectors today.
One of the most valuable and sought after rookie cards from the 1992 Score set is that of Mike Piazza. Piazza had a stellar rookie season with the Dodgers in 1992, batting .318 with 35 home runs and 112 RBIs. His rookie card remains one of the iconic cards from the early 1990s. In near mint to mint condition, an ungraded Piazza rookie will fetch $80-150. Higher grades of Piazza’s rookie, such as a PSA 10, have sold for over $1,000 showing the card still holds strong nostalgic value for collectors.
Another Dodgers rookie to watch from the 1992 Score set is Eric Karros. While Karros never achieved the superstar status of Piazza, he did have a solid 13-year career mostly spent with the Dodgers. Karros’ rookie card in near mint to mint condition sells in the $15-30 range today. His card remains attainable for collectors looking to add a key Dodgers player from the early 1990s to their collection.
For collectors interested in star pitchers of the early 90s, the 1992 Score set has a few notable cards. One is the rookie card of Pedro Martinez. Martinez’s rookie season was split between the Dodgers and Expos in 1992 before he emerged as a perennial Cy Young candidate. High grade versions of his rookie in the PSA 8-10 range have sold for upwards of $100 in recent years. Another top pitcher is Greg Maddux’s card from 1992. As one of the best pitchers of his generation, Maddux consistently delivers value. His 1992 Score sells for $10-20 in middle grades showing its enduring popularity.
The 1992 Score set also captured Atlanta Braves players from their dominant run in the early 1990s. Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, and Steve Avery all have cards from their 1992 seasons that hold value. Near mint copies of these Braves aces can be acquired for $5-15 depending on the specific player. For a true high-end Braves card from the set, the Chipper Jones rookie is one to watch. Jones took the league by storm in 1995 but his rookie debut card is still one of the most coveted from the early 1990s Atlanta dynasty and fetches $50-150 in top grades.
Ken Griffey Jr’s ascent to superstardom is well documented in his basketball card collecting, but his 1992 Score issue remains a key mid-90s rookie to acquire. High grade versions near or in PSA 10 territory can command $100-250 today showing Griffey’s enduring popularity. Another hyped young star of that era featured is Frank Thomas. “The Big Hurt” burst onto the scene in 1990 winning the AL Rookie of the Year and his 1992 Score sells steady for $5-15. Alex Rodriguez also has his rookie debut in the 1992 Score set as a member of the Mariners organization. A-Rod rookie cards from any retail set in the early 90s hold value and his 1992 Score is no exception, fetching $20-40.
The 1992 Score set also included many rookie and star cards for teams who made deep postseason runs that year. The Blue Jays championship team is represented with rookie cards for Pat Hentgen, Roberto Alomar, and Dave Stewart that can be acquired for $5-15 each. The Atlanta Braves dominance is well documented with rookie issues of Glavine, Smoltz, and Justice. The Braves duo of Chipper Jones and Jeff Blauser also have valuable rookie entries from the set. And the Pittsburgh Pirates surprise pennant run that year included starter Doug Drabek and closer Stan Belinda among the key contributors with rookie issues as well.
While not the biggest or flashiest set of the early 1990s, the 1992 Score baseball card set provides a snapshot of that era with many stars and future Hall of Famers making their rookie debuts or featured as established names. Key rookies like Piazza, Martinez, Griffey Jr. and Chipper Jones anchor the set in long-term value. But there are also many affordable and attainable stars, contributors, and team cards that paint the picture of the 1992 MLB season. For collectors looking to add quality early 90s content without breaking the bank, the 1992 Score set offers a fun and nostalgic basketball card investing option worth exploring.
