The 1998 Score baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable vintage card sets from the 1990s.Released in 1998 by Score Board, Inc., theScore set featured many star players who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. While not the flashiest baseball card release of its time period, the 1998 Score set contains several key cards that have increased dramatically in value over the past two decades. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top cards from this set and analyze what has driven their current worth in the collecting market.
One of the most notable rookies featured in the 1998 Score set is Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. As arguably the best player of his generation and a surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer, Jeter’s rookie card has unsurprisingly gained immense value over time. In near-mint to mint condition, his 1998 Score RC currently sells for $500-800. What’s impressive is even well-worn copies in poor condition still fetch $100+. The mystique and winning pedigree of Jeter as the longtime Yankees captain is a huge factor in the high demand for this card.
Another massive hitter who shattered records was Cardinals first baseman Mark McGwire. In 1998, he set the single-season home run record with 70 long balls, a mark that wouldn’t be broken until Barry Bonds in 2001. McGwire’s power surge captivated the country and stirred massive interest in collecting his cards from that record-breaking year. His 1998 Score card in top shape will set you back $500 today. Like Jeter, it shows the lasting appeal of historic single-season performances for driving up recognition and value decades later.
Staying in St. Louis, the dominant pitching performance of 1998 was turned in by 23-year-old Matt Morris of the Cardinals. That season, Morris went 18-7 with a 2.47 ERA and finished third in NL Cy Young voting as he established himself as one of baseball’s best young hurlers. His sharp rookie card from Score in top condition eclipses $200 today. Though injuries later derailed his career, collectors still covet cards from Morris’ breakout 1998 season when he looked poised for stardom.
One of the most iconic players of the late 90s/early 2000s was Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa. In 1998, the Dominican outfielder led the NL in home runs with 66 in a huge breakout year. That powerful campaign is reflected in the price of his ’98 Score issue – upwards of $150 in mint condtion. Sosa’s charismatic home run prowess made him one of the most popular players worldwide during baseball’s steroid era. That fan adulation is a big reason why his cards from this pivotal year hold significant collector interest.
No baseball card set from the 1990s would be complete without a mention of Atlanta Braves superstar Chipper Jones. As arguably the greatest switch-hitter in MLB history and a surefire Hall of Famer, Jones’ career arc is one followed closely by collectors. His rookie card from 1998 Score – depicting him as an exciting young talent just starting his journey – has appreciated well and now sells for around $70-80 in top shape. Despite being over 20 years old, Jones’ iconic rookie maintains solid demand as collectors seek out cards chronicling the early stages of his outstanding career.
While star rookies and young breakout players drew plenty of 1998 Score card attention, veteran superstars held cachet as well. For example, a mint Ken Griffey Jr. card can range from $150-200. The Reds legend was still playing at an extremely high level in the late 90s before injuries derailed him. Similarly, a pristine Cal Ripken Jr. card fetches $100-125 based on his certain Hall of Fame status and the cultural impact of breaking Lou Gehrig’s iconic consecutive games played record in the 90s. These cards exemplify how consistent all-time greats maintain long-term worth in the market.
The 1998 Score baseball set endures as a seminal vintage release due to chronicling the stars and performances that defined late 90s MLB. Headlined by rookies like Jeter who became legends and breakouts like McGwire involved in history-making feats, ’98 Score captured lightning in a bottle. Coupled with the set featuring solid designs/photos that have aged quite well, values have trended up considerably since the turn of the century. For savvy collectors, hunting bargains on overlooked but solid veteran cards also creates opportunity. In all, 1998 Score endures as a must-have set for those constructing a portfolio emphasizing the excitement and nostalgia of late 90s baseball.
