The 1991 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the early 1990s. Coming off a record-breaking 1990 season that saw star rookies like Sandy Alomar Jr. and Chuck Knoblauch make their MLB debuts, collectors were eager to see who Donruss would feature on some of the set’s most coveted rookie cards. While it didn’t have the monster rookies of ’90, the ’91 Donruss set still had plenty of future Hall of Famers and all-stars to chase after. Here’s a look at some of the biggest hits and most valuable cards collectors sought in packs and on the secondary market in 1991.
Ken Griffey Jr. (#1) – Widely considered the crown jewel of the set, Griffey’s rookie card led the way in pack after pack. Fresh off back-to-back AL Rookie of the Year awards in 1989-1990, Griffey was already well on his way to superstardom. His sweet left-handed swing and effortless defense in center field made him a fan favorite. Highly sought after by collectors both then and now, PSA 10 examples of Griffey’s rookie regularly sell for thousands. Even well-centered, sharp examples in PSA 8 or 9 command big money due to his iconic status.
Frank Thomas (#44) – Though not quite the household name Griffey was in ’91, “The Big Hurt” was already establishing himself as one of baseball’s most feared power hitters during his early years with the White Sox. Thomas smacked 27 homers in his first full season in 1990 and would go on to have one of the most decorated careers of any player from the 1990s. His Donruss rookie is highly valuable in top grades due to his five AL MVP awards and status as a true five-tool player.
Greg Maddux (#60) – After consecutive Cy Young awards in 1992 and 1993, Maddux established himself as the premier pitcher of the 1990s. But collectors knew they had something special even before his breakout seasons, snatching up his ’91 Donruss rookie. Known for his pinpoint control and ability to induce weak contact, Maddux would go on to rack up 355 career wins and four consecutive NL Cy Youngs between 1992-1995. Near-mint examples still fetch over $100 due to his Hall of Fame resume.
Tom Glavine (#143) – Like Maddux, Glavine emerged as an ace of the 1990s Braves staff, winning two Cy Youngs of his own in 1991 and 1998. His pinpoint control made him a workhorse, leading the NL in wins twice and innings pitched four times. Glavine racked up 305 career wins and two World Series rings by the end of his stellar career. His rookie card showed collectors his potential early on and remains quite valuable in high grades.
David Justice (#166) – One of the young stars that helped power the Braves dynasty of the early 1990s, Justice smashed 87 homers between 1990-1992. His sweet left-handed swing and athleticism in right field made him a fan favorite. Justice’s Donruss rookie remains one of the more iconic and aesthetically pleasing cards from the set. Highly centered examples still command $50-75 despite Justice never achieving the individual accolades of some others on this list.
Roberto Alomar (#215) – The smooth-fielding second baseman was already an all-star caliber regular by 1991 after winning AL Rookie of the Year in 1988. Alomar’s slick defense, speed, and ability to spray line drives from gap to gap made him a constant threat at the top of the order for Toronto and Baltimore throughout his career. He remains one of the finest second basemen of all time. His rookie card has retained significant value due to his Hall of Fame career and elite all-around skills.
Dennis Eckersley (#292) – By 1991, Eckersley had already reinvented himself as one of baseball’s premier closers after struggling as a starter earlier in his career. “Eck” racked up 45 saves for the A’s in 1990 and would go on to rack up 390 career saves, leading the AL four times. His changeup was nearly unhittable during his peak years. Highly valuable in top grades due to his Hall of Fame career and status as one of the game’s first true closers.
Cecil Fielder (#321) – After breaking out with a 51-home run season in 1990, Fielder was one of the game’s most feared power threats during the early 1990s. His mammoth blasts helped lead Detroit back to relevance. Fielder smashed 84 homers between 1990-1991 and remains one of just 13 players to ever club 50 or more in a season. His rookie card shows promise of the prodigious power to come. Valuable in top grades due to his iconic home run prowess.
Roberto Kelly (#356) – One of the set’s top shortprint cards, Kelly’s rookie showed flashes of potential as a speedy, contact-oriented outfielder. Though he never fully lived up to expectations, Kelly was still a productive player for several years. His rookie remains one of the most sought-after shortprints from the set due to its rarity. Even well-centered near-mint copies can fetch $50-75 based on condition alone.
While it may not have had the monster rookies of 1990 Donruss, collectors found plenty to chase after in the ’91 release. Featuring future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Maddux, Glavine, and Alomar, as well as young stars like Justice, Thomas, and Fielder, the set had no shortage of talent. High-grade examples of the top rookie cards continue to hold tremendous value today. For collectors in 1991 and beyond, hunting hits from this classic set has always been a fun and rewarding hobby.
