The 1990 Score baseball card set was one of the most iconic and valuable sets of the late 80s and early 90s. With 762 total cards, the 1990 Score set featured some of the biggest stars and rookies of that era. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the standout cards from the 1990 Score set that are highly sought after by collectors to this day.
One of the most valuable and iconic cards from the 1990 Score set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was already showing signs of superstardom in his rookie season with the Seattle Mariners in 1989, hitting .264 with 16 home runs and 47 RBI in just 109 games. His rookie card from Score captured him at the beginning of what would become a legendary Hall of Fame career. With its sharp photography and Griffey’s bright smile, this rookie card became one of the most iconic in the hobby. In top PSA 10 gem mint condition, Griffey’s 1990 Score rookie now sells for well over $10,000, a true benchmark for one of the best modern rookie cards ever produced.
Another huge star and one of the best players of the 1990s was Frank Thomas of the Chicago White Sox. His 1990 Score card shows him in the midst of one of his powerful swings. Thomas would go on to have a monster career winning two MVP awards. In mint condition, his 1990 Score card can fetch over $200 due to his elite status. The card features great action photography that really captures Thomas’ raw strength and talent at the plate.
Sandy Koufax was already a legend by 1990, having won three Cy Young awards and one MVP with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1960s before retiring at just 30 years old. His 1965 season where he went 26-8 with a 1.73 ERA and 372 strikeouts is arguably the greatest single season pitching performance in MLB history. Koufax’s 1990 Score card pays tribute to his legendary career with a classic photo of him mid-windup. The rarity and history behind this card makes it a true treasure for any collection, with PSA 10 copies selling for over $500.
The 1990 Score set also featured rookie cards for other future Hall of Famers like Larry Walker, Jeff Bagwell, and Moises Alou. Walker’s rookie is particularly valuable, often selling for $100-200 in top grade due to his elite all-around play that would lead to an induction into the Hall of Fame. Bagwell’s rookie card, which features him crouched in the on deck circle, can reach $150-200 as well due to his outstanding career as one of the top first basemen of the 1990s for the Houston Astros. Moises Alou’s rookie card from Score in 1990 also regularly sells for $75-150 given his strong career as a corner outfielder/designated hitter.
The 1990 Score set had a massive amount of star power beyond just rookies. For example, Nolan Ryan’s card shows him in mid-windup for the Texas Rangers, immortalizing one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history. In pristine condition, it can sell for over $100. Meanwhile, Ozzie Smith’s defensive wizardry for the St. Louis Cardinals is on full display on his 1990 Score issue, which also has a value of $100+ in top grade.
Rickey Henderson, arguably the greatest leadoff hitter and basestealer ever, has an electric card from 1990 Score that portrays his lightening speed and skills. Graded mint copies can reach $150. Meanwhile, slugging first baseman Mark McGwire’s major muscles are on full display in his 1990 Score cardboard, foreshadowing his record-breaking home run prowess in the late 90s. High-grade versions regularly sell for $75-150.
The 1990 Score set also featured stars from the previous decade who were still making an impact. Tom Seaver’s smooth delivery is captured in an iconic photo on his 1990 issue. In top condition, it can sell for well over $100 due to his status as one of the best right-handed pitchers in baseball history. Meanwhile, Reggie Jackson’s powerful swing and flair for the dramatic are remembered on his 1990 Score card, which has a value of $75-150.
The 1990 Score baseball card set perfectly blended rookie stars of the future with iconic images capturing the skills and personalities of players who had already cemented their legends. With a massive checklist featuring future Hall of Famers like Frank Thomas, Ken Griffey Jr., Larry Walker, and more, along with tributes to all-time greats like Koufax, Seaver, and Reggie Jackson, the 1990 Score set remains a true benchmark of late 80s/early 90s cardboard. Pristine, high-grade versions of the top rookie and star cards from this classic set can sell for hundreds or even thousands to this day.
