The 1990 Score baseball card set offers several rare and valuable rookie cards for collectors to seek out. The early ’90s marked a time when the sports card industry was booming, with Score being one of the major brands at the forefront. Let’s take a closer look at some of the hardest 1990 Score cards to find in high grade.
Perhaps the most coveted and iconic rookie card from the set is that of Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. As one of the greatest players of his generation, Griffey was already garnering widespread attention and hype as a prospect coming up through the Seattle Mariners system in 1990. His Score rookie card, featuring stunning action photography of the smooth-swinging outfielder, has stood the test of time as one of the most aesthetically pleasing designs ever. In mint condition, a PSA 10 1990 Griffey Jr. rookie fetches well over $10,000 due to its rarity and subject matter. Even well-centered near mint copies can sell for thousands.
Another hugely valuable 1990 Score rookie is that of Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Curt Schilling. Like Griffey, Schilling would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and is still revered among baseball fans today. But back in 1990, he had yet to establish himself as the dominant postseason performer he became known as. Low population PSA 10 examples of his straightforward but effective rookie card have sold for as much as $8,000. Even well-kept raw copies can sell for $500 or more depending on centering and condition.
Brady Anderson’s rookie is another fairly scarce pull from 1990 Score packs. As the leadoff hitter for consistent playoff contenders like the Orioles and Indians in the 1990s, Anderson managed to carve out a respectable career for himself. He is best remembered for his monster 50 home run, 149 RBI season of 1996. His rookie card depicts the lefty swingman smiling in an Orioles uniform. High grades remain quite rare, with a PSA 10 going for over $1,000. Even rougher copies can net $100+.
Moises Alou, son of Felipe Alou, debuted with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1990 and his rookie card from Score showcases his pre-breakout potential. Alou would go on to have a 17-year career, play for 7 different teams, and make 3 All-Star appearances. His production as a rookie did not suggest future stardom. Thus, his rookie is still fairly plentiful even in Gem Mint condition, usually selling in the $50-150 range depending on centering and overall appeal. Presentation and eye appeal seem to be most important for this card’s value.
Far less heralded prospects also got rookie cards in 1990 Score that have gained collector interest in recent years. One such example is Randy Johnson. “The Big Unit” had made his Major League debut in 1988 but had struggled to establish himself by 1990 with a 4-5 record and 5.51 ERA for the Montreal Expos. His rookie card pictures the towering 6’10” lefty in Expos powder blue. Clean copies have started trading hands for $400-500 graded PSA 8 or PSA 9 in recent times. Buyers seem to be banking on Johnson’s eventual Hall of Fame career elevating interest long-term.
Dennis Martinez also had his rookie card released in 1990 Score though he was already a five-year MLB veteran. Known as “El Presidente”, Martinez found his groove as the Expos staff ace in the late 80s/early 90s after some early struggles. His card featured him in a Montreal uniform. While not extremely rare, high grades have become fairly scarce and ones grading PSA 8 or above can usually sell in the $100-150 range now. This seems representative of growing interest for cards of Latin American stars from the late 80s-90s era.
Others on the fringes of stardom like Bip Roberts, Darrin Jackson, and Eric Yelding provided interesting rookie cards as well from the 1990 Score set. More established sluggers like Barry Bonds, Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire, and Don Mattingly anchored the All-Star checklist portion. The set has aged well due to the strong rookie class headlined by talents like Griffey, Schilling, and Johnson. Even mid-level prospect cards carry intrigue and value these days. Nearly 30 years removed from packs, it’s clear 1990 Score will remain a classic in the hobby for years to come.
The 1990 Score baseball card set introduced rookies of several future all-time greats like Griffey and Schilling. While mint Griffey and Schilling rookies remain quite rare and valuable, lesser known first-year cards of players like Randy Johnson have also appreciated in value over the decades. Emerging stars of the era like Moises Alou and Brady Anderson provide affordable vintage options for collectors. The combination of star power and fun, nostalgic designs make 1990 Score an enduringly popular set with prices still moving upward across most of its sought-after rookie cards three decades later.
