The 1991 Score baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the early 1990s. Coming off a decade that saw explosive growth in the sports card industry, collectors eagerly awaited the arrival of this 762 card checklist which contained several highly sought after rookie cards and key stars from the 1990 and 1991 Major League Baseball seasons. While not quite as iconic or valuable as some Fleer or Topps releases from the same era, 1991 Score delivered numerous cards that would go on to become must-haves for collectors both then and now. Here is a closer look at some of the most noteworthy and valuable cards from the 1991 Score set.
Perhaps the single most coveted card from 1991 Score is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was already generating plenty of hype as one of the game’s brightest young stars and his rookie is considered one of the all-time greats at the position. While production numbers on 1991 Score cards were high compared to today’s standards, Griffey rookies still trade hands for hundreds or even thousands of dollars in top condition thanks to his legendary career and iconic status in the sport. Another hugely valuable rookie from this set is closer Roberto Hernandez, better known in later years as Mariano Rivera. As the greatest closer in MLB history, collectors place immense value on Rivera’s rookie which in a PSA 10 Gem Mint grade can reach five figures.
One of the biggest position players in the early 1990s was slugging first baseman Mark McGwire. While not a rookie in 1991, McGwire was quickly becoming one of the premier power hitters in the game and his Score card is highly recognizable with its image of him in his St. Louis Cardinals uniform. Other top position players highly sought after from 1991 Score include Reds star Barry Larkin, All-Star shortstop Cal Ripken Jr., and Orioles teammate and Hall of Famer Eddie Murray. Two of the era’s most dominant pitchers, Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens, also have iconic Score cards from this set which hold substantial resale value even today. Clemens’ fiery delivery makes his one of the more visually appealing pitching cards from the time.
A pair of rookie shortstops also have valuable cards from 1991 Score – Colorado Rockies’ Hall of Famer Larry Walker in addition to Yankees star Derek Jeter before he cemented himself as one of the greatest to ever play the game. Walker remains one of the best Canadian players in MLB history while Jeter’s card climbed steadily in value over the years as his career accomplishments piled up. Speaking of the Yankees, center fielder and oft-forgotten member of the famed “Core Four” Bernie Williams has a key card as well from this set. Another rookie who would go on to a stellar career was Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Pat Hentgen, winner of the 1996 AL Cy Young Award. His Score rookie moves in the $50-100 range in top condition today.
Rookies aren’t the only ones who can have valuable 1991 Score cards. Players with key career moments memorialized on their cards tend to draw collectors as well. A perfect example is Braves All-Star catcher Greg Olson, whose card depicts him celebrating in the moments after a walk-off home run. Other impactful images that stick out include Dodgers flamethrower Ramon Martinez, the Expos’ Moises Alou with his signature batting stance captured, and Red Sox ace Roger Clemens depicted in his trademark high leg kick windup. Fan favorites like Bo Jackson, Ozzie Smith, and Rickey Henderson are also well represented with iconic photos that collectors flock to.
Beyond the standouts, 1991 Score offered solid checklists for teams across both leagues at the time. Popular homegrown stars for clubs like Kirby Puckett (Twins), Cecil Fielder (Tigers), and Gary Sheffield (Brewers) saw strong support. The debut of expansion teams like the Rockies and Marlins brought attention as collectors chased players from those franchises like Walker, Andres Galarraga, and Charlie Hough among others. Youngsters starting to make names for themselves such as David Justice, Jeff Bagwell, and Charles Nagy had affordable cards ready for team and player collectors. Though maybe not as abundant as other years, Score also featured a strong autograph and memorabilia slate to appeal to collectors seeking signed and game-used content.
The 1991 Score set gave sports card collectors of the early 1990s a product packed with stars, both emerging and established. Rookies of Griffey, Rivera, Walker, Jeter and more have stood the test of time. Key inserts, parallels and limited cards raised the excitement levels further. While other sets may command more attention in the vintage collecting scene today, 1991 Score delivered the goods and remains fondly remembered by many in the hobby. Its solid checklist featuring the greats of that MLB period or those who would become future Hall of Famers keeps this an important set to own for investors and fans of the sport alike.
