The 1996 Score baseball card set was released in the midst of exciting times in Major League Baseball. Fans were still buzzing about Cal Ripken Jr.’s record-breaking 2,131st consecutive game played in 1995, while Ken Griffey Jr. was in the midst of his back-to-back AL MVP seasons powering the Seattle Mariners. Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa were beginning to captivate audiences with their home run hitting prowess as well. Not surprisingly, cards featuring these star players from the 1996 Score set have gone on to become some of the most valuable from the year.
Leading the way is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card from the 1989 Score set. Although not technically from the 1996 release, Griffey’s rookie remains one of the most coveted vintage cards. In gem mint condition, examples have sold for over $100,000 given Griffey’s status as a fan favorite and iconic player from the late 80s and 90s. His impressive career stats and memorable swing only added to his widespread appeal amongst collectors. While expensive, Griffey’s rookie remains a prestigious card for any collection.
Staying in the Seattle Mariners organization, the 1996 Score Griffey Jr. card (card #398) has also gained considerable value over the years. Often regarded as one of the top non-rookie Griffey cards, examples in pristine gem mint 10 condition have sold in the $1,000+ range. This is largely due to Griffey winning his second of back-to-back AL MVPs in 1995 with superstar numbers, making his 1996 cards highly sought after. The photo on this Score release also stands out for its vibrant colors that portray Jr. in the peak of his skills in centerfield.
The 1996 Cal Ripken Jr. (card #150) also holds value as “The Iron Man” was nearing the end of his record-setting consecutive games played streak. Ripken maintained his status as a consistent power hitter and defensive stalwart for the Baltimore Orioles as well. In high grade, this Ripken routinely brings in several hundred dollars.collector value is enhanced not just by Ripken’s playing accomplishments, but also due to the nostalgia many feel for his career.
Staying within the Orioles organization, the 1996 Score Brady Anderson card (card #88) has gained a cult following and subsequent demand from collectors. While not a traditionally “valuable” player in the long run, Anderson had a magical 49 home run, 149 RBI season in 1996, coming seemingly out of nowhere. His smiling face on this card serves as a reminder of one of baseball’s most unexpected breakout campaigns. In gem mint condition, this Anderson has sold for over $125 due to its connection to an unlikely single-season performance.
Naturally, the surge of home run hitting throughout the 1990s is reflected in the values of 1996 Score cards for sluggers like Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. McGwire’s card (card #483) has sold for over $150 in pristine condition as Big Mac slammed 52 homers in 1996. Card collectors remained excited about the home run race that would eventually ensue between McGwire and Sosa a few years later. Sosa’s 1996 Score issue (card #633) also brings around $100, as his 39 home run 1996 season presaged some of his huge power numbers to come. Both McGwire and Sosa’s cards are examples of predicting future value based on a player’s rising talent and box office appeal.
Though not quite in the same power hitter category, the 1996 Score Derek Jeter rookie card (card #290) has stood the test of time as one of the most popular and valuable from the entire set. As a highly regarded young shortstop for the legendary New York Yankees, Jeter’s star was quickly on the rise in his rookie year of 1996 after being called up in May. Some have cited Jeter as one of the most, if not the most, influential players in terms of growing the sport’s popularity in the 1990s. This factor, along with his prestigious career stats and accomplishments all contribute to his rookie card’s steady increase in value – often surpassing $250+ in pristine condition to this day. It remains one of the quintessential 90s rookie picks for any collection.
While stars like Griffey, Ripken, McGwire, Sosa, and Jeter understandably top discussions of 1996 Score valuable cards, there are also a few examples that could be considered “sleepers” with breakout potential upside. The Felipe Alou card (card #39) has seen renewed interest in recent years as collectors have paid over $100 for high grade versions in appreciation of his leadership of the surging 1996 Montreal Expos squad. Alou would be named NL Manager of the Year that season.
Similarly, the Dennis Martinez card (card #295) can often be acquired for under $50 still, but there remains tangible value potential there. Martinez threw the 13th perfect game in MLB history on July 28, 1991 for the Montreal Expos. While not an overpowering star, Martinez was a respected veteran presence throughout the 1990s and his perfect game achievement holds historical significance. Both the Alou and Martinez cards offer affordable entry points for collectors seeking overlooked gems from the 1996 season versus the household names.
When shopping the 1996 Score baseball card market, the traditional superstars like Griffey, Ripken, McGwire, Sosa, and Jeter will consistently rise atop pricing discussions due to their playing resumes and longtime fan attachments. Cards tied to specific achievements, breakout seasons, or nostalgia for certain franchises can add diversity to what defines a valuable pull from the set as well. For encompassing one of the most exciting eras in baseball history, 1996 Score endures as a revered release that provides worthwhile hunting for any level of collector over a quarter century later.
