The 1990 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 80s and early 90s. With 792 total cards, the 1990 Topps set featured many of the game’s biggest stars and future Hall of Famers. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout cards and storylines from the 1990 Topps set.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1): Widely considered the crown jewel of the 1990 Topps set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was already establishing himself as a superstar in 1990 with his rookie campaign the previous year. His sweet left-handed swing and effortless defense in center field made him a fan favorite. The Griffey rookie is one of the most iconic and valuable cards in the hobby, routinely fetching thousands of dollars in high grades. Getting this card in pristine mint condition is the holy grail for many collectors.

Nolan Ryan (#234): Arguably the greatest power pitcher of all-time, Nolan Ryan was still in his prime during the 1990 season. His Topps card from that year features him pitching for the Texas Rangers, where he would play the final years of his legendary career. At age 43 in 1990, Ryan was still dominating hitters with his 100+ mph fastball. Any mint condition Nolan Ryan card from the peak of his career holds significant value for collectors.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#91): Coming off winning the AL MVP award in 1991, Cal Ripken Jr. was one of the game’s premier all-around players. His consistency and work ethic made him a fan favorite as well. Ripken’s 1990 Topps card is a staple in many collections given his iconic status with the Baltimore Orioles franchise. It also marked the start of Ripken’s record-breaking consecutive games played streak.

Barry Bonds (#150): Still early in his Hall of Fame career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Barry Bonds was already showing signs of greatness in 1990. His sweet left-handed swing and athleticism in the outfield was a joy to watch. Bonds would go on to have one of the greatest careers in MLB history. His rookie cards hold significant value given how his career played out.

Roger Clemens (#207): Arguably the most dominant pitcher of the late 80s and early 90s, Roger Clemens was in his prime during the 1990 season. Splitting time with the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays in 1990, Clemens won 21 games and struck out 210 batters en route to his third Cy Young award. Any mint condition Clemens card from the peak of his career is a must-have for collectors.

Jose Canseco (#210): As one of the first true “five-tool” players in MLB, Jose Canseco helped usher in the steroid era during his time with the Oakland A’s. His monster home run totals and highlight-reel plays in the outfield made him a fan favorite. Canseco’s 1990 Topps card captured him during the height of his powers in Oakland before injuries slowed him down.

Rickey Henderson (#235): The all-time stolen base king, Rickey Henderson was a dynamic force on the basepaths unlike anything fans had seen before. His 1990 Topps card shows him stealing yet another base, this time during his stint with the Oakland A’s. Henderson brought unmatched excitement and athleticism that collectors love to this day.

Ozzie Smith (#256): A wizard with the glove at shortstop, Ozzie Smith was already a legend with the St. Louis Cardinals by 1990 thanks to his highlight-reel defensive plays. His flashy style and backflips made him a fan favorite as well. Smith’s defensive prowess and memorable personality translated to strong card values over the years.

Don Mattingly (#258): As the heart and soul of the New York Yankees, Don Mattingly embodied class and consistency at first base. His sweet left-handed swing produced plenty of base hits and RBI during his 1980s heyday. Mattingly’s 1990 Topps card captured him during his playing prime before injuries slowed him down. It remains a staple in many collections.

This covers just some of the biggest storylines and standout cards from the 1990 Topps baseball set. With so many future Hall of Famers and superstar players featured, it’s easy to see why the 1990 set holds such nostalgia and value for collectors to this day. Finding high grade versions of stars like Griffey Jr., Ripken, Henderson, Clemens and more is the ultimate prize for those who love the vintage baseball card hobby.