The 1990 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the late 1980s and early 1990s. While not as large as some previous Donruss sets, the 1990 edition featured many of the game’s biggest stars and future Hall of Famers. Let’s take a look at some of the standout cards and most desirable rookie cards from the 1990 Donruss set.
Perhaps the most coveted card from the 1990 Donruss set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the best rookie cards of all time, Griffey’s 1990 Donruss card showcases “The Kid” in his Seattle Mariners uniform from his rookie season in 1989. Griffey would go on to have a legendary career and is now a first-ballot Hall of Famer. In top graded gem mint condition, Griffey’s 1990 Donruss rookie can fetch well over $10,000. Even in lower grades, it remains one of the most iconic and valuable modern rookie cards on the hobby.
Another hugely valuable rookie card from 1990 Donruss is Frank Thomas’ debut issue. Like Griffey, “The Big Hurt” would have an outstanding career that landed him in Cooperstown. Thomas’ rookie card features him as a member of the Chicago White Sox. In a PSA 10 gem mint grade, it can sell for over $5,000. But even well-centered, lower graded copies still command four-figure prices due to Thomas’ legendary career and the card’s iconic design from the 1990 Donruss set.
Sandy Koufax, one of the game’s greatest pitchers, is featured on another highly sought-after card from 1990 Donruss. Koufax’s career was cut short in the 1960s due to an arthritic elbow, but his stats cemented his status as an all-time great. The 1990 Donruss card uses a photo of Koufax in his prime with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In top condition, it can sell for over $1,000. It remains one of the most visually striking vintage cards featuring one of baseball’s most dominant pitchers.
Nolan Ryan, baseball’s all-time strikeout king, also has a highly valuable card in the 1990 Donruss set. Like Koufax, Ryan’s career was well in the past by 1990, but his records and accomplishments ensured his cards would remain popular. The 1990 Donruss issue shows Ryan pitching for the Houston Astros later in his career. Even well-centered near-mint copies still trade hands for $200-300 due to Ryan’s iconic status.
Rickey Henderson, baseball’s all-time stolen base leader, has an impressive rookie card in the 1990 Donruss set as well. “Henderson’s rookie season in 1979 was well before the 1990 issue, but his speed and prolific base-stealing made him a fan favorite. The card features Henderson as a member of the Oakland A’s, where he would play several stints. High-grade PSA 10 copies can sell for over $500.
Other notable stars featured in the 1990 Donruss set include Kirby Puckett, Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Cal Ripken Jr., Ozzie Smith, and Ryne Sandberg. Each of these players were established stars by 1990 with Hall of Fame careers. Their cards remain popular with collectors today, especially in high grades.
While it didn’t have quite the same star power as some previous issues, the 1990 Donruss baseball card set remains a highly collectible vintage release. Featuring rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Griffey and Thomas, as well iconic veterans like Koufax, Ryan, and Henderson, it captures a great era in the sport. Prices have risen steadily in recent years, making ungraded common cards an affordable way to build a collection from this set without breaking the bank.
The 1990 Donruss baseball cards were headlined by star rookies like Ken Griffey Jr. and Frank Thomas, as well as iconic veterans from Sandy Koufax to Nolan Ryan. Loaded with future Hall of Famers and memorable photography, it remains one of the most recognizable and collectible issues from the late 1980s/early 1990s era. Cards from this set will likely retain their value for dedicated collectors of vintage cardboard for years to come.
