The 1990 Upper Deck baseball card set was truly revolutionary and changed the hobby forever. As the first licensed MLB set from the new Upper Deck company, it featured impressive photography, quality card stock, and strict quality control that set a new standard. While there were many great cards in the 762-card base set, here are some of the most notable, valuable, and desirable from the 1990 Upper Deck issue:
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (card #1)
Arguably the most iconic and valuable baseball card of all-time, Griffey’s rookie is the undisputed crown jewel of the 1990 Upper Deck set. Featuring beautiful action photography of a young Griffey swinging, this card ranks among the all-time most significant rookie cards in any sport. In pristine gem mint condition, examples have sold for over $100,000, making it one of the most expensive modern baseball cards on the market. Even in lower grades, Griffey’s rookie commands huge prices due to his status as one of the game’s true superstars during his playing career in the late 80s through early 2000s with Seattle and Cincinnati.
Nolan Ryan (card #90)
Capturing the legendary Ryan at the peak of his historic career, this card is one of the most visually striking in the set. With Ryan in full windup, his long hair blowing back as he prepares to unleash a 100 mph fastball, it’s easy to see why this card has become hugely popular with collectors. In high grades, it can sell for over $1,000 due to Ryan’s status as perhaps the greatest power pitcher of all-time and one of the most dominant players to ever step on the mound.
Rickey Henderson (card #158)
One of the most exciting and dynamic players of his era, Henderson’s speed, power, and record-setting base-running made him a fan favorite. His 1990 Upper Deck card is considered one of his best and most iconic, with Henderson shown rounding third and heading home to score a run. High graded examples have sold for over $500 given Henderson’s Hall of Fame career and his status as the all-time leader in stolen bases.
Barry Bonds (card #211)
Even as a young star just beginning to hit his prime in 1990, Bonds was already one of the game’s most feared sluggers. His Upper Deck card is a true action shot, with Bonds depicted mid-swing and following through on a towering home run. As one of the greatest right-handed hitters of all-time who would go on to smash the single-season and career home run records, Bonds’ 1990 card remains highly coveted and valuable, selling for hundreds in top condition.
Frank Thomas (card #254)
One of the most impressive rookie cards from the 1990 Upper Deck set belongs to “The Big Hurt” Frank Thomas. Already boasting a muscular, intimidating physique as a rookie with the White Sox in 1990, Thomas would go on to have one of the best and most consistent careers of any hitter from the 1990s onward. Examples in pristine mint condition have sold for over $300.
Cal Ripken Jr. (card #264)
While not technically a rookie card since Ripken had already been in the league for several seasons, his 1990 Upper Deck issue is still one of his most iconic cards. It features “The Iron Man” in action at shortstop and was issued during the height of Ripken’s consecutive games played streak. High graded copies in the $200+ range reflect Ripken’s all-time record and status as a true ironman and fan favorite.
Tom Glavine (card #339)
The ace lefty starter for the Atlanta Braves’ dynasty teams of the 1990s, Glavine’s rookie card stands out as one of the more valuable commons from the 1990 set. Glavine would go on to win 305 career games and two Cy Young awards, capturing his rookie card’s significance. Near-mint to mint copies can sell for $100 or more.
Greg Maddux (card #340)
Right behind Glavine’s rookie in the checklist is that of Greg Maddux, another legendary Braves pitcher who redefined control and finesse on the mound. Like Glavine, Maddux captured four Cy Young awards and over 300 wins during a Hall of Fame career. His iconic 1990 Upper Deck rookie has also gained value in recent years, selling in the $75-150 range depending on condition.
Sandy Koufax (card #534)
One of the most dominant pitchers in baseball history, Koufax’s inclusion in the 1990 Upper Deck set was significant since he had long been retired. The card features a classic photograph showing the lefty’s famous windup and delivery. High graded versions have sold for over $500 given Koufax’s status as one of the game’s all-time greats despite his relatively short but brilliant career in the 1950s-60s with the Dodgers.
Ozzie Smith (card #567)
Known as the best defensive shortstop ever to play the game, “The Wizard” was a fan-favorite for years with the Cardinals. His 1990 Upper Deck issue is one of the more iconic cards from the set, with Smith depicted making an acrobatic play at short. Near-mint to mint copies often sell in the $75-150 range based on Smith’s incredible career numbers and highlight reel defensive skills.
Willie Mays (card #607)
One of the true icons of the game, “The Say Hey Kid” Willie Mays’ inclusion in the 1990 Upper Deck set was highly significant since he had been retired for decades. The card features a classic action shot of Mays tracking a long fly ball. High graded versions have sold in the $300+ range given Mays’ status as perhaps the greatest all-around player in baseball history during his remarkable 22-year career primarily with the Giants.
While there were over 750 cards issued in the groundbreaking 1990 Upper Deck baseball set, the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, Cal Ripken Jr., Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux stand out, along with iconic veterans like Nolan Ryan, Rickey Henderson, Barry Bonds, Ozzie Smith, Willie Mays and Sandy Koufax. The photography, production quality, and star power made the 1990 Upper Deck set truly historic and many of its most prominent cards valuable prizes for collectors to this day.
