The 1991 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable releases from the junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While sets from this time period featured massive print runs that led to abundance and relatively low card values today, there were still some true gems released in the 1991 Fleer set that have stood the test of time. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most notable cards from this 726-card release.
Undoubtedly, the crown jewel of the 1991 Fleer set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was already establishing himself as a true superstar by 1991 in just his third MLB season. But this was the first widespread release of his rookie card, captivating collectors both young and old. Griffey’s sweet left-handed swing and effortless defense in center field made him a fan favorite. His rookie card has become one of the most iconic in the modern era, even surpassing the popularity of more accomplished players’ rookie cards. In high grade, a 1991 Fleer Griffey rookie can fetch thousands of dollars today. Even well-centered but lower graded examples still command three-figure prices due to the strong, lasting demand for this legendary rookie issue.
Another true heavyweight from the 1991 Fleer set is the Frank Thomas rookie card. Like Griffey, Thomas was well on his way to a Hall of Fame career by 1991, having just won the American League Rookie of the Year award the prior season. Thomas was a mountain of a man but swung a beautiful bat, and he would go on to have one of the most dominant careers of any hitter of the 1990s. His rookie card is highly sought after by collectors both as an investment and to commemorate the start of such an outstanding career. High-grade PSA/BGS Gem Mint examples can sell for well over $1,000.
While Griffey and Thomas’ rookie cards understandably get much of the attention from the 1991 Fleer set, there are some other very notable rookie and star cards that remain popular as well. The Chuck Knoblauch and David Justice rookies are two examples that tend to trade hands frequently on the secondary market. Knoblauch established himself as an elite talent at second base almost immediately, while Justice was a power-hitting corner outfielder who would play a key role for the Atlanta Braves dynasty teams of the 1990s. Both players’ rookie cards can be acquired for a fraction of the cost of the Griffey and Thomas issues in comparable condition.
The Mark McGwire rookie card is also a standout, commemorating the start of one of the most prolific home run hitting careers in baseball history. McGwire smashed 49 home runs in his rookie 1987 season and would go on to smash the single-season home run record. While tainted by his later admission of steroid use, McGwire’s rookie card remains a popular target for collectors given his huge on-field accomplishments prior to the steroid era coming to light. High-grade examples can sell for $500 or more.
The Nolan Ryan card featured in the 1991 Fleer set also holds immense nostalgic appeal and value. By 1991, Ryan was wrapping up an incredible 27-year MLB career spent primarily with the California Angels, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers. But the card captures Ryan during his playing days with the Houston Astros, immortalizing one of the most intimidating and electrifying pitchers in baseball history. The card highlights Ryan’s 5,000th career strikeout. Any Nolan Ryan card from his playing career days is a must-have for team and era collectors.
Two other star veterans who received highly coveted highlight cards in the 1991 Fleer set include Ozzie Smith and Don Mattingly. The Smith card commemorates him becoming the all-time leader in career assists by a shortstop. Smith was a wizard with the glove and this milestone card captures him at the peak of his illustrious defensive career. The Don Mattingly card highlights his 1984 season where he led the American League with 35 home runs and 145 RBI’s en route to an MVP award. Both of these cards depicting key career moments remain quite valuable in the hands of dedicated collectors pursuing specific players.
While rookie cards and star highlights understandably get the most collector attention, there are also several invaluable team-centric and league milestone cards found in the 1991 Fleer release. The Baltimore Orioles’ team 20th anniversary card is a standout, commemorating the great history of that franchise. Toronto Blue Jays’ team 10th anniversary is also a wonderful Canadian baseball collectible. The American League 20th anniversary card and National League 20th anniversary card are great for capturing a snapshot of each league in 1991 as well. For team-based collectors, these special anniversary issues are true keepsakes.
While produced during the junk wax era in enormous quantities, the 1991 Fleer baseball card set still featured some true heavyweights that have stood the test of time. Rookie cards like Ken Griffey Jr. and Frank Thomas immediately come to mind. But highlight cards for stars like Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, and Don Mattingly also hold lasting appeal. With a combination of rookies, stars and team/league anniversary issues, the 1991 Fleer set created many memorable and valuable collectibles that remain hugely popular with vintage baseball card investors and enthusiasts to this day.
