The 1991 Fleer Baseball card set was one of the most popular and valuable releases of the 1980s and early 90s. The design and photography stood out from other brands at the time and featured some of the biggest stars and rookies from that baseball season. While there are many stars and valuable cards from the set, here are some of the best 1991 Fleer Baseball cards to look out for that continue to be highly sought after by collectors.
Perhaps the most valuable and desirable card from the 1991 Fleer set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was one of the finest five-tool players of his generation and his rookie season was one of the best of all time. His sweet left-handed swing and dazzling defense in center field captivated fans across the country. With a beautiful action shot of Griffey swinging and a clean blue and white design, his rookie card became wildly popular. In near-mint to mint condition, examples of Griffey’s 1991 Fleer RC routinely sell for thousands of dollars today. It is easily one of the most valuable baseball cards ever printed.
Another star rookie from 1991 was Chipper Jones. While he may not reach the heights of Griffey, Jones had a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Atlanta Braves mostly at third base. His lefty swing produced over 2500 hits and 468 home runs in his career. The 1991 Fleer Jones rookie card shows him from the left side during his time with the Double-A Greenville Braves. High grade versions can sell for hundreds in today’s market. It remains one of the more valuable non-Griffey rookie cards from the fleer set.
Steroid era stars like Mark McGwire also have cards from 1991 Fleer that hold value. McGwire’s MVP season of 1987 opened the door for a powerful home run chase with Sammy Sosa in 1998. His smooth left-handed swing launched numerous towering blasts over fences. The 1991 Fleer McGwire card pictures him in the on deck circle preparing to hit. Pristine mint condition copies can demand hundreds of dollars due to McGwire’s iconic home run chases later in the decade.
Greg Maddux, who would go on to have one of the greatest pitching careers ever, has a valuable card from the 1991 Fleer set as well. Maddux exemplified control and movement on his pitches to become a 14-time All-Star. His 1991 Fleer card shows him poised on the mound ready to fire to the plate. His success and longevity ensure strong prices for high grade examples, around $50-100 for a PSA 10 Maddux.
Two other pitchers with Hall of Fame careers, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz also have nice rookie cards from the 1991 Fleer set worth owning. Glavine mirrored Maddux’s pinpoint control but from the left side as a workhorse starter for Atlanta. His card features a head shot of the debuting southpaw. Smoltz began as a starter but found even greater success transitioning to a dominant closer, becoming just the third pitcher ever with both 200 career wins and 150 saves. His 1991 Fleer rookie card shows him from the stretch in his Braves uniform. Both can demand over $100 in top condition.
Other stars like Frank Thomas, Jeff Bagwell, Moises Alou, and Roberto Alomar made their baseball card debuts in 1991 Fleer as well. “The Big Hurt” Thomas blasted 448 career home runs by employing a patented lengthy, powerful swing. His rookie card shows the fearsome left-handed slugger at the plate. Jeff Bagwell brought consistent production to Houston at first base for over 15 years. His card portrays the then-prospect in a batting stance. Moises Alou carried strong bloodlines as the son of former star Felipe Alou and had a lengthy career patrolling left field and topping .300 often. Roberto Alomar stands among the best second basemen ever with his smooth defense and hitting. All are worth $20-50 in mint condition due to their careers.
The 1991 Fleer set isn’t without its flaws – it suffers from production and print issues more than other brands of the era. But despite that, its stars, aesthetics, and rookie class place it among the most collectible and valuable releases from the modern era. While the financial threshold is obviously higher for premium Griffey and McGwire cards, even more affordable examples of Chipper, Maddux and other stars maintain nostalgia and significance to collectors today. For unparalleled star power and Hall of Famers on cardboard, 1991 Fleer is tough to top from the entire junk wax era of the late 80s and early 90s.
The 1991 Fleer Baseball card set continues to excite collectors decades later due to memorable rookie debuts, future Hall of Famers, and iconic sluggers. While Griffey and McGwire take the top prizes value-wise, the cards of players like Chipper Jones, Greg Maddux, and Jeff Bagwell also hold considerable worth. Overall photogenic design, impactful rookie class, and stellar talent featured make 1991 Fleer one of the finest and most invested in products from the junk wax period. It houses cards that all serious collectors try to add to their collections.
