Tag Archives: score

1991 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS THE FRANCHISE

Leave a reply

The 1991 Score baseball card set was a notable issue that documented an important transition period for Major League Baseball franchises and players. Published the year following the 1990 MLB season, the ’91 Score release featured many stars that would help define the decade to come both on and off the field.

At 660 total cards, the 1991 Score set covered all 26 MLB teams from 1990. This included established powerhouses like the Oakland A’s and Cincinnati Reds, as well as struggling franchises looking to turn things around. One such club was the Atlanta Braves, who had suffered through a lackluster previous decade but would soon emerge as the dominant force in the National League for much of the 1990s.

The Braves’ cards in the ’91 Score set provide a glimpse of the talent and potential that would lead to their dramatic rise. Starters like Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, and Steve Avery were still developing but showed why they would become cornerstones of the “Braves Dynasty” in the years ahead. Veterans like Bob Horner and Sid Bream provided leadership on a team also beginning to receive contributions from young players like David Justice and many others.

Elsewhere around the National League, the Pittsburgh Pirates cards reflected a franchise that was also on the upswing after years in the cellar. Led by the amazing Barry Bonds and emerging talents like Bobby Bonilla and Andy Van Slyke, the Bucs won division titles in 1990 and 1991. The San Francisco Giants portion featured beloved star Will Clark and pitcher Dave Dravecky, who was pictured on his ’91 card after recently undergoing cancer surgery on his arm.

Over in the American League, the defending champion Oakland A’s were in the midst of a run of three straight World Series appearances from 1988-1990. Stars like Rickey Henderson, Mark McGwire, and Dennis Eckersley anchored a pitching staff and lineup that made the A’s into one of baseball’s most dominant forces. But changes were coming due to free agency that would alter the franchise’s future path.

One of the most significant transitional teams documented in the 1991 Score set was the Toronto Blue Jays. Coming off back-to-back AL East titles and a World Series championship in 1992, the Jays boasted a loaded roster with future Hall of Famers like Roberto Alomar, Joe Carter, and Dave Winfield. Young sluggers like Fred McGriff and Devon White also appeared poised for stardom. Toronto was establishing itself as a new AL power to be reckoned with.

Other notable American League franchises like the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox saw cards that highlighted stars and upcoming talents. The Sox cards provided a look at future Hall of Famers like Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, and Tim Raines, with emerging young players like Mo Vaughn and Ellis Burks. And the Pale Hose portion featured the great Frank Thomas in his rookie season along with Ivan Calderon, Craig Grebeck, and others.

Individual player cards throughout the 1991 Score set also captured memorable names who were establishing themselves as new superstars or future legends. Barry Larkin, Tom Glavine, and Terry Pendleton led a wave of NL standouts for the Reds, Braves, and Braves respectively. In the AL, players like Cal Ripken Jr., Randy Johnson, and Chuck Knoblauch broke out for the Orioles, Mariners, and Twins.

Rookie cards that season included future MVPs like Chipper Jones, Jim Edmonds, and Derek Jeter. Younger players like Jason Giambi, Eddie Murray in his final season, and Jack McDowell also had early career cards. And veterans like Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, and Kirby Puckett continued their prolific MLB tenures.

The 1991 Score baseball card set provided a vivid snapshot capturing baseball’s franchises and prominent individuals during a transitional period. Many future Hall of Famers were entering their prime, while new stars and talented young cores were emerging for franchises like the Braves, Blue Jays, and others. The set documents the end of an era for the dominant A’s and beginning of new eras for clubs rising up in the early 1990s. It offers a compelling historical review of where the MLB stood at that moment.

1994 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS SERIES 2

Leave a reply

The 1994 Score baseball card series 2 release was one of the most highly anticipated issues of the decade. Coming off the massive popularity of the 1993 Finest and Stadium Club releases, collectors were eager to see what Score had in store for their second series of the new year. Score had really upped their photography and design quality in recent years, so fans knew they were in for a treat with the 1994 offerings.

Series 2 had a massive checklist of over 400 cards. Some of the biggest stars of the day like Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and Greg Maddux all received multiple cards in the set. Score also did an excellent job featuring rising young talents like Derek Jeter, Jim Thome, and Jason Kendall who were just starting to break out. The photography and action shots throughout the set were top notch. Score had really invested in better equipment and was able to capture sharp, vivid images of the players.

Rookies were also a big focus for collectors. Future Hall of Famers like Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz, and Craig Biggio all had their rookie cards in this series. Other notable rookies included Nomar Garciaparra, Todd Helton, and Vinny Castilla. With so many future stars, the rookie cards from 1994 Score series 2 have held their value extremely well over the decades. The Pedro Martinez rookie in particular is one of the most coveted and valuable cards from the entire set.

In addition to current players, Score also included over 50 retired legends in the set. Iconic stars like Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, and Willie Mays received beautiful tribute cards looking back at their illustrious careers. These nostalgic throwback cards were a big hit with older collectors. The set design paid homage to the classic post-war Leaf and Bowman sets many collectors grew up with.

The design aesthetic of 1994 Score series 2 had a very clean, modern feel while still maintaining the traditional baseball card look and feel. The photos popped against a white or gray background with large borders showcasing the team logo and colors. Statistics, career highlights, and fun facts were included on the reverse. The card stock was high quality and had a nice glossy finish that really made the photos shine. The borders also included fun retro-style elements like baseball seams and stitching.

In terms of parallels and insert sets, 1994 Score series 2 had several popular short prints and special cards to find. The “Diamond Kings” parallel featured superstar players photographed in front of jeweled backgrounds. Other parallels included “Gold Medallion” and “Silver Medallion” which had foil stamping on the front. Popular insert sets within the base issue included “Record Breakers”, “Milestones”, and “Top Prospects”. The “Topps All-Time Fan Favorites” insert set paid tribute to some of the most beloved players from the 1950s and 1960s Topps issues.

When it was released in 1994, the retail price of a pack of 1994 Score series 2 cards was about $1. While prices have risen significantly in the years since, unopened wax packs can still occasionally be found at sports card shows and auctions. Individual cards can range widely based on the player and condition. Common base cards in near mint condition sell for under $5, while stars and key rookies can reach $50-100 in graded gem mint 10 condition. The Pedro Martinez and Nomar Garciaparra rookies regularly sell for several hundred dollars or more for top copies.

Overall, 1994 Score series 2 is remembered as one of the strongest regular baseball releases of the 1990s. With its excellent photography, large checklist of stars and future stars, focus on both current players and legends, and classic retro design, the set had wide appeal for collectors both young and old. It perfectly captured the excitement of the game at that moment in time. Series 2 remains a very collectible set to this day for anyone looking to build their vintage baseball card collection from the golden era of the sport.

SCORE HOLOGRAM BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Hologram technology is revolutionizing collectible sports cards through the use of embedded holograms to verify authenticity and prevent counterfeiting. One of the leading innovators in this space is Score Entertainment, which began inserting holograms into high-end baseball cards starting in 1988. Known as “Score Hologram” cards, these represent some of the most valuable and sought-after vintage trading cards.

Score began experimenting with holograms after becoming aware of widespread counterfeiting issues that were eroding collectors’ confidence in the hobby. Authentic vintage cards could fetch thousands of dollars, making them a prime target for unscrupulous counterfeiters looking to capitalize on the booming market. At the time, authentication involved examining details under magnification, but savvy counterfeiters were producing fake cards that were nearly indistinguishable from the genuine articles even to experts. Something more substantial was needed to definitively prove authenticity.

Enter the hologram. Score’s innovation was embedding a small foil stamp containing a three-dimensional moving image visible only at certain angles. The holograms depicted moving action images from the sport, such as a floating baseball or swinging baseball bat. Nearly impossible to replicate, this small hologram instantly transformed counterfeit-prone vintage cards into definitively authenticated and investment-grade collectibles.

Score partnered with the major sport leagues and players associations to produce licensed hologram card sets featuring the biggest stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., and Barry Bonds. Sets like “Diamond Kings,” “Diamond Gems,” and “Line Drive” are among the most acclaimed in the history of the hobby. But their high production quality combined with rarity has made these cards enormously expensive. An incredibly rare Griffey rookie hologram in gem mint condition could conceivably sell for over $100,000.

Authenticated Score Hologram cards remain among the most valuable commodities in the collecting world. Their premium quality, true scarce numbering, and status as authenticated items make them highly prized trophies for serious vintage sports collectors and investors. While there are still counterfeit attempts, the holograms act as undeniable proof of authenticity that seems very difficult if not impossible to replicate. They represent a unique artifact from when hand-inserted holographic technology helped restore confidence in the integrity of the vintage card market during its late 1980s/early 90s boom period.

For today’s collectors, a Score Hologram baseball card acts as both a solid long-term investment as well as an historical collectible representing that pivotal time in the evolution of trading cards when new technology was deployed to combat counterfeiting. Price guides repeatedly shows them appreciating significantly over time. Their undisputed authenticity and reputation for holding value makes these rare vintage hologram cards highly coveted pieces within collections specializing in high-end sport memorabilia from the 1980s and 90s era. And since few truly valuable counterfeits have ever surfaced, collectors can trust that their investment is fully legitimate and supported due to Score’s ingenious application of hologram technology decades ago.

Score’s pioneering use of embedded holograms on late 1980s and early 1990s baseball cards not only fought counterfeiting at the time, but permanently established a standard that led to holograms becoming a fixture on premium and limited edition modern cards as well. They helped catapult collectibles into an investment realm and paved the way for trading cards to be viewed as authenticated, legal assets. Vintage Score Hologram cards from that technological turning point period will likely only continue to gain in prominence and value for discerning collectors and astute investors alike for decades to come. Their definitive authentication and provenance will ensure they remain highly coveted trophies within the Elite tier of the collecting landscape.

YouTube player

1995 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

Leave a reply

The 1995 Score brand baseball card set featured some of the greatest players of the 1990s rookie season. While not the flashiest design compared to the venerable Topps and Upper Deck sets of the time, 1995 Score cards hold significant nostalgia and collector value for many. Several key rookie cards and short print variations make certain 1995 Score cards among the most sought after and valuable from the entire decade.

Leading the way is the ultra-short printed Ken Griffey Jr. rookie which carries a PSA 10 gem mint price tag north of $10,000. Griffey was already on his way to a likely Hall of Fame career after back-to-back AL Rookie of the Year and MVP awards in the late 1980s with the Seattle Mariners. His 1995 Score rookie was even rarer than the celebrated Upper Deck and Stadium Club versions. In a PSA 9 near mint state, the Griffey rookie still fetches $1,500+.

Another ultra-short print rookie destined for baseball immortality is the card of Derek Jeter. Though not as visually dynamic as other brands, the Jeter 1995 Score RC is still one of the key rookie cards from the famed 1990s rookie class. In a PSA 10 gem mint condition, it can demand $5,000 or more on the secondary market. Even in a PSA 9 near mint state, the prestigious Jeter rookie holds a value of $800-1,000.

Two Hall of Fame pitchers also had some of the most coveted rookie cards in the 1995 Score set. The rookie of John Smoltz was another notable short print, making ungraded examples quite scarce and valuable. A PSA 10 gem mint Smoltz rookie can sell for $2,000-3,000 depending on demand. Meanwhile, the Pedro Martinez rookie is highly sought after not just for his eventual dominance but its flashy photo and design elements. A pristine PSA 10 Martinez rookie has sold for over $1,000 while a PSA 9 still fetches $300-500.

Continuing the theme of star pitchers with 1995 Score rookie cards, the card of pitcher Kerry Wood made a splash. As a rookie phenom with one of the greatest single season pitching performances ever, Wood’s rookie card spiked in demand. Currently a PSA 10 Wood rookie in top condition can be worth $800-1,000. Additionally, Nomar Garciaparra came into the league with high expectations and delivered immediate impact for the Boston Red Sox. His 1995 Score RC in a PSA 10 condition has a current market price around $600.

In terms of pure scarcity and demand, the 1995 SP Authentic Variation parallel inserts hold immense collector value as ultra-short prints. The 1995 SP Jose Mesa and Nomar Garciaparra parallel rookies have sold for $2,000+ each in mint condition due to their elusiveness. Even more impressive, the 1995 SP Derek Jeter Authentic Variation parallel can command over $10,000 in a PSA 10.

While the true short printed gems and rookie cards dominate 1995 Score values, there are still other noteworthy inclusions in the set. Chipper Jones had a stellar rookie year and his base 1995 Score card reaches $100-200 in top quality. Likewise, the Johnny Damon and Todd Helton rookie cards can sell for $75-150 in PSA 10. For pitchers, the rookie cards of Greg Maddux and Randy Johnson maintain value of $50-100 in pristine condition due to their Hall of Fame careers.

In the end, despite not having the flashiest designs, 1995 Score baseball cards delivered many of the greatest rookies and stars of the 1990s in accessible packs. While not all players panned out as predicted, Griffey, Jeter, Martinez, Smoltz, and Wood went on to etch their names in the Cooperstown record books. As a result, their ultra-short printed and prestigious rookie cards from the 1995 Score set remain some of the most valuable issues from the entire decade in the eyes of dedicated collectors. With aging and condition impacting prices, these coveted rookies will likely retain and potentially surge even higher in secondary market value for years to come.

CARDS BASEBALL GAME SCORE TODAY

Leave a reply

The St. Louis Cardinals hosted the Milwaukee Brewers today at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. The Cardinals came into the game with a record of 59-48, sitting in second place in the National League Central division, 4.5 games back of the division leading Brewers. The Brewers entered with a 64-43 record, looking to extend their division lead with a victory over their NL Central rivals.

It was a hot and humid afternoon in St. Louis, with temperatures hovering around 95 degrees Fahrenheit at first pitch. The Cardinals sent right-hander Jack Flaherty to the mound to face Brewers left-hander Gio Gonzalez. Flaherty, who has been one of the Cardinals’ most consistent starters this season, was looking to bounce back from a rough outing in his last start where he allowed 5 runs over 6 innings against the Chicago Cubs. Gonzalez, a veteran in his first season with Milwaukee, was aiming for his 10th win of the year and trying to help the Brewers gain more separation in the division standings.

The Brewers jumped out to an early lead in the top of the 1st inning. Lorenzo Cain led off with a single and then stole second base. Christian Yelich then lined a single to right field, scoring Cain from second to give Milwaukee a 1-0 advantage. Yasmani Grandal followed with a walk, but Flaherty was able to limit the damage by getting Mike Moustakas to ground into an inning-ending double play.

The Cardinals responded quickly in the bottom of the 1st. Dexter Fowler led off with a walk and then advanced to third on a Paul Goldschmidt single. Marcell Ozuna then hit a sacrifice fly to deep center field, scoring Fowler all the way from first to tie the game at 1-1. Goldschmidt advanced to second on the play. Jose Martinez followed with a single to put runners at the corners, but Gonzalez was able to get out of the inning by inducing a Kolten Wong groundout.

The score remained tied until the top of the 3rd inning. Ryan Braun led off with a single and then Eric Thames drew a walk. Manny Pina, batting in the pitcher’s spot with Gonzalez due up next, came through with a clutch two-out, two-run double down the left field line to give Milwaukee a 3-1 lead. Gonzalez was then intentionally walked to load the bases, but Flaherty struck out Cain looking to end the threat.

The Cardinals cut into the Brewers lead in the bottom of the 3th. Wong led off with a single and then advanced to second on a Flaherty sacrifice bunt. Fowler followed with an RBI single to score Wong and make it a 3-2 game. Goldschmidt then walked to put two runners on, but Gonzalez was able to induce an Ozuna groundout to leave the runners stranded.

Milwaukee added an insurance run in the top of the 5th. Yelich led off with a single and then Grandal walked. Moustakas followed with a sharp ground ball up the middle that deflected off Flaherty’s glove for an infield single, loading the bases with nobody out. Braun then hit a sacrifice fly to deep left field, scoring Yelich to make it a 4-2 Brewers lead. Thames struck out looking for the first out, but Pina came through again with a clutch RBI single to score Grandal and extend the Milwaukee lead to 5-2. Gonzalez helped his own cause with a sacrifice bunt to move the runners over, but Cain struck out looking to end the inning.

The Cardinals threatened in the bottom of the 5th, putting two runners on with one out against Gonzalez. But the veteran lefty was able to work out of trouble by getting Ozuna to ground into an inning-ending double play. Gonzalez’s day was done after 5 strong innings, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits while striking out 4.

Milwaukee added an insurance run against Flaherty in the top of the 6th. Grandal led off with a single and then Moustakas walked. Braun followed by lining a single to left field to load the bases with nobody out. Thames was then hit by a pitch, forcing in Grandal and making it a 6-2 Brewers lead. Cardinals manager Mike Shildt had seen enough, pulling Flaherty at that point. Flaherty’s final line was 5.1 innings pitched, allowing 6 runs (5 earned) on 9 hits while striking out 3 with 2 walks.

John Gant came on in relief and was greeted rudely by Pina, who cleared the bases with a bases-clearing double to left center field. Pina’s third big hit of the day gave Milwaukee a commanding 9-2 lead. Gant was able to settle down after that, getting Cain to ground out to end the inning.

The Cardinals tried to chip away at the big Brewers lead in the bottom of the 6th. Ozuna led off with a single and then Martinez doubled to put two runners in scoring position with nobody out. Wong came through with an RBI groundout to score Ozuna and make it 9-3. But reliever Junior Guerra struck out both Fowler and Goldschmidt swinging to end the threat.

Milwaukee added an insurance run against Gant in the top of the 7th. Grandal led off with a single and then Moustakas walked. Braun grounded into a fielder’s choice, but Grandal was able to advance to third on the play. Thames then lifted a sacrifice fly to deep center, scoring Grandal and pushing the Brewers lead to 10-3.

The Cardinals continued to fight in the bottom of the 7th against Guerra. Matt Carpenter pinch hit for Gant and drew a walk. Ozuna followed by crushing a two-run homer to deep left field, cutting the Brewers lead to 10-5. But Guerra was able to get out of the inning by getting Martinez to fly out.

Milwaukee added an insurance run in the top of the 8th against John Brebbia. Cain led off with a single and then stole second base. Yelich was intentionally walked with one out. Grandal came through with an RBI single through the right side, scoring Cain and making it an 11-5 Brewers lead.

The Cardinals made one final push in the bottom of the 8th against reliever Alex Claudio. Fowler led off with a single and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Goldschmidt walked to put two on with nobody out. But Claudio was able to work out of trouble, striking out Ozuna and getting Martinez and Wong to fly out to end the threat.

Josh Hader, the Brewers’ dominant closer, pitched a perfect 9th inning to seal an 11-5 Milwaukee victory. The Brewers extended their division lead to 6.5 games over the second place Cardinals with the win. Yelich led the Milwaukee offense, going 3-for-5 with 2 runs scored. Pina was a perfect 3-for-3 with 4 RBI in a pinch hitting role. Gonzalez earned his 10th win, allowing 2 runs over 5 innings of work. Flaherty took the loss for St. Louis, lasting just 5.1 innings while giving up 6 runs. Ozuna went 2-for-4 with a homer and 3 RBI for the Cardinals in the losing effort.

With the victory, the Brewers increased their division lead and looked primed to make a run toward their first NL Central title since 2011. The Cardinals saw their playoff hopes take a hit with the loss and big deficit in the standings. They’ll look to bounce back in the final game of the series tomorrow and try to gain some ground on their rivals from Milwaukee.

SCORE 1991 BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

Leave a reply

The 1991 Upper Deck baseball card set featured some of the biggest baseball stars of the era and remains a highly sought after and valuable vintage card set to this day. Issued during baseball’s peak popularity period in the late 80s and early 90s, the 1991 Upper Deck cards captured iconic players and fantastic photography that still excite collectors.

The most valuable and desirable cards from the 1991 Upper Deck set include star rookies, Hall of Famers, and all-time great players. One of the crown jewels is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Considered one of the best player rookie cards of all-time, the Griffey has maintained tremendous value over the decades. PSA 10 Gem Mint Griffey rookies have recently sold for over $100,000 and most graded examples still fetch thousands. Another huge star rookie is Chipper Jones who broke in with the Braves in 1991. High graded Jones rookies can sell for $5,000-$10,000.

Hall of Fame inductees whose ’91 Upper Deck cards hold great value include Carlton Fisk, Dale Murphy, Rickey Henderson, and Nolan Ryan. Fisk and Murphy rookies from over 20 years prior still sell for $100’s due to their Cooperstown plaques. Arguably the set’s most iconic player photograph is on the Rickey Henderson card, showcasing his elite base stealing skills. Top graded examples change hands for $500-$1000. Nolan Ryan, whose Hall of Fame career continued into the early 90s, appears intimidating on his card and merits $100’s of dollars for high quality copies.

Other notable stars whose ’91 Upper Deck cards are highly sought after 30 years later include Frank Thomas, Tom Glavine, Gregg Maddux, Randy Johnson, and Cal Ripken Jr. “The Big Hurt” Frank Thomas smashed his way to the HOF and his rookie card sells for $500+ in top condition. Glavine and Maddux, the great Braves pitching duo of the era, command $100’s for their ’91 rookies as well. Randy Johnson, in the early days of his monster career with Seattle, has a card valued at $50-$100. And future all-time hits leader Cal Ripken Jr., just a few years removed from breaking Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record, has a desirable card in the $50-100 range.

Beyond the star players, the 1991 Upper Deck set has several other characteristics that keep collector interest high. The set totals 792 cards and features highly creative and fun subjects like manager, mascot, and stadium cards mixed in. The photography and vintage aesthetic throughout the set are very appealing to collectors. And upper echelon print quality and centering of the cardboard stock used in ’91 Upper Deck cards help grades attain strong values when preserved in high condition over the decades.

In terms of investment potential and steady appreciation, ’91 Upper Deck Griffey, Glavine, Maddux, Big Hurt, and Chipper Jones rookies graded PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 have proven capable of doubling or tripling in value every 5-10 years. Comparing prices realized just 10 years ago to today shows noticeable increases. Even run-of-the-mill star player cards from the set have maintained collectible interest and selling prices better than similar vintage cards from other sets. The nostalgia and charm of capturing a special era in baseball history on cardboard continues to attract collectors and give the 1991 Upper Deck set lasting value. Whether for enjoyment or profit motives, collectors are wise to hold holdings of 1991 Upper Deck at current valuations.

The 1991 Upper Deck baseball card set remains one of the most valuable and investment worthy vintage issues for good reason. Featuring iconic players, memories, photography and print quality that encapsulate the peak era of baseball card popularity, interest from collectors has proven durable for 30 years. Keys cards like Griffey, Glavine/Maddux rookies, Big Hurt, Ripken and others can return thousands to tens of thousands graded top condition. But runs of plenty of other stars maintain significant value too. The nostalgia, charm, and quality of this set keep attracting new collectors and ensuring the 1991 Upper Deck cards retain appreciating value for the foreseeable future.

SCORE SERIES 2 1991 MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1991 Score Major League Baseball card series 2 was released midway through the 1991 MLB season. The cards featured current players and managers from that season. Some key things to know about the 1991 Score series 2 MLB trading cards:

The set had 132 total cards, featuring every team in Major League Baseball at the time. Some notable rookies included Scott Rolen, Jim Abbott, Reggie Sanders, Kenny Lofton, and Sandy Alomar Jr. Established stars featured included Kirby Puckett, Jose Canseco, Cal Ripken Jr., Rickey Henderson, and Dennis Eckersley. Managers included Tony La Russa, Davey Johnson, and Lou Piniella among others.

The card design featured a modernized retro look harkening back to baseball cards of the 1950s and 1960s. A crisp team logo appeared on a solid color background at the top of each card. Below was a centered vertical picture of the player in action on the field. Player names, positions, and team names ran vertically down the right side of the card. Statistics from the previous season were listed on the back of each card.

One of the standout Hall of Fame players featured was Nolan Ryan in his final MLB season with the Texas Rangers. At age 44, Ryan was still an intimidating presence on the mound. His card showed him in a follow through windup. Also among the elder statesmen was 36-year old Cal Ripken Jr. of the Baltimore Orioles. Ripken was in the midst of his record breaking consecutive games played streak.

The set also highlighted several emerging star pitchers who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers, including Tom Glavine of the Atlanta Braves and Greg Maddux of the Chicago Cubs. Both were still early in their careers but already displaying elite control and pitchability. Offensively, the cards spotlighted young sluggers like Ken Griffey Jr. of the Seattle Mariners and Frank Thomas of the Chicago White Sox, foreshadowing their upcoming dominance at the plate.

The rise of small market teams was also reflected. The Minnesota Twins, coming off a World Series championship in 1991, had stars like Puckett and Chili Davis represented. Meanwhile, the underdog Atlanta Braves were beginning to build a pitching foundation with cards of Glavine, Steve Avery, and John Smoltz.

Rookie cards in series 2 provided a first look at future stars. The Rolen card showed the power hitting third baseman from the Philadelphia Phillies swinging away. Alomar was depicted catching for the San Diego Padres in what would be his Rookie of the Year campaign. Speedster Kenny Lofton’s Cleveland Indians card captured him digging for second base.

The card design and photography quality was a step above previous Score sets. Bright, vibrant colors popped off the thick cardboard stock. Closeup action shots allowed collectors to analyze batting and pitching mechanics up close. Well-lit stadium backdrops replaced dull grey bleachers from past issues. Stamped autographs were also available on certain ’90 Score Traded inserts of star players.

When originally released in 1991, the Score series 2 packs and boxes were found in corner drug stores, card shops, and supermarkets across America. Demand was high, as Score competed fiercely with rival brands Donruss, Fleer, and Topps for collectors dollars. Today mint graded examples of stars like Griffey Jr., Rolen, Alomar, and Maddux regularly sell for $50-200 each online, while a complete 132 card set in excellent condition can fetch over $1000.

Whether documenting the early careers of future Cooperstown inductees or shining a light on pennant contending small market teams, the 1991 Score Major League Baseball card series 2 captured a snapshot of America’s pastime at a pivotal moment in the early 1990s. With its retro design aesthetic and sharp action photography, the issue created countless lifelong memories for collectors and cemented Score’s place among the elite baseball card manufacturers. Over thirty years later, the cards remain a beloved reminder of a season when baseball’s next generation of stars first stepped up to the plate.

SCORE 95 BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

Leave a reply

The hobby of collecting baseball cards has spawned decades of enthusiasts searching tirelessly for rare and valuable cards featuring their favorite players. With so many cards printed throughout the long history of the sport, certain errors, short prints, rookie cards and iconic players have attained immense value over the years. While prices fluctuate constantly based on condition and demand, here’s a look at generally what the 95 most valuable baseball cards were worth as of 2022 based on recent sales:

#95 1991 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie BGS 9.5 – $900
Griffey was one of the most exciting young players to enter the league in years and this high grade rookie fetched a solid price.

#94 1957 Topps Hank Aaron RC PSA 8 – $1,000
One of the true home run kings of the game, an Aaron rookie in decent condition still demands respect.

#93 1967 Topps Nolan Ryan Rookie PSA 8 – $1,100
Ryan rewrote the record books for strikeouts and had a highly sought after first card even in lower grades.

#92 1978 Topps Ozzie Smith Rookie PSA 8 – $1,200
A great defensive wizard at shortstop, Smith’s slick plays made him a fan favorite and his rookies hold value.

#91 1965 Topps Sandy Koufax PSA 9 – $1,250
One of the most dominant pitchers ever when he was at his best in the mid 1960s.

#90 1964 Topps Roberto Clemente PSA 8 – $1,300
A beloved icon both on and off the field, Clemente tragically passed too soon but his legacy lives on.

#89 1987 Topps Barry Bonds Rookie PSA 9 – $1,350
Bonds ascended to being the Home Run King but his rookies are still highly prized despite controversy.

#88 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 8 – $1,500
One of the faces of the sport’s golden era, Mantle’s cards are always in high demand.

#87 1972 Topps Johnny Bench RC PSA 8 – $1,600
The all-time best catcher had a beautiful first card that remains popular for collectors.

#86 1997 Bowman’s Best Ken Griffey Jr. BGS 9.5 – $1,700
Capturing Griffey at his acrobatic peak, this high grade version stood out.

#85 2002 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout PSA 10 – $1,750
Trout became the new greatest player of his generation and high grades of this early card proved prophetic.

#84 2002 Bowman Chrome Lebron James PSA 10 – $1,800
While not a baseball player, James’ dominance in another sport made this a noteworthy crossover hit.

#83 1952 Topps Willie Mays PSA 8 – $1,850
Arguably the most talented all-around player ever, May’s early cards gained prestige over the decades.

#82 2003 Bowman Draft Picks #1 Pick 2003 Josh Beckett PSA 10 – $1,900
An ultra-rare top pick card of a future World Series winner achieved premium value.

#81 1975 Topps Nolan Ryan NRC PSA 8 – $2,000
Ryan’s impressive no-hitter early in his career is immortalized on this coveted subset.

#80 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle PSA 8 – $2,050
One of just over 50 ever produced, this early Mantle issue understandably fetched a high price.

#79 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson RC PSA 8 – $2,100
As the player who broke baseball’s color barrier, Robinson’s impact resonated far beyond the field.

#78 2003 Topps Freddy Sanchez RC Auto /149 PSA 10 – $2,150
A short print autographed rookie of a future World Series champion found a ready buyer.

#77 1955 Topps Hank Aaron RC PSA 8 – $2,200
Hammerin’ Hank’s first card became a Holy Grail for collectors to find in quality condition.

#76 1952 Topps Stan Musial PSA 8 – $2,250
One of the truly great hitters of all-time, “Stan the Man’s” cards gained stature over the decades.

#75 1955 Topps Roberto Clemente RC PSA 8 – $2,300
Few played with as much passion and skill as Clemente, with his rookie maintaining must-have status.

#74 2002 Bowman Draft Picks #1 Alex Rodriguez PSA 10 – $2,350
An early card foretelling A-Rod’s Hall of Fame talent jumped in value before suspicions arose.

#73 1998 SP Authentic Gold Label RC #75 Larry Walker Auto BGS 9.5 – $2,400
The exclusive autographed rookie of the underrated Walker stands out.

#72 1952 Topps Joe DiMaggio PSA 8 – $2,450
The Yankee Clipper remains one of the iconic figures in the sport long after his playing days.

#71 1929 Dick’s Sporting Goods Lou Gehrig RC – $2,500
One of the truly rare early 20th century cards, finding one in collectible condition is an epic quest.

#70 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. RC BGS 9.5 – $2,550
Considered the most aesthetically beautiful Griffey rookie, high grades commanded top dollar.

#69 2009 Bowman Draft Chrome Mike Trout Auto PSA 10 – $2,600
Trout’s dominance made this ultra-short printed autographed card a winner for whoever held it.

#68 1958 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 8 – $2,650
Still showcasing the “Commerce Comet” in his prime years with the Yankees.

#67 1957 Topps Willie Mays PSA 8 – $2,700
One of the most talented five-tool players of all-time, May’s classic cards hold value.

#66 1933 Goudey #53 Jimmie Foxx – $2,750
A true Holy Grail among early 20th century issues, in high grade this slugger’s card brought top dollar.

#65 1948 Bowman Color Johnny Mize – $2,800
Featuring one of the premier power hitters of the 1940s in brilliant showcase style.

#64 2006 Topps Chrome Draft Picks Red Refractor #1 Pick Justin Upton PSA 10 – $2,850
An investment that paid off with Upton emerging as a star for over a decade in the bigs.

#63 1915 Cracker Jack Honus Wagner – $2,900
The most legendary card in the hobby, finding one in any condition evokes history and mystique.

#62 1931 Pic Industry Jose Mendez – $3,000
One of the rarest of the rare early Cuban player issues recognized premium value.

#61 2002 Bowman Chrome Jim Thome Auto /499 BGS 9.5 – $3,050
A leading slugger of his generation, high grades of this rare autograph sold at an elevated price.

#60 1956 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 8 – $3,100
Still among the definitive cards showing the great Mickey in his Yankees prime years.

#59 1969 Topps Nolan Ryan Rookie PSA 8 – $3,200
Capturing the fiery fastballer at the dawn of his record-setting career.

#58 1955 Topps Sandy Koufax PSA 8 – $3,250
One of the most dominant pitchers who ever lived depicted in his early Dodger days.

#57 1930 W552-1 Johnny Frederick RC – $3,300
One of the true vintage pioneers of organized baseball receives due reverence.

#56 1972 Topps Johnny Bench RC PSA 9 – $3,400
The standard for all catcher cards and still in demand even at 50 years old.

#55 1956 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 9 – $3,450
Finding “The Mick’s” classic junior offering in near-mint earned a significant payday.

#54 1951 Bowman Willie Mays RC PSA 8 – $3,500
An attainable yet enduring piece of the Say Hey Kid’s story at the dawn of his career.

#53 1938 Play Ball Dazzy Vance – $3,550
From the set considered a pinnacle of 1930s design, Vance’s elite talent is immortalized.

#52 1919 M101-8 Amos Strunk RC – $3,600
A rare early 20th century issue honoring a career .300 hitter of the dead ball era.

#51 1922 E120 Babe Ruth – $3,650
One of the defining sluggers in sports history still captured imaginations 100 years later.

#50 1933 Goudey #161 Lou Gehrig – $3,700
Portraying the Iron Horse in the midst of his legendary consecutive games streak.

#49 2004 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks Clayton Kershaw Auto RC BGS 9.5 – $3,750
Prophetically touting Kershaw as the future ace that he became for over a decade.

#48 2005 Topps Chrome Mike Trout Auto RC B

1998 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1998 Score baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year following the excitement of the home run chase between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa during the 1998 regular season. Fans were eager to collect cards featuring the monster home run totals both players achieved, as well as rookie cards of up-and-coming young stars like Kerry Wood, Nomar Garciaparra, and Scott Rolen. Score did not disappoint collectors with its 480 card base set released in 1998.

Some key things to know about the 1998 Score baseball card set include:

Mark McGwire’s main base card shows him mid-swing launching a home run ball. It captures the iconic image of “Big Mac” in the midst of his record-setting 70 home run season. McGwire’s card is one of the most sought after and valuable from the set.

Sammy Sosa’s base card also portrays him taking a mighty cut at a baseball to acknowledge his astounding 66 home runs in 1998. While not as rare as McGwire’s, Sosa remains a highly collectible part of the 1998 Score issue.

Rookie cards for Kerry Wood, Nomar Garciaparra, and Scott Rolen were hot commodities straight from packs. All three would go on to have stellar MLB careers and their rookie cards maintain strong value today. Wood’s displays him winding up for a fastball while Nomar and Rolen are both pictured batting.

Other notable base rookie cards included CC Sabathia, Michael Cuddyer, and Mike Piazza in one of his last card issues as a rookie before debuting in the majors later in 1998. Each of these players went on to successful careers.

Players were photographed for Score cards in a mix of action shots and standard posed portraits. Batters were usually shown mid-swing but also sometimes just standing at the plate. Pitchers tended to be depicted on the mound or winding up.

Parallels and inserts added to the excitement and chase of the 1998 Score release. Silver Signature parallels featured photo variants of stars. Alternate uniform jersey cards depicted players in different on-field looks.

Special subsets in the base set paid tribute to the past with rookie era cards and Turn Back The Clock cards placing players in vintage uniforms. Top Prospects cards highlighted minor leaguers on the verge of the majors.

Higher end inserts included Embossed Diamond Kings featuring foil player signatures and Diamond Anniversary parallels marking the 30th anniversary of Score’s first release in 1968.

The set total of 480 cards was on the higher side compared to typical 400-450 card releases of the era. The extra cards accommodated more player photos and added inserts/parallels.

An Autographs insert set presented on-card autographs of over 50 current major leaguers and Hall of Famers. The autograph cards added excitement and were popular chase cards.

A Thrills parallel insert paid homage to exciting highlight photos from scoring plays in Score’s history. Jim Abbott’s 1994 no-hitter was one example featured.

Score also issued factory sets, factory sets with bonus packs, and jumbo box factory sets to make collecting the whole base issue more convenient. Hobby boxes contained 11-12 packs with 16 cards each.

Several factors made the 1998 Score baseball card release a massive hit with collectors. Capturing the home run exploits of McGwire and Sosa at the peak of baseball’s resurgence in popularity was a major draw. Debut cards for future stars like Nomar, Rolen, and Wood added to the intrigue. Score loaded the set with parallels, inserts, and variations to provide an abundance of collecting challenges beyond just the base cards. Strong photography and lively action shots brought the on-field action to life in the cards. Combined with aggressive distribution through hobby boxes, factory sets, and retail packs, 1998 Score succeeded in being one of the most highly collected issues of the decade. Today, cards from the flagship 480 card base set remain a staple in collections dating back to the summer of the home run.

YouTube player

87 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The late 1980s were a transformative time for the baseball card industry. While the golden age of the 1970s saw explosive growth and innovation, the mid-80s brought consolidation and cost-cutting. The 1987 baseball card market in particular saw the introduction of a new grading standard that would come to define the modern hobby – the infamous “87 Score”.

In the 1970s and early 80s, the two major baseball card producers were Topps and Fleer. Each year they would release full color sets featuring every major leaguer with glossy photo fronts and statistical information on the back. Card quality was generally high with thick stock paper and vibrant inks used for printing. As the decade wore on, collectors began to notice declining quality in the cards themselves. Photos were smaller and lower resolution, centering and cutting was often off, and the card stock seemed thinner and more prone to damage. Behind the scenes, the baseball card market had reached saturation after enormous growth in the late 70s. Both Topps and Fleer were looking to cut costs to maintain profitability amidst falling demand.

For the 1987 season, Topps took the first drastic step by introducing a new, lower quality paper stock dubbed the “87 Score”. Made of extremely thin cardboard with a powdery texture, the 87 Score cards had a noticeable drop in heft and feel from previous years. The photo sizes remained small but now had an even grainier, lower resolution appearance. Perhaps most notoriously, the 87 Score paper was prone to dings, dents, creases and other handling damage at a much higher rate than in the past. While this allowed Topps to produce cards for less money per pack, it severely impacted the collectibility of the set and consumer perception of quality.

Fleer’s 1987 offering tried to maintain past standards but lacked the major league license, featuring minor leaguers instead. They also experimented with oddball parallel sets and odder still “Air Attack” cards with mini parachutes attached. However, Fleer’s higher production costs and lack of big name players led to weak sales. They would lose their MLB license after the 1988 season. With Fleer out of the yearly card race, Topps had a clear monopoly and no incentive to improve the lowly 87 Score stock.

While reviled by purists, the 87 Score paper became the new normal baseline for mass produced baseball cards through the late 80s and early 90s. The thinner stock made for cards that showed more wear and tear but were also easier to stack in penny sleeves and binder pages. Sets from 1988 to 1991 would all utilize the same flimsy 87 Score cardboard. It wasn’t until the early 90s that card manufacturers began to notice collectors demanding a return to higher quality paper and production standards.

Upper Deck shook up the baseball card world when they arrived in 1989 with their premium quality printing and stock. The success of their rookie cards of Ken Griffey Jr. and Frank Thomas showed there was money to be made in re-capturing the lost lustre of the 1970s. Other companies like Score, Donruss and Fleer tried competing on quality in the early 90s. In 1992 Topps caved and released their first modern high quality set since the 80s boom era.

To this day, 1987 Topps baseball cards remain infamous as the low point in modern card production because of their “87 Score” paper stock. While reviled at the time, the ubiquity of the design has made complete ’87 sets a rite of passage for collectors. Individual high-grade 87s of stars like Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire and Ken Griffey Sr. remain quite collectible and desirable in the hobby. The 87 Score instigated a race to improve quality that raised the bar for the entire baseball card industry. In retrospect, they serve as a reminder of how far cardmaking has come.