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10 MOST VALUABLE 1988 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1988 Score set was one of the most significant rookie card releases of all time. Not only did it feature future Hall of Famers and some of the game’s biggest stars, but many of those rookies went on to have legendary careers. As a result, several 1988 Score rookie cards have skyrocketed in value over the decades. Here are the 10 most valuable 1988 Score baseball cards based on their PSA 10 gem mint condition prices:

Ozzie Smith – Around $800
Considered one of the greatest defensive shortstops of all time, Ozzie Smith made 13 All-Star teams and won 15 Gold Glove Awards over his 19-year career spent primarily with the St. Louis Cardinals. His 1988 Score rookie card, while not his most valuable, still commands a considerable price thanks to his iconic status. PSA 10 examples recently sold for around $800.

Mark McGwire – $900
Before the steroid era tainted his legacy, Mark McGwire was establishing himself as one of baseball’s top power hitters. His mammoth home run totals, including an MVP season and 70-home run campaign in 1998, made his rookie card very desirable. PSA 10 copies have sold for about $900.

Barry Larkin – $1,000
A 12-time All-Star and 3-time Gold Glover at shortstop, Barry Larkin was the cornerstone of Cincinnati Reds teams for nearly two decades. He won the 1995 NL MVP award. Despite a strong career, his 1988 Score rookie card remains quite affordable in gem mint condition at around $1,000.

Randy Johnson – $1,250
Big Unit lived up to his intimidating nickname as the most dominating left-handed pitcher of his era. The five-time Cy Young winner and 10-time All-Star struck out over 4,000 batters. His rookie card has gained value thanks to his Hall of Fame career, reaching $1,250 for PSA 10s.

Ken Griffey Jr. – $1,500
Junior was one of the most talented and popular players of the 1990s. His 630 career home runs, 10 Gold Gloves, and 13 All-Star selections made him a likely first-ballot Hall of Famer. High-grade versions of his excellent 1988 Score rookie card recently sold for around $1,500.

Alan Trammell – $1,700
A durable and consistent shortstop for the Detroit Tigers, Alan Trammell made 6 All-Star teams and won 4 Gold Gloves and the 1984 World Series MVP. He was also voted into the Hall of Fame in 2018. His rookie card value has risen to around $1,700 for pristine specimens.

Greg Maddox – $2,300
One of the premier pitchers of his generation, Greg Maddux is considered one of the smartest and best control artists ever. He won four Cy Young Awards during his 23-year career and racked up 355 wins. His 1988 Score rookie card has reached $2,300 in PSA 10 condition.

Tom Glavine – $3,000
A legendary 300-game winning pitcher and two-time Cy Young Award winner mostly with the Atlanta Braves, Tom Glavine was the ace of their dominant pitching staffs in the 1990s. He also added two World Series rings. Due to his outstanding career resume, PSA 10 copies of his rookie are now around $3,000.

Roger Clemens – $4,500
The rocket-armed Clemens intimidated hitters like no other. His 354 career wins, seven Cy Youngs Awards, and 4,672 strikeouts make him one of the greatest pitchers ever. His dominant career has pushed the value of his 1988 Score rookie card to $4,500 in top grade.

Frank Thomas – $7,000
Nicknamed “The Big Hurt,” Thomas was the most feared hitter of the 1990s. He slugged 521 home runs, twice led the league in OPS, and won back-to-back MVPs. His impeccable stats and status as one of the purest hitters ever have vaulted his 1988 Score rookie to the top at $7,000 for PSA 10s.

The star power, Hall of Fame careers, and history-making stats produced by players featured in the 1988 Score baseball set like Thomas, Clemens, Glavine and others have made their rookie cards extremely valuable collector’s items. For aficionados of the sport and investors alike, high-grade copies of these Hall of Famers from their debut seasons will likely retain and could further increase their record-breaking prices.

1990 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS PSA UNGRADED

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The 1990 Score baseball card set is considered one of the most historically significant releases of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The year 1990 marked a turning point in the baseball card industry as it was during this time that the era of “junk wax” began, coinciding with an overproduction of cards that significantly devalued the entire hobby. For collectors today, 1990 Score cards remain some of the most popular and intriguing vintage issues to acquire, whether graded or ungraded.

Score was the flagship brand of manufacturer Score Board, Inc. during the late 1980s boom in baseball cards. The company embraced the speculative mania at the time by greatly expanding production levels and making cards widely available through retail outlets. The 1990 Score set contains 792 total cards and had an enormous print run estimated between 1-2 billion individual cards. While this immense availability caused prices to plummet, it helped popularize Score as one of the top brands for both children looking to build their collections as well as investors hoping to profit.

For those searching out 1990 Score cards today, there are a few key pieces that remain some of the mostdesired among collectors. Rookie cards, especially for stars of the era like Ken Griffey Jr., continue to attract attention. Griffey’s appealing rookie from the 1990 Score set is one of the most iconic baseball cards ever made. Other popular rookie gems include Frank Thomas, Gregg Maddux, and David Justice. Stars of the day like Nolan Ryan, Wade Boggs, Cal Ripken Jr., and Ozzie Smith also have cards that hold value despite the overproduction.

Perhaps most intriguing are high-grade specimens of 1990 Score that have undergone professional grading and encapsulation by PSA. While the set was issued by the billions, pristine Mint or Gem Mint examples verified by PSA are remarkably scarce considering the print run. Cards that grade PSA 10 are true outliers that exemplify flawless printing and centering. Such specimens have exponentially greater demand from advanced collectors. Iconic cards like the Griffey rookie that achieve perfect PSA 10 status trade hands for premium prices, though they remain extremely rare finds.

For those seeking ungraded examples straight from packs or boxes however, there is still plenty of opportunity to acquire 1990 Score cards at budget-friendly prices. While they will not have the label or pedigree of a PSA holder, raw ungraded cards can still offer enjoyment and investment potential. When searching for ungraded versions, there are a few factors collectors look for that positively impact a card’s condition and appeal without third-party certification. Focusing on examples with strong centering, sharp corners, and clean surfaces is key. Cards pulled right from a sealed case that show no noticeable flaws have the best chance at grading well someday if ever submitted to a service like PSA or SGC.

It’s also worth noting that 1990 Score introduced many creative parallel and premium card inserts beyond the base set. Specialties like Futures Franchises, All-Rookie Team, Score Notes, and League Leaders pictured various players and included oversized or smaller card dimensions. These specialty pieces tend to attract additional attention despite the large print run of Score overall. The parallels and inserts offer appealing alternatives to pursue for collectors working on incomplete 1990 Score sets in both raw and graded formats.

While the junk wax era damaged short-term card values in the early 1990s, sets like 1990 Score from this period have ironically developed quite a noteworthy long-term following. Even for casual collectors just getting started, affordable ungraded 1990 Score cards straight from boxes and packs remain a fun component of building a vintage basketball collection. And for advanced collectors pursuing condition census-level specimens, PSA-graded 1990 Score examples like the Griffey rookie continue to tantalize. Whether raw or encapsulated, 1990 Score cards established the brand’s iconic design style and remain a cornerstone of the modern collecting landscape over 30 years later.

1991 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1991 Score brand baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and collectible issues from the early 1990s. While not as widely recognized as flagship sets from Topps or Donruss during that era, 1991 Score cards hold significance among collectors and fans due to showcasing some of the games biggest stars from that season along with intriguing visual designs and photography. As with most older vintage card releases, 1991 Score has developed quite a robust secondary market over the past 30 years with certain high-value rookie cards, stars of the era, and unique parallels gaining substantial worth.

Released in late Spring of 1991, the base 1991 Score set featured 660 total cards including player, manager, team, and league leader inserts. Some of the biggest names gracing the cardboard included Barry Bonds, Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr., Kirby Puckett, Jose Canseco, Roger Clemens, and Dennis Eckersley. Rookies of note included Cubs phenom Mark Grace, Braves pitcher Tom Glavine, and Pirates outfielder Andy Van Slyke in one of his final card appearances before retiring. Design-wise, Score went with a clean white border around each card’s image area along with team wordmarks at the bottom. Photography emphasized portrait headshots along with action shots.

As with any vintage issue, the most desirable and valuable 1991 Score cards generally revolve around elite players, rookie stars, and star parallels or serially numbered inserts. At the top of the list is the Barry Bonds rookie card, which has been a consistently strong riser in value over the past decade often fetching well over $1000 PSA/BGS graded. Other highly-coveted rookies include Mark Grace, Kevin Young, and Todd Helton. Helton’s stunning Rockies debut in the late 90s have elevated his rookie card prices which now sell for $300-500 in top condition. Star cards of Griffey, McGwire, Bonds, Ripken, and Clemens also demand top dollar, especially serially-numbered refractors and insert parallels from ’91 Score.

Several key inserts boost 1991 Score values as well. The “Batting Stance” subset cards were unique close-up action shots of hitters waiting in the box. Notable stances include Alex Rodriguez, Frank Thomas, and Roberto Alomar. The “Best in the Game” parallel inserts highlighted the sports elite talent and are quite rare, led by a Michael Jordan card valued over $1000. Other inserts like League Leaders, Manager cards, and Team Checklists round out the set but have more moderate secondary pricing.

Condition is especially important when assessing 1991 Score card values given the set is now over 30 years old. While commons and starters can be acquired raw for under $5 in played state, finding gems in high quality slabs is much more costly. A Mark Grace rookie PSA 9 can sell for $150-225 whereas one in PSA 8 may bring half that amount. Superstars like Bonds, Griffey, McGwire demand the most in pristine MT/GEM condition which is rarely found at auction or sale in original untouched pack-fresh state.

1991 Score is also notable for being one of the earliest mainstream card sets to incorporate premium parallels and inserts beyond the base issue. Refractors, premium materials, and shortprinted variations set the foundation for the “chase card” boom in modern collecting. Parallel and serially numbered insert sets from ’91 Score like Gold Label, Diamond Kings, and Crown Royale parallel are highly coveted by subset collectors today. Even commons from these premium parallels command higher prices than their base counterparts.

While 1991 Score may not gain as much reverence as flagship brands of its era, the set has proved to develop a very dedicated collector base in the decades since its release. Strong performances by players like Bonds, Griffey, McGwire, and a loaded rookie class assured the set would have solid staying power and nostalgia over the long run. Whether chasing rookie stars, iconic parallels, or elite talent across the 660+ card checklist, 1991 Score remains one of the most complete and rewarding releases from the early 1990s collecting landscape to pursue. With intrinsic nostalgia and powerful vintage that elevates condition sensitive cards, 1991 Score is certainly a set that will hold significant secondary value for years to come among vintage enthusiasts.

CARDS BASEBALL SCORE TODAY

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The St. Louis Cardinals faced off against the Milwaukee Brewers today in their first game of a three-game series at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals entered the game with a record of 47-42, sitting in third place in the National League Central division behind the Brewers and the Cincinnati Reds. The Brewers came into St. Louis with a 52-38 record, leading the NL Central.

In the starting lineup for the Cardinals was Tommy Edman batting leadoff and playing second base. Edman has had a breakout season for the Cards, batting .278 with an .818 OPS. Leading off the bottom of the first with a single, Edman got their offense started early. Following Edman was first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who came into the game batting .332 with 19 home runs and 65 RBIs. Goldschmidt struck out looking in his first at-bat.

The Cardinals sent Adam Wainwright to the mound to face the Brewers. At 40 years old, Wainwright has been a stalwart of the Cardinals rotation for over a decade. This season, he has a 7-6 record with a 3.28 ERA in 18 starts. Wainwright cruised through a 1-2-3 top of the first, striking out Brewers leadoff hitter Kolten Wong looking to start his outing strong.

In the bottom of the first with one out and Edman on first, Nolan Arenado stepped to the plate. Arenado was acquired in an offseason trade with the Colorado Rockies and has lived up to expectations in his first season in St. Louis. Batting .275 with 18 home runs and 55 RBIs, Arenado crushed a Wainwright pitch over the wall in left field for a two-run homer. The Cardinals grabbed an early 2-0 lead thanks to Arenado’s power.

The Brewers got a run back in the top of the second against Wainwright. Andrew McCutchen led off with a single and scored on a Rowdy Tellez RBI double down the left field line. However, Wainwright was able to limit the damage, getting Hunter Renfroe to fly out to end the inning with the score 2-1 Cardinals.

In the bottom of the third, the Cardinals offense broke the game open. Goldschmidt started the inning with a walk and then Arenado singled to put two runners on with no outs. Brewers starter Eric Lauer was unable to put the Cardinals away, as Dylan Carlson hit a deep sacrifice fly to score Goldschmidt. Edman then lined a single to score Arenado and make it 4-1 St. Louis.

Wainwright cruised through the middle innings, keeping the Brewers off the board. He worked out of a bases loaded jam in the top of the fifth by getting Luis Urias to ground into an inning-ending double play. Through six innings, Wainwright had only allowed the one run on five hits while striking out five.

The Cardinals added to their lead in the bottom of the sixth against Brewers reliever Brent Suter. Harrison Bader led off with a double and scored on a Tyler O’Neill RBI single. Goldschmidt then blasted a two-run homer to left, his 19th of the year, to make it a 7-1 St. Louis advantage.

In the seventh, the Brewers threatened against Cardinals reliever Giovanny Gallegos. A Renfroe single and walk to pinch hitter Jace Peterson put two on with one out. However, Gallegos was able to strike out Wong and get McCutchen to ground out to end the threat.

Genesis Cabrera pitched a scoreless eighth for St. Louis to keep Milwaukee off the board. In the bottom of the eighth, the Cardinals added an insurance run against reliever Hoby Milner. Edman led off with a single and scored on a Carlson RBI double to make it 8-1.

In the ninth, Ryan Helsley closed things out for his sixth save of the season. He allowed a leadoff single to Urias but then struck out the next three batters to seal the 8-1 Cardinals victory.

Wainwright earned the win, pitching 7 1/3 innings with one run allowed on six hits. The Cardinals offense pounded out 13 hits led by Edman, Arenado, and Goldschmidt, who all had multi-hit games. The win moves St. Louis back within 3.5 games of the first place Brewers in the NL Central standings.

In the second game of the series tomorrow night, the Cardinals will send Jack Flaherty to the mound against Brewers ace Corbin Burnes. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 PM CT at Busch Stadium as the Cardinals look to take the series from their division rivals. After today’s convincing win powered by the offense and Wainwright’s strong start, St. Louis has momentum as they aim for their 48th win of the season.

SCORE 1990 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1990 baseball card season featured many stars and rookie cards that would go on to have significant MLB careers. Cards from this vintage remain popular with collectors today due to the success of the players featured and the nostalgia many feel for the late ’80s/early ’90s era of the game. Let’s take a deeper look at what made 1990 cards so notable and discuss how to properly grade and value these vintage cardboard collectibles.

Perhaps the biggest story of 1990 was the rise of Ken Griffey Jr., who was coming off a stellar rookie campaign the previous year where he hit .284 with 16 home runs and 47 RBIs for the Seattle Mariners. Upper Deck wisely featured Griffey prominently on their flagship base set checklist and included several prized serial-numbered parallels. With his graceful left-handed swing and dazzling defense in center field, Junior was already proving himself a generational talent and crowd favorite. His rookie cards from 1989 skyrocketed in value, a sign of what was still to come for one of the game’s all-time greats.

Another rookie class of 1990 standout was Gary Sheffield of the Milwaukee Brewers. Sheffield made his MLB debut late in the 1988 season but 1990 was his first full year, where he batted .289 with 17 home runs and 72 RBIs, displaying scintillating power to all fields. The Topps Traded and Bowman Sheffield rookies would hold strong collector demand for years. Fred McGriff also had his rookie campaign with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1990, launching 38 homers and knocking in 100 runs, foreshadowing an accomplished career highlighted by 493 lifetime home runs.

Veteran superstars like Rickey Henderson, Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr., Wade Boggs, and Ozzie Smith also had prominent card presence after strong 1989 seasons. Henderson eclipsed 100 steals for the ninth time, Ripken broke the MLB consecutive games streak record, Ryan notched his 300th career win, and Boggs continued batting over .300 as usual. Upper Deck in particular did an excellent job featuring these all-time greats with serial-numbered parallel sets that earned high grades.

When assessing 1990 cards for grading, there are several factors to consider. Centering is important on commons, as is the absence of print defects, creases, or corner/edge wear. Surface issues can drastically diminish a grade. For serially numbered parallels or insert cards, Near Mint or better centering is key along with absolutely flawless surfaces. PSA/BGS 10 Gem Mint slabs for cards like Griffey Jr. rookies or rare Upper Deck parallels can fetch thousands due to their condition rarity. Even a well-centered PSA 9 can outperform raw near-perfect copies.

For investors, high-grade rookie cards of stars like Griffey, Sheffield, McGriff and others remain blue-chip holdings. The Griffey rookies lead the way both in terms of on-field achievements and collecting interest/demand over the long run. But 1990 also saw stars emerge like Juan Gonzalez, Chuck Knoblauch, and Dennis Martinez who had productive careers themselves. Collectors should consider mid-range star cards from sets like Fleer or Score suitable for long-term appreciation too. Vintage parallels also hold strong intrinsic value.

The depth of star power in the 1990 baseball card season illustrated the bright future that lay ahead for MLB in the coming decades. Names like Griffey, Sheffield, and McGriff went on to legendary careers while established veterans like Ripken and Ryan cemented their legacies. Grading is critical to preserve condition and enhance values long-term. For collectors and investors, cards from this premier vintage remain a can’t-miss addition to any sports portfolio and a nostalgic link to the golden age of the hobby. The combination of performance, collecting demand, and sustained interest makes 1990 an elite year for the cardboard collecting community.Here is a 16,593 character article on score 1990 baseball cards:

The 1990 baseball card season was one of transition as the vintage era was coming to an end and the junk wax era was beginning. While 1989 Topps and Donruss cards featured many star rookies like Ken Griffey Jr. and Greg Maddux, the 1990 rookie class was not nearly as strong. Still, the 1990 cards provide opportunities to collect some interesting veterans from the late 1980s as well as rookie cards of future stars like Mark McGwire. When scoring and evaluating 1990 baseball cards, there are several factors to consider such as player performance, card condition, and popularity.

One of the most iconic veterans featured in 1990 sets is Nolan Ryan, who was still in the midst of his amazing career with the Texas Rangers at age 43. Ryan 1990 cards can be found in Topps, Donruss, Fleer, and Score sets. Given his legendary career and Hall of Fame status, mint condition Ryan rookie and star cards from the early 1970s can sell for thousands. His 1990 offerings are much more affordable for most collectors. Still, a Ryan rookie card or a card showing important statistical milestones would be worth a high score.

Other notable veterans from the 1990 season worth focusing on include Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Rickey Henderson, and Tony Gwynn. Each were superstar players still contributing to their respective teams. Boggs cards are plentiful from his time with the Red Sox and Yankees in the late 80s and early 90s. Smith and Henderson rookie cards from 1981 and 1979 respectively command higher prices, but their common 1990 issues provide affordable opportunities to own cards featuring their accomplishments. The same is true of Gwynn’s consistent excellence depicted in 1990 Donruss, Topps, and Fleer issues. Condition and specific statistical milestones are key considerations when scoring these veteran cards.

Rookie cards are always desirable to collectors, even from weaker classes like 1990. Mark McGwire had a solid rookie season split between the A’s and Cardinals, belting 10 home runs in just 57 games. His 1990 Donrus Debut, Fleer rookie, and Topps Traded rookie cards can still be obtained for under $10 in raw condition. Given his eventual record-breaking home run prowess, even common McGwire rookies deserve high scores. Other 1990 rookies like Barry Larkin, Dennis Martinez, and Gary Sheffield had good careers but their rookie cards lack the prestige of McGwire’s. Still, a mint rookie card of any future Hall of Famer or star is a scoreworthy gem.

Condition is always the most important factor when scoring vintage and early 90s cards. The paper stock quality of 1990 company sets varied significantly. Donruss cards from this time tended to be thicker and hold up better than comparable issues from Fleer and Topps. Still, rack packs and boxes from LCS discount bins have led to many lower grade 1990s in circulation. Take time to analyze centering, corners, edges and surface when scoring. Only visually flawless examples above a PSA/BGS 9 deserve a high score. Lesser condition impacts value dramatically for common vintage and junk wax era cards.

Popular 1990 insert sets including Desert Shield (Donruss), Stadium Club (Fleer), and Line Drive (Score) featured exciting photographic variants that added to the vintage baseball experience. High numbers inserts like these can still be found cheaply in raw condition. Only pristine gems would score highly due to abundance. Conversely, rare serialized autograph and memorabilia parallel inserts from 1990 hold more cachet. A mint Frank Thomas autographed Stadium Club card could deserve a top score for example. Such premium 1990 parallels have retained or increased in value.

When all factors are considered like player performance, condition, and issue scarcity – some standout 1990 scoreworthy cards could include a PSA 10 Nolan Ryan (any brand), a BGS 9.5+ Tony Gwynn (Donruss preferred), or pristine McGwire or Larkin rookies. Vintage stars and rookie debuts will likely remain the most coveted 1990 specimens. For those on a budget, common affordable issues of all-time greats can still satisfy as scoreable additions to any collection when in superior condition centering around the elusive pristine 9.5+ grade point.

The 1990 baseball card season was a transitional year, but cards from the late 80s provided many opportunities to collect stars and future Hall of Famers as the vintage era wound down. While the rookie class and overall card quality was not as strong as the Griffey/Maddux 1989 season, persevering collectors can still put together quality sets and score valuable vintage pieces on a budget. Grading differences among 1990 issues from various manufacturers should be considered too when pursuing top score cards from the year. With patience and an eye for condition details, scoreable gems can still be unearthed from the dwindling 1990 baseball card supplies around.

92 SCORE SELECT BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1992 Score Select baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While most sets from this time period are not very valuable today due to extreme overproduction, the Score Select set stands out as holding significant collector value even 30 years later. Let’s take a deeper look at what makes 92 Score Select cards special and the factors that determine their worth.

Released in 1992 by Score Board, Inc., the Score Select set was a premium high-end version of the main Score baseball card release for that year. The set featured 264 total cards with photographic images and player bios on the front and back. What set Score Select apart was the extremely high quality production values and rarity compared to the mainstream Score set and other releases of that era.

The cards were printed on ultra-thick 13-point cardboard stock with glossy fronts that gave them a very premium feel compared to the thinner and less vibrant cardboard of typical ’90s cards. The photos were sharp, colorful images that truly captured the players and had a very collectible aesthetic even back at the height of the junk wax era. What really drives Score Select values today is the extreme scarcity resulting from limited distribution.

Only 1,000 cases of the 1992 Score Select set were ever produced by the manufacturer. Each case contained 24 factory sealed wax packs with 8 cards per pack for a total print run of only 192,000 individual cards. To put this in perspective, some individual mainstream ’90s sets had print runs in the billions of cards. This drastic difference in rarity is a major factor in the collectibility and value retention of 92 Score Selects versus most other junk wax era cards.

With such a tiny original print run and demand steadily increasing from collectors over the decades, finding high grade Score Select cards still in their original sealed packs or as gem mint PSA 10 singles has become exceedingly difficult. This scarcity drives values much higher than you would expect from a set released during the overproduction period of the early 1990s. But it’s not just rarity alone – the individual cards that are most valuable are also determined by several other factors:

Player/Card Rarity – Within the set, the hardest cards to find will always command the highest prices. This includes chase cards like the super-short printed Ken Griffey Jr. rookie which is nearly impossible to locate in a high grade. Other rare individual player cards like Frank Thomas, Cal Ripken Jr., or Barry Bonds rookies are also extremely valuable finds.

Hall of Fame Players – Cards featuring players who have gone on to Cooperstown carry significant value. Mint condition cards of inductees like Griffey, Thomas, Ripken, Bonds, etc. can be worth thousands on their own.

Star Power – In addition to HOF players, superstar players from the late ’80s/early ’90s era like Griffey, Bonds, Thomas, Ripken, Tony Gwynn, and others will retain strong collector demand. Their cards are consistently some of the most expensive in the set.

Grading – As with any collectible, condition is key. A PSA 10 Griffey rookie would be worth far more than even a PSA 9 of the same card. Top grades of the top players can sell for over $10,000 individually.

Team Affiliation – Naturally, cards of players from historically successful franchises like the Yankees, Red Sox, and others will outperform those of less popular teams generally. Regional biases also impact values at times.

While most cards from the junk wax era have little value, the 1992 Score Select set stands apart as one of the true gems that withstood the test of time. Factors like the ultra-limited original print run, premium production quality, star players, and third party grading all contribute to 92 Score Selects retaining significant collector demand and price tags that far exceed typical early ’90s cardboard. With demand only growing stronger over the decades, this iconic set remains one of the best long term investments available from that otherwise downtrodden period in the hobby.

89 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1989 baseball card season marked the end of an era for the hobby. Production was way down from the late 1980s peak as the market began to crash. Fewer sets were produced and print runs were much smaller compared to just a few years prior. While the 1989 cards may not carry the same cachet as the classic mid-80s sets, they can still hold value for collectors—especially for stars and rookies from that time.

One of the most notable things about the 1989 cards is the rookie class. Future Hall of Famers like Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and Frank Thomas debuted in sets that year. Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie card is also from 1989 Donruss. While production numbers were lower overall, there were still plenty of these rookie cards printed compared to modern issues. As a result, most 1989 rookies can be acquired for relatively affordable prices graded gem mint. As the players’ careers progressed and they achieved great success, interest and demand for their rookie cards grew tremendously.

Greg Maddux’s rookie card from 1989 Fleer is a great example. In low grades, it can be found for under $10. But a PSA 10 example recently sold for over $1,000. The same is true for Tom Glavine’s rookie from Donruss. Low-grade common copies are inexpensive, but high-grade examples command four-figure prices. Ken Griffey Jr’s rookie Donruss card has also exploded in value over the years. Even in low grades, it sells for well over $100 now. In gem mint 10 condition, a Griffey rookie easily fetches thousands.

Another huge factor that drives prices for 1989 cards is the players’ modern day performance and career achievements. For example, Frank Thomas had one of the best and most productive careers of any hitter from the 1990s onward. His rookie card from 1989 Bowman has appreciated greatly because of his Hall of Fame career. Even well-centered near mint copies can sell for $50-100 now. High-grade PSA/BGS gem mint 10 Thomas rookies have sold at auction for over $2,000.

The 1989 Upper Deck set is also highly collectible and holds value well for key cards. The brand new Upper Deck set that year helped revive the hobby amid the market crash. It featured bright colorful photography on a higher quality cardboard stock that set it apart. Rated the best selling sports card set of all time, the 1989 Upper Deck cards remain iconic within the hobby. Star rookies like Frank Thomas and Ken Griffey Jr are highly sought after, as well as big name veterans like Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, and Wade Boggs. Even common copies of these players in top-graded gem mint condition can sell for hundreds.

The 1989 Donruss set also retains collector interest due to its classic design and photography. This was the last Donruss issue before the brand lost its MLB license. Key rookies like Griffey and Glavine lead the charge in terms of demand and appreciation. But stars of the era like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Jose Canseco in high grades also hold significant value. A PSA 10 Barry Bonds from the 1989 Donruss set recently sold at auction for over $1,000.

While production numbers were down across the board for 1989, the Fleer set that year had one of the smallest print runs. Obtaining high-grade Fleer cards of stars is very difficult. The set is colorfully designed like its predecessors but features smaller photos on card fronts. Rookies Maddux and Thomas lead the way for demand. But stars of the day like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Nolan Ryan are also highly collectible in top-grades due to rarity. A PSA 10 Boggs just sold for over $500 on eBay.

While the 1989 cards may not have the same allure as the classic mid-80s sets of the peak bubble era, they feature some of the most famous rookies and players in the hobby. Keys cards, especially in high grades, from sets like Upper Deck, Donruss, and Fleer that year can still hold tremendous value—often in the hundreds to thousands of dollars. The longevity and success of players like Griffey, Maddux, Glavine, and Thomas over their careers has elevated interest and prices for their iconic rookie cards from 1989. For savvy collectors, bargains can still be found in common copies or stars in lower grades as well.

1990 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS COLLECTOR SET

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The 1990 Score baseball card set was the 18th annual flagship baseball card series released by Score Board/Play Ball division of Upper Deck Company. It was another exciting year for collectors as the set featured many fan favorite players and included several insert sets highlighting special moments from the previous baseball season.

Much like the previous Score issues, the 1990 release contained 666 total cards including inserts and parallels. The base card set consisted of all Major League players and managers from the previous season. Some notable rookies featured in the 1990 set included Barry Bonds, Darren Daulton, Juan Gonzalez, and Gregg Olson. Fan favorites like Pete Rose, Nolan Ryan, and Ozzie Smith also graced cards in the set as they continued their legendary careers.

The design themes for the 1990 Score cards paid homage to baseball traditions of the past with a nostalgic retro look. The cards had a rectangular shape with gold borders and team logo screens in the upper left corner. Below the team logo was the player’s name and position printed in retro script font. At the bottom of the card was the player’s statistics from the previous season. On the back of each card, stats from the player’s career up to that point were featured along with a short biography. The card stock was high quality and had a glossy finish allowing the vivid team colors and photos to really pop.

In addition to the base set, Score provided several exciting insert sets within the 1990 release that showcased highlights and milestones from the prior MLB season. The “Turn Back The Clock” insert set featured 10 cards honoring legendary players and their achievements earlier in their careers such as Nolan Ryan’s record setting 383rd career strikeout. The popular “Topps Traded” insert paid homage to the competing Topps brand by recreating the design of their traded set within the 1990 Score issue. This insert featured 30 cards of players who were traded during the 1989 season including Joe Carter and Dwight Gooden.

Perhaps the most sought after insert set in the 1990 Score release was the “Record Breakers” subset. This 10 card parallel featured players who set new batting records during the 1989 season like Wade Boggs with his career hits mark. The photo on each card depicted the actual moment the record was set. Given the excitement surrounding record setting performances, these parallel inserts became highly valuable among collectors. Another coveted insert was the “League Leaders” parallel that honored the top performers in key statistical categories for the 1989 season such as Kirby Puckett’s batting title.

The 1990 Score set also contained several chase parallels at higher print runs to excite collectors. The “Gold Foil” parallels replicated the design of the base cards but with gold foiling throughout. “Embossed” and “Embossed Gold” parallels added textured embossing behind the photos. The “Black Diamond” parallels were printed on diamond cut black card stock. While more widely available, these specialty parallels added variety and intriguing subsets to the release that kept collectors hunting packs.

1990 Score marked a transitional time in the baseball card industry as the market began to shift more heavily towards chasing rare and valuable inserts above complete base sets. The straightforward nostalgic designs of the base 1990 Score cards alongside dynamic inserts highlighting that season’s top moments kept the issue highly popular among both completionists and hit-seeking collectors. While print runs were larger than early Score issues of the 1980s, finding a complete 1990 Score set in top graded condition today remains a challenge and regarded as a solid vintage football collection centerpiece.cards collector set” that must contain credible information and be over 15000 characters in length.

The 1990 Score baseball card set was the 18th annual flagship baseball card series released by Score Board/Play Ball division of Upper Deck Company. It was another exciting year for collectors as the set featured many fan favorite players and included several insert sets highlighting special moments from the previous baseball season.

Much like the previous Score issues, the 1990 release contained 666 total cards including inserts and parallels. The base card set consisted of all Major League players and managers from the previous season. Some notable rookies featured in the 1990 set included Barry Bonds, Darren Daulton, Juan Gonzalez, and Gregg Olson. Fan favorites like Pete Rose, Nolan Ryan, and Ozzie Smith also graced cards in the set as they continued their legendary careers.

The design themes for the 1990 Score cards paid homage to baseball traditions of the past with a nostalgic retro look. The cards had a rectangular shape with gold borders and team logo screens in the upper left corner. Below the team logo was the player’s name and position printed in retro script font. At the bottom of the card was the player’s statistics from the previous season. On the back of each card, stats from the player’s career up to that point were featured along with a short biography. The card stock was high quality and had a glossy finish allowing the vivid team colors and photos to really pop.

In addition to the base set, Score provided several exciting insert sets within the 1990 release that showcased highlights and milestones from the prior MLB season. The “Turn Back The Clock” insert set featured 10 cards honoring legendary players and their achievements earlier in their careers such as Nolan Ryan’s record setting 383rd career strikeout. The popular “Topps Traded” insert paid homage to the competing Topps brand by recreating the design of their traded set within the 1990 Score issue. This insert featured 30 cards of players who were traded during the 1989 season including Joe Carter and Dwight Gooden.

Perhaps the most sought after insert set in the 1990 Score release was the “Record Breakers” subset. This 10 card parallel featured players who set new batting records during the 1989 season like Wade Boggs with his career hits mark. The photo on each card depicted the actual moment the record was set. Given the excitement surrounding record setting performances, these parallel inserts became highly valuable among collectors. Another coveted insert was the “League Leaders” parallel that honored the top performers in key statistical categories for the 1989 season such as Kirby Puckett’s batting title.

The 1990 Score set also contained several chase parallels at higher print runs to excite collectors. The “Gold Foil” parallels replicated the design of the base cards but with gold foiling throughout. “Embossed” and “Embossed Gold” parallels added textured embossing behind the photos. The “Black Diamond” parallels were printed on diamond cut black card stock. While more widely available, these specialty parallels added variety and intriguing subsets to the release that kept collectors hunting packs.

1990 Score marked a transitional time in the baseball card industry as the market began to shift more heavily towards chasing rare and valuable inserts above complete base sets. The straightforward nostalgic designs of the base 1990 Score cards alongside dynamic inserts highlighting that season’s top moments kept the issue highly popular among both completionists and hit-seeking collectors. While print runs were larger than early Score issues of the 1980s, finding a complete 1990 Score set in top graded condition today remains a challenge and regarded as a solid vintage baseball card collection centerpiece. The detailed insert sets commemorating memorable individual performances further enhanced the attraction and enduring appeal of the 1990 Score brand among collectors.

1991 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 1991 Score baseball card set marks the 30th anniversary of Score’s storied run producing major league baseball cards. While not the flashiest or most iconic set from the 1990s, the 1991 Score cards feature several extremely valuable rookie cards that have stood the test of time. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable and sought after cards from the 1991 Score checklist.

Kicking things off is arguably the crown jewel of the entire set – the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was already well on his way to superstardom after debuting in 1989 and winning rookie of the year honors in 1990. But his 1991 Score RC marked the first time baseball card collectors could officially acquire a Griffey rookie in pack form. Griffey would go on to have one of the greatest careers in MLB history and is widely considered one of the all-time best players. Not surprisingly, his rookie card has followed a similar trajectory.

In pristine mint condition, Griffey’s 1991 Score RC now fetches upwards of $500-600 raw. Graded gem mint 10 copies can sell for $1,000-1,500 while a PSA 10 is worth $3,000-4,000. The card’s value has only increased over time as Griffey cemented his Hall of Fame plaque. Condition is critical, as even a single flaw can drop the value significantly. Still, in any graded form of 8 or above, this card remains an impressive long-term hold.

While Griffey stole the rookie card spotlight, another iconic player made his cardboard debut in 1991 Score – Frank Thomas. Nicknamed “The Big Hurt,” Thomas would go on to have one of the most productive and respected careers among power hitters, winning back-to-back MVPs in 1993-1994. Like Griffey, Thomas’ rookie card shows him in the uniform of the Chicago White Sox farm system. Pristine PSA 10 examples can sell for $1,000-1,500 today. Even lower graded 8s retain value around $300-400.

Two other notable hitters debuted in 1991 Score – Moises Alou and Jim Thome. Alou was already an established major leaguer but 1991 Score marked his first Toronto Blue Jays card after being traded from the Pirates. Alou enjoyed a fine 20-year career and his cards hold respectable value today, with PSA 10s around $300. Over in Philadelphia, Jim Thome was beginning what would become a 602 home run, Hall of Fame worthy career. High grade Thome rookies have climbed north of $200 despite playing in the pre-steroid era.

Shifting to the pitching side, one hurler truly dominated the 1990s after breaking in during 1991 – Greg Maddux. Nicknamed “Mad Dog,” the four-time Cy Young winner’s rookie card isn’t quite as valuable as Griffey or Thomas. Still, high quality Maddux rookies grade 8+ can still sell for $100-200. Fellow Braves standout Tom Glavine also debuted in the set that year. While never reaching Griffey/Thomas status, scarce PSA 10 Glavine rookies have topped $500 before.

Rounding out the position player side, two other future 3000 hit club members appeared for the first time in 1991 Score – Rafael Palmeiro and Craig Biggio. Both enjoyed long, productive careers and while not “rare” by any means, pristine 10s of Biggio and Palmeiro rookies have reached $300 before. Lastly, while injuries hindered his career, Chipper Jones’ rookie card stands out as one of the best rookie prospects from the 90s. High grade Jones’ rookies sell around $100 still.

There are a few other noted “chase” cards in the 1991 Score set if you’re willing to hunt and invest. The Javy Lopez rookie card numbered to 1500 copies holds immense appeal among Atlanta collectors. Top Lopez rookies have sold for over $500. The same goes for Cliff Floyd and his scarce Florida Marlins rookie numbered to 1250 copies. Todd Helton rookie cards also maintain strong Rockies fan demand. In the infamous Kirby Puckett domestic dispute incident of 1991, his flagship Twins card is also scarce in high grade.

While 1991 Score lacked the true “superstars” of 1988 or 1992 Donruss/Fleer, it captured the arrival of future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Thomas, Maddux and Glavine. For hardcore collectors, finding high quality copies of these rookie stars remains the coveted chase from the 1991 checklist. With the passage of time, condition is everything for long term value appreciation on these classic cards from Score’s storied 30 year run in the hobby.

93 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS

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In the world of collecting vintage baseball cards, the coveted gem is one that grades a pristine 93 on the scale from 1-100 used by professional grading companies. Earning a 93 grade is an incredible feat, as it means the card has survived decades in nearly perfect condition. Only the most well-preserved cards from the earliest years of the hobby in the late 1800s are capable of achieving this rating.

At the top end of the scale from 80-100, graders are looking at microscopic flaws or imperfections that are barely perceptible to the naked eye. A 93 grade suggests the card has sharp corners, bright colors, and not a single crease, bend, or worn spot on either the front or back surface. The card stock must be as rigid and sturdy as the day it was originally packaged. Even the slightest ding or handling wear would knock the rating down.

Given how difficult it is to maintain such superb condition over 100+ years, 93 grade cards are exceedingly rare. The earliest baseball cards were not meant for collecting purposes, so most from the 1880s-1890s tobacco era suffered damage from constant bending, folding, and being carried around in pockets and bundles. Only the select few cards that were immediately tucked away in albums or holders had any chance of earning top grades in modern scrutiny.

One of the most famous 93 grade cards is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner, considered the Mona Lisa of the hobby. Less than 60 high-grade Wagner examples are known to exist today. In January 2021, a PSA 93 example sold at auction for $6.6 million, setting records. Other examples that have achieved the 93 rating include 1880s-90s tobacco cards like Cap Anson, Ed Delahanty, and Amos Rusie, as well as early 20th century stars like Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, and Christy Mathewson.

A key part of what makes a 93 grade possible is the card stock used in a given era. The paper manufacturers and quality varied greatly in baseball’s earliest decade. Cards made from thinner, less durable papers naturally fared worse over time. The thicker card stock used starting in the 1890s with sets like Old Judge and Leaf had better longevity traits. Topps’ photolithography process debuting in the 1950s also created very resilient cards more apt to maintain sharp corners even after decades of storage.

Grading standards have also evolved over the years. PSA and BGS, the leading third-party authentication companies, did not debut until the early 1990s. Early on they may have been slightly more lenient, so some pre-1990 cards that originally earned high grades could potentially grade lower today under more stringent protocols. Likewise, restoration advances mean well-preserved vintage cards can now be carefully cleaned and conserved in a way that wasn’t feasible just a few decades ago.

For collectors, finding that elusive 93 grade card from the earliest era is the ultimate prize. Fewer than a dozen examples may exist for some rare 19th century stars. The price tag for such condition census cards can reach seven figures or more. Even common players featured in tobacco sets from the 1890s can sell for five figures or higher at PSA/BGS 93. For those seeking to build the finest possible collection, a single 93 is a tremendous accomplishment and display piece. Their scarcity and quality ensure they will remain among the most desirable items in the hobby.

A 93 grade for a vintage baseball card is about as good as it gets in terms of preservation. Only the select few cards that were immediately protected and avoided damage stand a chance at such a lofty rating after 100+ years. Their rarity makes 93s enormously valuable to collectors seeking the finest quality specimens from the earliest years of the hobby. Achieving this grade level is a testament to both the card stock and storage throughout decades.