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1992 SCORE PINNACLE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1992 Score baseball card set is considered by many collectors to be one of the most significant releases from the junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While sets from this time period are not typically very valuable due to high print runs that resulted in an oversaturation of the market, the 1992 Score set stands out due to its inclusion of major rookie cards and stars from what is viewed by many as the pinnacle year for baseball in the early 1990s.

Released at the height of baseball card mania in 1992 by Score Board, Inc., the base set for 1992 Score contains 762 cards covering all teams and players from that season. The designs featured color photos on the fronts with player stats and career highlights on the backs. Insert sets within included All-Time Fan Favorites, Turn Back The Clock retrospective photos, and League Leader cards among others. Product was packed in wax packs, rack packs, factory sets and hobby boxes. Due to the popularity of the sport and hobby at the time, production and distribution of 1992 Score was immense with billions of cards released worldwide.

While common for the era, this massive overproduction means in raw, ungraded form most base cards from the 1992 Score set hold very little monetary value today, usually selling for just pennies. There are however some notable exceptions that have maintained or increased in price due to showcase significant rookie cards or star players from the storied 1992 MLB season. Here are some of the top value 1992 Score cards to look for in a collection today:

Barry Bonds (#162) – Widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, Bonds’ impressive rookie card from the 1992 Score set sells for around $50-100 in PSA 10 condition. Still relatively obtainable at a low end for a true rookie card of this stature. His performance that ’92 season helped pave the way for a surefire Hall of Fame career.

Derek Jeter (#657) – As the captain and face of the Yankees dynasty for two decades, there is high demand for Jeter’s rookie season issue from Score. Near-gem mint to gem mint 10’s command $250-400. Even lower graded versions in the 8-9 range bring $100-200 showing his iconic status and card’s resilient collectibility.

Frank Thomas (#661) – Big Hurt burst onto the scene in ’91 winning AL MVP and was a force for the White Sox for many years after. His rookie card sells in the $75-150 range in PSA/BGS 10 condition due to his offensive dominance and reputation as one of baseball’s good guys.

Ian Kinsler (#663) – Though not a true rookie as he played 9 games in ’11, Kinsler’s more widely available debut issue has increased steam in recent years with the Rangers star continuing to produce into his late 30s. High grade 10’s around $75-125 with 8’s at $30-50 backed by his sustained success.

Tom Glavine (#389) – The Hall of Fame southpaw was already an established ace in ’92 but this card has climbed due to his excellence and 300 win milestone. Near-mint 8’s range between $50-100 with 9’s reaching $150-250 and perfect 10 specimens over $350 due high grade population and as a key member of the Braves dynasty run.

Greg Maddux (#491) – Along with Glavine, Mad Dog was a workhorse for Atlanta throughout the 1990s capturing multiple Cy Youngs. His ’92 Score sits just below Glavine’s in terms of value with 8’s at $40-80, 9’s at $100-200 and 10’s over $300. Two aces for the price of one with these Braves cards.

Chipper Jones (#627) – Arguably the most popular Atlanta Brave of all-time, Jones’ 2nd year card often challenges Glavine and Maddux in value. Near-mint 8’s around $75, 9’s at $150-250 and gem mint 10’s exceeding $400 showing his local hero status and Hall of Fame enshrinement.

Kirby Puckett (#579) – The beloved Twins star entered the 1992 season already a six-year veteran yet his Score cardboard remains in demand. PSA/BGS 10’s can go as high as $400 with 9’s around $200-300 due to his two World Series titles leading the underdog franchise and tragic early retirement cutting his career short.

Jeff Bagwell (#278) – Baggy was just starting to emerge in ’92 with a .294 average, 15 homers and 69 RBIs in his age 24 season. This increasingly recognized rookie sells for $30-75 in 8-9 grades and $100-200 in pristine 10 condition reflecting his place among the game’s all-time great first basemen and Houston icon status.

While print runs are immense, cards from the elite tier of this set like Bonds, Jeter, Frank Thomas and the beloved Braves continue to attract collectors and investors based on the players involved and storylines of the 1992 MLB campaign itself when the Blue Jays beat the Braves in the World Series kicking off a new era. For assembled factory sets, various insert subsets and star autographed or memorabilia cards, values multiply greatly from the above figures. Overall the 1992 Score baseball card set, through its selection of rookie cards, stars and capture of a special season, has proven to hold deeper significance and appreciation than many from the early ’90s glut. Decades later, the pinnacle players and teams featured ensure it maintains relevancy in today’s hobby.

BEST CARDS IN 1988 SCORE BASEBALL

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1988 was a landmark year for baseball cards as it was the final year produced by the legendary Score company before their acquisition by Fleer. The 1988 Score set is highly regarded by collectors as one of the best designs of the 1980s and features some of the most iconic rookie cards and players from that era. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the standout cards and rookies from the 1988 Score baseball set.

One of the most valuable and sought after rookie cards from 1988 Score is Ken Griffey Jr. Griffey was one of the most hyped prospects in baseball and living up to the hype in his rookie season with the Seattle Mariners. The Griffey rookie card featured a beautiful action shot of “The Kid” taking a big swing. This card has only increased in value and desirability over the decades as Griffey cemented his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats. PSA 10 Gem Mint versions of this card now sell for well over $10,000. Even lower graded copies still command prices in the hundreds due to Griffey’s popularity and status.

Another huge rookie card from 1988 Score was Chicago Cubs’ shortstop Shawon Dunston. Dunston was a key part of the Cubs’ rebuild in the late 80s and had a solid career at shortstop. His rookie card shows Dunston fielding a ground ball and also features a colorful and unique design that stands out from the rest of the set. While not as expensive as Griffey, graded PSA 10 Dunston rookies can still sell for over $1000. This was an important Chicago rookie card that remains popular with Cubs collectors.

A third star rookie from 1988 Score was Oakland A’s slugging first baseman Mark McGwire. “Big Mac” launched his career with 49 home runs in his first full season and immediately established himself as one of the game’s top power hitters. His rookie card, with a powerful swing captured mid-motion, hinted at the mammoth shots to come. High-grade McGwire rookies have also cracked the $1000 price point in recent years as interest in his career home run chase with Sammy Sosa was rekindled.

In addition to the top rookies, 1988 Score also had cards featuring superstars like Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, and Rickey Henderson that could be considered among the best in the set. But one card that stands above the rest for its rarity and subject is the Mike Schmidt “Farewell To A Legend” short print card.

Schmidt, a first-ballot Hall of Famer and arguably the greatest third baseman ever, was retiring after his final season with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1988. Score produced a special short print card to commemorate his legendary career. It shows “Mike Schmidt” in giant letters across the top with a classic action shot of Schmidt swinging. Only 10 of these cards were inserted per case, making them incredibly rare compared to the base cards. In high grades, a PSA 10 Farewell To Schmidt has sold at auction for over $50,000, a true record for any standard size card from the 1980s.

Another valuable short print from 1988 Score was the “Ozzie Smith Tumbling Backwards” card, so nicknamed for its amazing action photo. Only 15 of these short prints were included randomly in cases of the base set. High graded examples have sold for $5000-$10,000 depending on condition due to Ozzie’s popularity and the rarity of this specific card variation.

Some other notable star players who had excellent base cards in the 1988 Score set included Dodgers ace Orel Hershiser, Red Sox slugger Jim Rice, Expos fireballer Dennis Martinez, Tigers ace Jack Morris, and Yankees star Dave Winfield. These cards captured iconic players and moments from that season. For team and player collectors, 1988 Score had representation from across MLB.

The design aesthetic of 1988 Score has held up extremely well over the decades. Bright team colors pop off the cardboard with sharp photos and minimal borders. The set size of 792 cards was also a sweet spot, not too small but not overwhelming either. Combined with the star rookies, short prints, and base cards of Hall of Famers, it’s no wonder 1988 Score remains a collector favorite to this day among people who enjoyed the sport in the late 80s. Prices have risen steadily to match appreciation for the players, photography, and nostalgia this set delivers. For baseball card investors and enthusiasts, 1988 Score was truly one of the best issues of the entire 1980s period.

The star rookies like Ken Griffey Jr, Mark McGwire, and Shawon Dunston launched from 1988 Score go down as some the most iconic and valuable cards ever produced. Short prints like the ultra-rare Mike Schmidt Farewell and Ozzie Smith Tumbling Backwards cards take collector demand and prices to new heights due to their remarkable rarity within the set. And base cards of all-time greats like Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, and Roger Clemens remain highly collectible and affordable for most hobbyists. For all these reasons, the 1988 Score baseball card set remains one of the most revered issues in the entire hobby. Its combination of top rookie talent, memorable photography, and fun 1980s design sensibilities have secured its place as one of the true classics of the baseball card world.

1989 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 1989 Score baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable vintage issues from the late 1980s. With the rise of vintage card collecting over the past decade, many key rookies and star cards from the ’89 Score set have skyrocketed in value. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most valuable and sought after 1989 Score baseball cards that are worth money for collectors today.

One of the headline cards from the ’89 Score set is the Kirby Puckett rookie card. Puckett went on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Minnesota Twins, making six All-Star teams and winning six Gold Glove Awards for his defense. His rookie card has long been a desirable piece for any vintage card collection. In near mint to mint condition, graded examples of Puckett’s ’89 Score rookie regularly sell for $300-$500. Lower graded copies in excellent condition still command $100-200. The true near pristine specimens in mint condition have even sold for over $1,000, showing the strong demand for Puckett’s first bowman issue.

Another rookie card generating big numbers is that of Hall of Famer Barry Larkin. The shortstop had a stellar 19 year career entirely with the Cincinnati Reds that saw him win an MVP Award in 1995. Larkin’s ’89 Score rookie has been steadily climbing in recent years. Near mint to mint PSA/BGS graded Larkin rookies sell in the $150-$250 range. Even lower graded examples still fetch $50-100. Like Puckett, the true gem mint 10 specimens with full black borders have crossed the $1,000 mark when they come available. Larkin was a star and his debut issue remains a key piece for any Reds or vintage collection.

Ken Griffey Jr’s rookie campaign in 1989 made an immediate impact as he blasted 24 home runs as a 19 year old. Not surprisingly, his ’89 Score rookie has always been highly regarded. Pristine PSA/BGS 10 examples currently sell in the $800-1000 range. Near mint 9s go for $300-500. Even well-centered raw copies still demand $100-200. Over the years, Griffey Jr.’s card has proven to be one of the strongest performing vintage rookies. The excitement of his early career no doubt translates to the booming values seen today for his first bowman issue.

Staying in Seattle, the ’89 Score set also featured debut cards for pitcher Randy Johnson and first baseman Tino Martinez. Johnson’s card doesn’t command the same prices as Griffey or others, but mint 9s still sell for $50-75. Martinez in a PSA 10 recently crossed $200, with most graded 9s selling between $75-125. Both are key Mariners cards that see continual interest from vintage collectors two decades later.

Continuing a theme of popular rookies, the ’89 Score checklist contained soon-to-be-stars such as Chipper Jones, Todd Helton, Kerry Wood, and Derek Jeter. In PSA 10 condition, Jones and Helton rookie cards sell in the $150-250 range. Wood pops up around $75-125. And a true gem mint Jeter rookie has eclipsed $1,000 on the current market. Needless to say, holding pristine examples of any of these debut issues provides a strong long term baseball collecting asset.

The ’89 Score set also boasted a deep array of star veterans, several of which still deliver big money numbers today. For example, a pristine Kirby Puckett stadium club card #152 recently sold for over $700. The Nolan Ryan #301 and Roger Clemens #326 parallel inserts pull $150-250 graded nearly mint. And the key Ted Williams #371 1989 Collector’s Choice insert commands $300-500 in top shape. Even star veterans like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Tony Gwynn, and Rickey Henderson populate the checklist and move in the $50-100 range when presenting superb eye appeal.

Beyond the premier rookie and star cards from 1989 Score, savvy collectors are also targeting select team and parallel inserts that carried premium editions numbers. For instance, the ultra-tough Griffey/Kenner parallel #308 recently changed hands for over $2,000 in a PSA 10 holder. The Cal Ripken Jr. Orioles parallel #312 rings up $250-400 mint. And the scarce World Series parallel #400 inserts of Kirk Gibson or Will Clark can eclipse $500 pristine. Although tougher graded 10 quality, even 9s still sell north of $150.

In sum, the 1989 Score baseball card set offers a remarkable mix of future Hall of Famers, budding young stars, and iconic veterans that continue generating interest from collectors decades later. From affordable options like Larkin or Martinez rookies closer to $50, all the way up to the four figure graded gems of Griffey Jr. or Jeter – there are lucrative investment and collection opportunities across the board from this classic 1980s issue. With the enduring popularity of vintage baseball cards showing no signs of slowing, savvy collectors would be wise to examine key ’89 Score cards as strong long term holdings.

91 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 1991 baseball card season produced some of the most valuable and sought after cards of the modern era. While the early 90s saw the peak of the baseball card boom start to decline, 1991 cards featured many future Hall of Famers and highly coveted rookie cards that have stood the test of time. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable 1991 baseball cards that still fetch high prices in today’s market.

Perhaps the single most valuable 1991 card is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was already one of the game’s brightest young stars in 1991 and his rookie card became a holy grail for collectors. With its stunning photo of Griffey in his distinctive backwards hat and flawless centered image, this card became hugely popular. In pristine mint condition, Griffey’s rookie now sells for well over $10,000 and even well-centered near mint copies can go for $3,000-$5,000. The card’s rarity, subject, and Griffey’s eventual Hall of Fame induction have cemented this as one of the most iconic and valuable modern rookie cards.

Another massive hitter who also had one of the best rookie cards of 1991 was Frank Thomas. Like Griffey, Thomas was a true five-tool talent who went on to a Hall of Fame career. His rookie card featured an action shot and also became a highly sought after piece for collectors. Thomas rookies in gem mint condition have sold for over $3,000, showing the card has maintained great value long after its initial printing. Collectors love the card for its subject and the fact that it captures a future all-time great early in his career.

While Griffey and Thomas had the flashiest rookie cards, one of the most valuable 1991 cards overall was the Chipper Jones rookie. As the #1 overall draft pick in 1990, Jones arrived with huge expectations that he ultimately lived up to with a 19 year career, all with the Atlanta Braves, that will land him in Cooperstown. His 1991 Fleer rookie is exceedingly rare in high grades and an example in pristine mint condition would be worth $5,000+ in today’s market. Even well-centered near mint copies can sell for $1,500 or more. Jones’ Hall of Fame career and the rarity of finding this card in top shape make it a true blue chip investment for collectors.

Staying in Atlanta, the 1991 Upper Deck Deion Sanders rookie card is also hugely valuable and sought after today. As arguably the first true “dual-sport” star, Sanders was already making waves in the NFL when this baseball card was issued. His electrifying talents translated to both the gridiron and diamond and his rookie card captured the beginning of his brief but dynamic MLB career. High grade Sanders rookies have sold for over $2,000 due to his fame, rarity, and the card’s subject matter highlighting the rise of the two-sport phenom.

While those were the highest profile rookies of 1991, there were also many valuable cards issued that year featuring established stars. Perhaps the most iconic was the Nolan Ryan Upper Deck card, which featured a stunning action photo of the Express firing a 100 mph heater. This card became hugely popular with collectors and examples still sell for over $500 today in top condition due to Ryan’s legendary career and the iconic nature of the image. His collection of records and Hall of Fame enshrinement give this card lasting investment value.

Two other superstar pitchers who had valuable 1991 cards were Roger Clemens and Tom Glavine. The Clemens card from Upper Deck highlighted the Rocket in his Boston prime and examples can sell for $300-400 today. Glavine meanwhile had a stellar rookie season in 1991 and his rookie card from Fleer Update has maintained great value, with pristine copies selling for over $500. Both pitchers went on to Hall of Fame careers and 300-game milestones that buoy the value of their early 90s cards.

While position players tended to have the most valuable rookie cards, two star pitchers from 1991 who broke out were Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz. Martinez’ rookie from Score was hugely popular at the time and examples still sell for $150-250 today due to his dominant career and Hall of Fame enshrinement. Smoltz meanwhile had a stellar Donruss rookie that can still fetch $100-200. Both pitchers went on to Cooperstown careers and their early 90s cards remain strong investments decades later.

While 1991 was a transitional year for the baseball card market, it produced some of the most iconic and valuable modern cards. Stars like Griffey, Thomas, Jones, Clemens and Martinez had rookies that have stood the test of time. Meanwhile, veterans like Ryan, Glavine and Smoltz had popular cards that gain value from their Hall of Fame careers. For discerning collectors, high grade examples from 1991 of these players remain sound long term investments over 30 years later. The combination of star subjects, memorable photography, and rarity in top condition make certain 1991 cards perennial blue chips for the hobby.

ST LOUIS CARDS BASEBALL SCORE

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The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the most historic franchises in Major League Baseball. They have won 11 World Series titles and countless division championships over their long tenure in the National League. Here is an in-depth look at the Cardinals baseball score throughout their history including notable games, players, and eras that have defined the franchise.

The Cardinals began playing in the American Association in 1882 and joined the National League in 1892 where they have remained ever since. One of their earliest stars was pitcher Bob Caruthers who won 40 games for them in 1884. Throughout the late 19th century, they developed a passionate fan base in St. Louis but saw little postseason success. That changed in the 1920s when future Hall of Famer Rogers Hornsby emerged as one of the best hitters in baseball history. Hornsby led the Cardinals to World Series titles in 1926 and 1928, hitting over .400 both seasons.

The 1930s saw the Cardinals rise to even greater heights led by the infamous “Gashouse Gang.” Managed by Frankie Frisch, this ragtag group of players known more for their scrappiness than talent shocked the baseball world by winning the 1934 World Series over the heavily favored Detroit Tigers. Star pitcher Dizzy Dean led the NL in wins that year with 30. Throughout the decade, the Cardinals remained competitive mainly because of Dean and fellow ace Paul Dean along with positional stars like Joe Medwick.

It was in the 1940s when the Cardinals ascended to the pinnacle of Major League Baseball. Led by veteran star Enos Slaughter and young sluggers like Stan Musial, the Cardinals won World Series in 1942, 1944, and 1946. In 1942, they erased a 3-1 deficit to beat the Yankees in seven games. Musial emerged as one of the game’s all-time greats, winning MVP awards in 1943, 1946 and 1948 while hitting .376 with 39 home runs and 130 RBI in 1948.

The 1950s saw the Cardinals remain a force led by Musial and newcomers like franchise hits leader Lou Brock and ace Bob Gibson. They won the World Series in 1964 against the Yankees led by Gibson’s famous complete game shutout in Game 7. Gibson went on to win two Cy Young Awards that decade while Brock stole a then-record 118 bases in 1974 on his way to the Hall of Fame.

In the 1960s, the Cardinals continued finding young stars like pitcher Bob Gibson and outfielder Lou Brock who stole a then-record 118 bases in 1974. Gibson famously threw a complete-game shutout in Game 7 of the 1964 World Series to beat the Yankees. He went on to win two Cy Young Awards that decade. Throughout the late 60s and 70s, the Cardinals remained competitive mainly because of veteran managerial brilliance from Red Schoendienst and later Whitey Herzog.

It was Herzog who led the Cardinals resurgence in the 1980s. Behind pitching staffs that annually pitched the fewest innings but allowed the fewest runs, and offensive stars like Ozzie Smith, Willie McGee, and Terry Pendleton, the Cardinals won division titles from 1982-85 and the 1982 and 1987 World Series. In 1982, they came back from a 3-1 deficit to stun the Brewers, capped by Darrell Porter’s walk-off single in Game 7. The 1987 “Hammerin’ Cardinals” blasted a record 35 home runs in October.

The lean years followed in the late 1980s and 1990s until Albert Pujols emerged in the early 2000s. Pujols immediately established himself as one of the game’s best and led the Cardinals to the 2004 and 2006 pennants. They were led by pitcher Chris Carpenter in 2004 and a lights-out bullpen in 2006. Pujols delivered iconic home runs in both Series, including a game-tying blast in the 9th inning of Game 4 in 2004 off of Brad Lidge. The Cardinals also relied on young pitching like Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina to extend their run of success, winning the Wild Card in 2012 and 2014 NL pennants.

In the 2010s, the Cardinals continued finding ways to win despite limited financial resources compared to large market clubs. Between 2011-2015, they made the postseason four times including earning 100 wins in 2015. That year, they were led by ace Adam Wainwright and veteran bats like Matt Holliday but fell short in the NLDS again to the Cubs. In 2019, they won 90 games and nearly chased down the Braves and Brewers for a postseason berth. Throughout the past decade+, the Cardinals have exemplified the value of strong player development, fundamentals, pitching, and a knack for getting the most out of role players in response to criticism about their payroll limitations.

From the early 20th century stars like Rogers Hornsby to modern-day greats Albert Pujols, Adam Wainwright, and Yadier Molina, the Cardinals have created a sustained culture of success unrivaled in baseball spanning over 120 years. Their 11 World Series titles places them 3rd all-time behind only the Yankees and Giants. Through analytical baseball minds like Branch Rickey, shrewd trades of prospects for impact MLB talent, expert player development, and clutch postseason performances, the Cardinals have cemented themselves as the ‘Republic’s Team’ and one of the model franchises in professional sports. Their loyal fanbase eagerly awaits their next championship and the continuation of their remarkable legacy built on baseball excellence in St. Louis.

1994 SCORE TOMBSTONE PIZZA BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1994 Score Tombstone Pizza Baseball Cards are a particular set that have gained notoriety over the years among collectors for their unique sponsorship deal and unconventional design choices. Issued as a promotional item to go along with Tombstone Frozen Pizzas, the cards broke the mold of traditional card sets by featuring bright fluorescent backgrounds, funky fonts, and a mix of active players and vintage stars from baseball history.

Score Trading Card Company had secured the licensing deal with Tombstone to produce cards as a marketing tie-in with their pizza products. Looking to make the cards stand out on shelves next to other junk food promotions of the time, Score opted to go with an eye-catching aesthetic that wouldn’t be found on any ‘traditional’ baseball card release of the mid-1990s. The fluorescent paper stock gave off a glow in the dark appearance, with various shades of neon green, orange, pink and blue splashed across each card back.

Font styles were unconventionally stylized on both the front and back of each card, meant to give off a fun, playful vibe more in line with pizza than the stoic stats and informational style sheets of the flagship Topps and Fleer brands. Most notable was the “Tombstone Pizza” logo stretching across the top of each back in a large zig-zag arrangement of letters meant to resemble the logo seen on pizza boxes. Statistics were still included on the reverse, but in a more abbreviated format than the ledger-style layouts of other trading card issues.

The actual card subjects featured both recent MLB superstars as well as legendary players of baseball’s past in a mix that was unique for a ’94 release. Ken Griffey Jr, Larry Walker, and Frank Thomas represented the contemporary game in its national pastime peak of the early-90s. Meanwhile, legends like Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, and Hank Aaron received career salutes with archive images selected from their playing days. This blend of present and past was likely meant to broaden the appeal for both young and old pizza customers.

Special ‘all-time teams’ were also recognized with subsets highlighting the lineups of great franchises like the Yankees, Cardinals and Dodgers. Parallels and insert cards added to the chase with short printed variations like die-cuts, refractors and fluorescent photo variants. Numbering was kept basic with the front declaring the player position over photo and a white box on back simply stating the card number out of a 700+ card base set. Gum or other incentives were absent, as the promotional effort centered around distributing cards freely with pizza purchases.

Initial reception for Score’s unconventional Tombstone Pizza cards was mixed among the established baseball card collecting community. While acknowledged as a unique oddity, purists felt the design departed too severely from traditional specs. The neon colors and frivolous fonts were dismissed as ‘gimmicky’ compared to the staid templates that reigned during the junk wax era. Within a few years after release as values stabilized, appreciation grew for their novelty status as one of the strangest licensed sports card tie-ins ever produced.

As rarities, the inserts and parallels garnered premium pricing relative to the common base cards. The Babe Ruth and other historic star subjects stood out as particularly valuable for any pre-war players featured outside of their original issue decades. By the 2000s, the novelty factor had cemented the 1994 Score Tombstone Pizza Baseball Cards in the annals of oddball sets worthy of a space on niche collectors’ want lists and in box breaks highlighting strange and obscure issues.

In the ensuing years, appreciation has continued to rise for their singular status as the only known major sports trading card release fully sponsored by and designed around a frozen pizza product. Online chatter among today’s growing retro card community frequently highlights these Tombstones as a peculiar pop culture curiosity from the early ‘90s worthy of keeping an eye out for in dollar bins or bargain boxes. Condition sensitive due to the fiuorescent stock, higher grade samples in capsules have reached in excess of $100 USD when choice examples of the more coveted subjects surface.

Despite initial dismissal, the 1994 Score Tombstone Pizza Baseball Cards have proven to have staying power due to their unabashedly quirky nature. As one of the strangest licensed sports promotions ever conceived, their neon colors and wacky design continue to fascinate collectors. The unique player blend of contemporary stats along with archive shots of legends long passed also provides historical interest. While hardly considered a ‘flagship’ set, the Tombstones reside securely in the realm of unconventional oddball oddities that keep the hobby fun and ensure there will always be something curious left to discover, even among the excesses of the junk wax period. Their singular tie to frozen pizza has become part of their legacy, cementing a place in collections for years to come.

1990 SCORE RISING STARS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1990 Score Rising Stars baseball card set was full of potential future stars just starting their Major League Baseball careers. With 198 cards in the base set, collectors had the opportunity to get cards featuring many players who would go on to have very successful MLB careers. While no one could have predicted exactly which of these young players would become superstars, the 1990 Score Rising Stars set provided a fun glimpse at the future of baseball.

Some of the biggest names included in the 1990 Score Rising Stars set were Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, Jeff Nelson, Andy Benes, Roberto Alomar, Craig Biggio, John Smoltz, Todd Van Poppel, Kenny Lofton, Jeff Bagwell, and Moises Alou. All of these players would go on to have outstanding MLB careers including numerous all-star appearances, Silver Slugger awards, Gold Glove awards, and even some would be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. For collectors who obtained cards of these future stars early in their careers, they now own valuable pieces of sports memorabilia.

Greg Maddux’s rookie card from the 1986 Donruss set is one of the most desirable and valuable baseball cards ever produced. His 1990 Score Rising Stars card as a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs also holds significant value since it features him during the early stages of his transition into one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history. Maddux would go on to win 4 Cy Young awards and be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014. His 1990 Score Rising Stars card often sells for well over $100 in top conditioned nowadays.

Tom Glavine appeared in the 1990 Score Rising Stars set during his second season with the Atlanta Braves organization after being drafted straight out of high school in 1984. Like Maddux, Glavine developed into an elite pitcher, winning two Cy Young awards of his own to go along with 305 career wins. He is also a member of the Hall of Fame class of 2014. Glavine’s 1990 Score Rising Stars card earns $50-$75 depending on its grade.

Jeff Nelson debuted with the New York Yankees in 1990 and his relief pitching skills proved valuable over 17 MLB seasons. He was a 3-time All-Star and won a World Series championship with the 1996 Yankees. Despite not being a household name, Nelson’s cards from the late 80s and early 90s hold value since they memorialize the beginning of a lengthy MLB career. His 1990 Score Rising Stars can be found for $15-20.

Andy Benes tossed his first MLB pitch in 1988 with the San Diego Padres and had established himself as a reliable starter by 1990. He went on to play 15 seasons while racking up 154 career victories. Benes’ 1990 Score Rising Stars card sells in the $10-15 range today. Another notable future star from the 1990 set was reliever Roberto Alomar, whose rookie cards are iconic but this particular card offers a chance to own an early card of the future Hall of Famer.

Jeff Bagwell enjoyed a breakout rookie campaign with the Houston Astros in 1991 that earned him the Rookie of the Year award. He was just starting to make his mark in the big leagues in 1990 and collectors who knew he was poised for stardom likely snapped up this Rising Stars issue. Bagwell went on to be one of the game’s most powerful and consistent sluggers throughout the 90s and early 2000s, finishing with a career .297 batting average and 449 home runs. His 1990 card is a fairly valuable piece of his collecting puzzle at $50-75 in high grade.

Another slugger who burst onto the MLB scene in the early 90s was Moises Alou. After showing promise with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1989, Alou’s power was beginning to emerge by 1990 as depicted in this Rising Stars release. He would go on to slug 234 home runs over 17 seasons while batting .303. Alou’s 1990 can be found in the $15-20 range.

Hall of Fame inductee Craig Biggio was just starting his 2nd MLB campaign as a second baseman for the Houston Astros in 1990. While he didn’t become a superstar right away, collectors took notice of his skills and work ethic. Biggio developed into arguably the greatest catcher in Astros history, playing 20 seasons in Houston en route to becoming the 27th member inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. His 1990 Rising Stars card holds solid nostalgia value at $25-35.

More moderately priced stars from the 1990 set include John Smoltz ($8-12), Todd Van Poppel ($5-8), and Kenny Lofton ($10-15). Smoltz began transitioning to the bullpen in 1990 before evolving into a premier starting pitcher and closer. Van Poppel was one of the highest drafted pitchers ever at the time but didn’t pan out as a frontline starter. And Lofton’s incredible speed made him a defensive wizard in center field over 18 seasons.

While certainly not a comprehensive list, the above examples give a sampling of some of the top future stars featured in the 1990 Score Rising Stars base set who went on to very productive MLB careers. For collectors, finding vintage cards of these players from before they achieved superstardom adds nostalgic value. The 1990 Score Rising Stars baseball card set was a fun and sometimes prescient look at the next generation of MLB talent. Many names within its 198-card checklist became household names that baseball fans came to love and admire. Even 30+ years later, it proves an intriguing curio from the hobby’s past.

1992 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS PSA

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The 1992 Score baseball card set is highly collectible and cards from this set regularly receive high grades from Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). Released at the beginning of the 1992 Major League Baseball season by Score Board, Inc., the 1992 Score set featured 664 total cards including base cards, variations, rookie cards, and stars of the game cards.

Demand for high graded 1992 Score cards stems in large part from this set’s aesthetically pleasing design and the inclusion of iconic players and rookie cards. The classic baseball card design featured a large action photo of the player on a colored background. Statistics and player information were provided on the reverse. Some of the notable rookie cards included in the 1992 Score set are Frank Thomas, Gregg Maddux, Tom Glavine, Jeff Bagwell, and Mark McGwire. All of these players went on to have hall of fame caliber careers.

By the mid-1990s vintage baseball cards from the 1970s were really starting to take off in popularity among collectors. Cards from the 1980s and early 1990s were not yet considered vintage and were relatively inexpensive. This made the 1992 Score set an affordable entry point for collectors looking to acquire iconic cards for investment potential before prices escalated. Sets from this late 1980s/early 1990s era are viewed by collectors as the last of the true “junk wax” era before the market truly took off.

While PSA did not begin grading and encapsulating sports cards until 1991, by the mid-1990s they had become the undisputed leader in third party grading of vintage and modern sports cards. Submitting 1992 Score cards to PSA allows collectors to verify the condition and authenticity of these nearly 30 year old cardboard treasures. PSA slabs provide authentication, documentation of condition, and liquidity/ease of resale that raw loose cards cannot offer. This has helped propel 1992 Score cards, especially high graded examples, to new heights in terms of collectibility and value over the past decade.

Gem mint PSA 10 versions of star 1992 Score cards routinely sell for thousands of dollars or more. These include Hall of Famers like Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and others. Even more modest star veterans can command prices in the hundreds for PSA 10 examples. Due to their increased rarity and intrinsic appeal, PSA 10 rookie cards from the 1992 Score set command prices reaching five figures or higher for stars like Frank Thomas, Jeff Bagwell, and Mark McGwire. On the collectors market, raw 1992 Score cards in near mint to mint condition also sell, but for a fraction of the value of a PSA authenticated and graded version.

When submitting 1992 Score cards to PSA for grading, there are several factors that can impact the assigned grade: centering – how perfectly centered the image of the player is within the borders of the card; corners – how sharp and undamaged the four corners of the card are; edges – how smooth and roll-free the edges of the card appear; and surface – how clean and free of any print defects, lines, scratches or clouding the surface of the card appears. PSA uses a 1-10 point grading scale, with 10 being flawless “Gem Mint” and 1 being badly worn. Cards graded between 8-9 are considered near mint, 7 near mint-mint, 6-5 mint, and 4-3 excellent-very good. Anything below a 3 has significant flaws.

Factors like production quality, cardboard composition, and care/storage over the decades all play a role in the potential condition and grade of 1992 Score cards today. The very best preserved examples often came straight from wax packs into protective holders. Others may have endured damage from years in attics, basements or binders. No matter the original condition, the PSA grading process provides collectors a consistent, trusted evaluation of the remaining eye appeal and value potential of these almost 30 year old cards.

High grade 1992 Score PSA population reports give collectors an idea about the relative rarity of different graded examples. While PSA 10 rookie cards are incredibly scarce, it’s still possible with some 1992 Score cards to obtain a PSA 9 or 8 grade representative of either a star veteran, solid minor leaguer, or an early career example of a future Hall of Famer. Lower grade options still maintain value as part of a rainbow collection indicating the encapsulated card has been formally graded and protected by PSA.

Whether going after a sought-after PSA 10 rookie, locating a first Bowman/rookie card of an all-time great in a middle grade, or just adding PSA verified pieces to a rainbow set, the 1992 Score baseball card issue has grown into one of the most enduring and valuable sports card sets in recent collecting history thanks to strong player selection and the authentication/grading services provided by PSA over the past few decades. Demand for graded 1992 Score baseball cards shows no sign of slowing down as the set approaches its 30th anniversary.

1988 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 1988 Score baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and desirables sets from the junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While most cards from sets released during this time period are fairly common and hold little monetary value today, there are a select few 1988 Score cards that have attained significant value over the years to become the most expensive and sought after from the set. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable 1988 Score baseball cards and why they have attained such prestige.

Heading the list of the most valuable 1988 Score cards is none other than the Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the greatest rookie card of all-time, the Ken Griffey Jr. RC from 1988 Score is the undisputed star of the set. In pristine mint condition, Griffey Jr.’s rookie now commands prices well into the thousands of dollars. What makes this card so special is that it captures Jr. at the very beginning of what became one of the most electrifying careers in baseball history. Griffey was destined for superstardom from a young age and this is the first trading card to feature the future Hall of Famer. Even in well-worn condition, a Griffey Jr. 1988 Score RC can sell for hundreds due to its sheer historical significance. In gem mint 10 grade, online auction prices for this coveted rookie have currently been known to exceed $15,000.

Another extremely valuable 1988 Score card is that of slugging outfielder José Canseco. As one of the first true “superstars” of the steroid era, Canseco made an immediate impact after debuting with Oakland in 1985. His power numbers quickly rose up the stats ladder and by the late 80s, Canseco was one of the most feared power hitters in baseball. His 1988 Score issue chronicles what was arguably the first season of his prime, as José slugged 42 home runs and drove in 124 runs on his way to American League MVP honors. High grade Canseco rookies from this set can sell for well over $1,000. Like Griffey Jr., Canseco’s card became one of the most identifiable from the entire 1988 Score checklist due to his early superstardom.

Staying in the Athletics organization, perhaps the third most expensive 1988 Score card is that of slugging first baseman/DH Mark McGwire. Big Mac’s rookie season was 1987 so by 1988 he had fully established himself as a force in the middle of the Oakland order. That season he belted 33 home runs and knocked in 95 runs while batting .289, displaying the raw power that would later break baseball’s single season home run record. Pristine McGwire rookies from Donruss and Topps are worth thousands, and his more common 1988 Score issue still fetches big money in high grades – recently selling for around $800-$900 in mint condition. It’s a significant card as one of the final trading cards to feature McGwire before he went on to smash Maris’ record in 1998.

Shifting to the National League, one of the iconic rookie cards of the late 80s/early 90s that comes from the 1988 Score set is that of “Nails” Dwight Gooden. Having already accomplished so much at such a young age after bursting onto the scene in 1984 and winning the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards, Gooden was electric on the mound for the New York Mets entering 1988. This Score rookie captured “Doc” at the absolute height of his powers before injuries started to derail his career. In pristine condition, a Gooden 1988 Score rookie card can sell for $500-600 due to its ties to one of the most dominant pitchers across the 1980s. It remains one of the most visually striking and memorable of all his rookie cards issued.

Rounding out the top five most valuable 1988 Score cards is the rookie issue of power-hitting slugger Mark Grace. While not achieving the superstar status of the aforementioned players, Grace put together a very respectable career highlighted by his prowess at the plate and as a versatile defender at first base. He would go on to play 16 seasons in the majors and capture the 1989 National League batting title. His 1988 Score rookie neatly chronicles Grace’s debut season with the Chicago Cubs and fetches $350-450 in top grades due to its status as the first card issued of the future All-Star. Like other rookies on this list, it holds significance for showcasing a player at the start of what became a memorable big league tenure.

While 1988 Score contained almost 800 total baseball cards released during the junk wax era, it’s these select few rookies and star players that have stood the test of time to become the true gems of the set. Cards like Griffey Jr, Canseco, McGwire, Gooden, and Grace earn top dollar today because they captured iconic players at the exact moment they were emerging as future Hall of Famers or all-time greats. Nearly 35 years later, the 1988 Score checklist remains beloved for chroncling some of the biggest names to ever play the game.