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The 1990s was a golden era for baseball, with many legendary players gracing the field, from Hall of Famers like Frank Thomas and Cal Ripken Jr. to rising stars like Sammy Sosa and Bo Jackson; the decade produced some of the best talents in the sport’s history.
As a result, baseball cards from this period are highly sought after by fans and collectors alike. In this article, we take a look at the 10 best baseball cards from the 1990s.
Ten Memorable Baseball Rookie Cards From The 1990s To Invest In
1990 Topps Frank Thomas Rookie Card #414
The 1990 Topps #414 Frank Thomas Rookie Card is a must-have for any serious collector or fan of the “Big Hurt”. This card showcases the baseman’s iconic keeping stance and is the cornerstone of any Frank Thomas or Chicago White Sox collection. With its crisp design, this card is a true gem from one of the most celebrated decades in baseball history.
Thomas’ induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014 only adds to the value and prestige of this sought-after rookie card. And for those lucky enough to come across the error variant, lacking Frank Thomas’ name on the front, it is a remarkably uncommon find and highly prized by collectors willing to pay a premium price for this rare treasure.
1990 Topps USA George Bush #1
The 1990 Topps USA#1 George Bush card is a highly collectible non-sports card that features a youthful portrait of the former U.S. President. Topps printed this card in a limited run, with a reported 100 or so in circulation. The image on the front of the card showcases President Bush’s college days at Yale, wearing his college uniform. The front of the card includes the text “George Bush” in white on a red background and the Topps logo in the upper right corner.
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In 1989, the chairman of Topps, Arthur Shorin, presented a binder containing several of these cards to President Bush, making them even more special and rare. The cards gifted to the White House are said to have a glossy finish, adding to their uniqueness and value.
1990 Topps Ken Griffey Jr. #336
The 1990 Topps #336 Ken Griffey Jr. card is a scarce and collectible piece of baseball memorabilia featuring one of the greatest players of all time in his rookie season. This card features a color image of Griffey Jr. in his Seattle Mariners uniform, swinging a bat. The front of the card includes the text “Ken Griffey Jr.” in white on a blue background and the Topps logo in the upper right corner.
As one of the best players of his era, Ken Griffey Jr. remains one of the most popular and beloved players. His 1990 Topps rookie card is sure to be a valuable and cherished addition to any collection.
1990 Topps Frank Thomas Rookie Card #414
Frank Thomas was not initially recognized as the best MLB rookie in 1990, but it didn’t take long for him to prove himself as a force to be reckoned with. With a performance that saw him finish third in MVP voting, batting .318 with 32 home runs, 104 runs scored, and 109 RBI, Thomas cemented his reputation as a well-rounded hitter.
The 1990 Topps #414 Frank Thomas Rookie Card is a prized gem among baseball card collectors. With its colorful image of Thomas swinging a bat in his iconic Chicago White Sox uniform, this card is a testament to the power and popularity of the “Big Hurt.” The blue and white text on the front of the card, reading “Frank Thomas,” only adds to its appeal. But the true rarity of this card lies in the error variant, where Thomas’ name is omitted from the front.
1990 Topps Mark McGwire #690
1990 Topps #690 Mark McGwire card features a color image of McGwire in his Oakland Athletics uniform, ready to hit a home run. The front of the card includes the text “Mark McGwire” in white on a blue background and the Topps logo in the upper right corner.
The back of the card provides detailed statistics and information about McGwire’s 1990 season, including his impressive home run total of 39. Whether you’re a fan of Mark McGwire or just a collector of baseball cards, this rare card is an excellent choice.
1990 Topps Sammy Sosa Rookie Card #692
He began his professional baseball career in the 1985 season and quickly established himself as one of the game’s premier power hitters, finishing with 609 career home runs.
Sosa is perhaps best known for his record-breaking 1998 season, in which he and fellow slugger Mark McGwire chased Roger Maris’ single-season home run record. Sosa ultimately finished with 66 home runs that year, earning the National League MVP award.
Whether you’re a fan of Sosa or just a collector of baseball cards, the 1990 Topps #692 Sammy Sosa Rookie Card is an excellent choice that will increase in value over time.
1990 Topps Larry Walker Rookie Card #757
Larry played for the Montreal Expos, Colorado Rockies, and St. Louis Cardinals, earning seven Gold Gloves and three National League batting titles. Walker was also a five-time All-Star, and in 1997 he became the first Canadian to win a National League MVP award.
The back of the 1990 Topps #757 Larry Walker Rookie Card provides a brief overview of his career, including his impressive stats and accomplishments. With a lifetime batting average of .313, 383 home runs, and 1,311 RBI, Walker is considered one of the greatest hitters in the game’s history. The card’s rarity and high demand make it a valuable investment that is sure to increase in value.
1990 Topps Nolan Ryan #1
Ryan was one of the most dominant pitchers in the history of Major League Baseball, and his Topps card from 1990 is a testament to his storied career. The front of the card features a striking image of Ryan in his Texas Rangers uniform, ready to unleash his famous fastball.
Ryan holds numerous records, including the most career strikeouts, the most no-hitters thrown, and the most seasons leading the league in strikeouts. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers of all time.
The 1990 Topps #1 Nolan Ryan card is a testament to Ryan’s greatness on the field and a valuable addition to any baseball card collection.
1990 Topps Bo Jackson #300
Featuring a color image of Jackson in his Kansas City Royals uniform, the card captures the raw athleticism and energy that would soon make him a household name. Despite suffering a season-ending hip injury in 1991, Jackson’s talent and charisma made him a fan favorite and one of the most memorable athletes of his era.
Bo Jackson’s 1990 Topps Rookie Card is a must-have for fans of the Royals, the two-sport star, or anyone who appreciates the unique combination of speed, power, and natural ability that Jackson brought to the game. With its eye-catching design and detailed statistics, this card is a testament to one of the most electrifying athletes of all time.
1990 Topps Cal Ripken Jr. #570
Ripken Jr. was a 19-time All-Star, a two-time AL MVP, a Gold Glove winner, and a Silver Slugger winner. In his first year of eligibility, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007, with 98.5% of the vote.
This card features a stunning image of Ripken in his Orioles uniform, showcasing his mighty swing and athletic ability. The front of the card includes the text “Cal Ripken Jr.” in white against a blue background and the iconic Topps logo in the upper right corner.
The 1990 Topps #570 Cal Ripken Jr. card is a testament to the player’s legendary career and a reminder of a time when baseball was amidst great change.