The 1989 season was a monumental year for baseball rookie cards as it introduced baseball fans to future hall of famers and all-time great players. While decades have passed, several young stars from the ’89 set have stood the test of time and their rookie cards remain highly sought after by collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable 1989 baseball rookie cards worth pursuing for any collection.
Ken Griffey Jr. – Arguably the most iconic and valuable card from the 1989 set is the Griffey Jr. rookie. Widely considered one of the greatest players of all-time, expectations were high for Junior coming into the league after being the No. 1 pick in the 1987 draft. He didn’t disappoint either in his rookie year with Oakland, slashing .264/.324/.443 with 16 home runs in just 109 games. Griffey would go on to have a legendary 22-year career mostly with the Mariners and Reds. The low serial number and near-perfect condition examples of his rookie card now routinely sell for over $10,000. PSA 10 versions have even cracked $100K.
Greg Maddux – While he didn’t debut until September of 1988, Maddux’ more prominent role in 1989 makes it his true rookie season. The future355 career wins and 4 Cy Young award winner announced his arrival by going 18-8 for the Cubs with a 2.95 ERA. As one of the greatest pitchers ever, his ’89 Fleer card remains highly collectible. High grade PSA 9s sell for $500-800 while a PSA 10 recently went for $2,600. Condition is key as lower grades can be found for under $100.
Tom Glavine – Like Maddux, Glavine appeared briefly in ’88 but ’89 marked his true rookie campaign. The crafty lefty went 5-1 with a sparkling 2.77 ERA for the Braves in his first extended look. Glavine would become a 300-game winner and 2-time Cy Young award winner as the ace of those great Atlanta staffs. Despite strong demand, his rookie card has lagged Griffey and Maddux in value – PSA 10s trade in the $300-600 range currently. Still, a true jewel for any collection.
Roberto Alomar – While he spent most of 1988 in the minors, Alomar made his mark on the big league scene in ’89 by batting .277 with 11 homers and 54 RBI for the Padres. He was just getting started on what became a likely Hall of Fame career mostly with the Blue Jays and Orioles. The smooth second baseman’s ‘89 Fleer Update issue rookie has gained traction in recent years, with PSA 9s reaching $150-250 and a PSA 10 looking for $500-700.
Dennis Eckersley – “Eck” transitioned from starter to dominating closer later in his career, but his rookie card honored him in the rotation. The future AL Cy Young and MVP got his career rolling in 1989 by going 12-9 with a 3.95 ERA for the A’s. As a key piece of Oakland’s dynasty, his rookie card is a sought-after piece for teams sets. Higher graded versions PSA 8-9 can be found in the $60-150 range.
Barry Larkin – One of the all-time great Reds shortstops, Larkin took the National League by storm in his rookie campaign of ’89 with a .273 average, 33 stolen bases and Gold Glove defense. He was just the beginning of a Hall of Fame career in Cincinnati. Larkin’s ‘89 Score rookie remains surprisingly inexpensive considering his elite status, with PSA 8s going for $40-60. PSA 10s have seen recent prices up to $300 but demand could surge higher.
Andres Galarraga – Big Cat arrived on the scene with 20 home runs and 105 RBI in 1989 as the rookie anchor of the Montreal Expos lineup. Galarraga also led the league with 199 hits that season. While injuries slowed him down later, his impressive rookie campaign made him a fan favorite. His ’89 Donruss issue can be easily obtained graded or ungraded under $20 still.
Sandy Alomar Jr. – The slick-fielding catcher contributed heavily to the Indians’ playoff runs later in the 90s. But in 1989, he showcased his talents by batting .303 in his first season. Alomar’s rookie card isn’t a high dollar prize at this point, with PSA 8s trading around $30-50 currently. But it remains an affordable piece from the star’s early years behind the dish.
There were some other noteworthy rookies like Juan Gonzalez, Randy Myers, and Scott Cooper who debuted as well in 1989. But the combination of stars, HoFers, and critical rookie season performances of Griffey, Maddux, Glavine, and others have cemented the 1989 baseball card set as a must-have for collectors both young and old. While the ultra-premium Griffey and Maddux cards may be out of reach except for the most dedicated, there are still affordable options to be had that could rise in value down the road as well. The ‘89s remain a powerful reminder of one of the golden eras in baseball card history.
