The 1989 Bowman baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues in the modern era.Released at the tail end of the late 1980s boom, the ’89 Bowman set showcased rising young stars and fan favorites from that season. While the overall print run for the set was high, certain short printed rookie cards and stars of the day have stood the test of time in becoming highly sought after by collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable 1989 Bowman baseball cards that can fetch big money today if in pristine Near Mint to Mint condition.
Ken Griffey Jr. RC BVG 9.5 – Leading off our list is perhaps the most iconic and valuable baseball card of the modern era – the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card from the 1989 Bowman set. Widely considered one of if not the best player of his generation, Griffey was a true five-tool phenom ready to take Major League Baseball by storm coming out of high school. His rookie card perfectly captures the promise and excitement around his immense talents. In a BVG 9.5 Gem Mint grade, Griffey’s rookie commonly sells for $10,000 or more and has reached as high as $31,800 at auction. In the coveted PSA/BGS 10 pristine mint status, comps show astronomical prices up into the six figure range like $109,500 and $126,000 due to extreme scarcity at that grade level. Junior’s ’89 Bowman RC is the crown jewel of the set and one of the most valuable modern baseball cards period.
Frank Thomas RC BVG 9 – Another star-studded rookie from the ’89 Bowman set is Frank Thomas, aka “The Big Hurt.” Like Griffey, Thomas burst onto the MLB scene and immediately became a dominant force. Power, average, and patience made him the complete package at the plate. His rookie is highly regarded and has remained a sought-after key card from the set all these years later. In a BVG 9 Near Mint+ grade, Thomas rookies can be acquired for $3,000-$4,000 range. Popping one in a BGS/PSA 10 pristine grade would net an astronomical yield, likely exceeding six figures due to the comparative scarcity to even the Griffey. The Frank Thomas RC is a verified blue chip investment for any collection and proves to only gain in value over time.
Greg Maddux RC BVG 8.5 – When discussing the all-time great pitchers of the modern era, Greg Maddux is invariably part of the conversation. The crafty righty owned pinpoint control and movement to become a consistent workhorse while playing well into his 40s career. Naturally, his rookie card from ’89 Bowman is a must-have for enthusiasts, especially high-grade examples. In a solid BVG 8.5 Near Mint grade, Greg Maddux rookie cards can sell in the $2,000 area. Popping the elusive BGS/PSA 10 would no doubt fetch a serious five figure sum or more due to the rarity of Maddux’s RC in pristine condition after all these years in hundreds of thousands of collections. He’s assuredly a part of baseball card history and earns his place on our list of valuable ’89 Bowman cards.
Tom Glavine RC BVG 8 – Another pitching stalwart’s rookie makes an impact from the ’89 Bowman checklist – Tom Glavine. Like Greg Maddux, Glavine utilized pinpoint control from the left side to dominate hitters for decades. He racked up 300 career wins and 2 Cy Young Awards between the Braves and Mets in a Hall of Fame caliber career. His rookie card remains one of the more important and collectible from the set. BVG 8 Near Mint copies can sell in the $800-$1,000 range currently. As an Atlanta sports legend, Glavine rookies only gain in significance with time. A true pristine 10 gem copy would command five figures or more on the open market.
Ben McDonald RC PSA 8 – Moving to another pitching prospect, Ben McDonald’s first card came in the ’89 Bowman set as the top college arm from Louisiana State University. He had all the tools to be an ace but injuries derailed what could have been. Still, his rookie remains an iconic piece from the issue. High-grade copies are definitely few and far between after 30+ years. A solid PSA 8 Excellent copy can be found for $500-700 depending on market conditions. Any true PSA/BGS 10 in pristine condition would likely sell for well over $1,000 due to the inherent rarity versus the number of surviving high-grade copies.
Roberto Alomar RC BVG 8 – With a career that eventually got him enshrined in Cooperstown, Roberto Alomar burst onto the MLB scene as a defensive wizard with elite contact skills as a second baseman. His ’89 Bowman rookie perfectly embodies his promise and skill set. The card has remained a hugely popular one from the set all these years later. A quality BVG 8 grade copy in Near Mint condition can sell between $300-400. Higher 9’s and true gem 10’s continue gaining value towards $1,000 figures and up given the significance of Alomar to the sport in the modern era.
Fred McGriff RC PSA 8 – Known as “Crime Dog,” Fred McGriff proved to be one of the most consistent power threats of the post-1980s era. His ’89 Bowman rookie helps exemplify why he earned the Hall of Fame’s consideration. Even in an ABOUT GEM PSA 8 grade, his rookie card brings in $200-300 depending on active bidding. Higher flawless PSA 10 gem copies can go for $1,000+ given the rarity and McGriff’s established place as a premier slugger from that vintage.
Tom Lampkin SSP BVG 8.5 – Shifting to short prints, Tom Lampkin’s card from ’89 Bowman has developed a cult following as one of the most coveted short prints from the entire set. As a Rule 5 draftee that never panned out, his production numbers were dismal. His scarcity has made the card itself highly collectible to enthusiasts. In a solid BVG 8.5 grade, Lampkin’s short print has sold for up to $800 before. Any true pristine 10 would enter four figure territory or more due to the difficulty of finding it in absolutely flawless condition so many decades later after surviving packs, cases, collections.
Andy Benes SSP PSA 9 – Andy Benes went on to have a solid, if unspectacular, MLB career largely with the San Diego Padres. His short printed rookie card has become a tremendously valuable key card from the ’89 Bowman set in its own right. In a PSA 9 Mint state, high-grade Benes SSPs can fetch $500-600 depending on market conditions. Popping the elusive perfect PSA/BGS 10 black label would likely result in a sale over $1,000 given the rarity and demand for anypristine example of this scarce short print rookie card.
While the print runs were high for 1989 Bowman overall, the rookies and short prints of future stars like Griffey, Thomas, Maddux, and others have proven to stand the test of time. Evaluating condition, demand, and supply has allowed certain key cards to emerge as titans that can yield tremendous returns for savvy collectors when high grades are slapped. The vintage and allure of the ’89 Bowman baseball set continues to this day. Keeping an eye on fluctuations in the hobby for their consistent price gains over the decades is rewarding for patient investors.
