The 1989 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most iconic issues of the late 1980s. While it did not feature any rookies that would go on to superstardom, the set contained many valuable veteran cards that remain highly sought after by collectors over 30 years later. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best and most valuable cards from the 1989 Donruss baseball release.
Perhaps the most notable card from the set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. While Griffey Jr. was still a few years away from breaking out as one of the game’s true superstars in 1989, collectors recognized his obvious talent and five-tool skillset. As a result, his rookie card quickly became a highly coveted and valuable piece for collectors even before “The Kid” solidified himself as a true legend of the game. PSA 10 gem mint copies of Griffey’s rookie now sell for over $1,000, showing its longevity as one of the iconic rookie cards of the late 80s/early 90s era.
Another rookie card that holds value from the 1989 Donruss set is that of Gary Sheffield. While Sheffield never reached the superstar heights of Griffey, he did carve out a very respectable 21-year career in the majors and established himself as a perennial All-Star and Silver Slugger award winning outfielder/third baseman. Sheffield’s memorable swing and prodigious power made him a fan favorite, and his rookie card remains a key piece for collectors looking to own a card from one of the game’s most feared hitters of the 1990s and 2000s. High-grade Sheffield rookies can sell in the $100-200 range.
In terms of veteran cards, few hold as much sustained value as the Nolan Ryan issue from the 1989 Donruss set. Arguably baseball’s most legendary flamethrower, Ryan was still in the early years of his record-setting career with the Texas Rangers in 1989. Any Ryan card from his playing days holds value, but copies of his ’89 Donruss card consistently deliver for collectors. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $500, a true testament to Ryan’s star power and the iconic images of him dealing on this particular card design.
Another Texas Rangers star who greatly increased his market value in the late 1980s was slugger Juan Gonzalez. After breaking out with a 30 home run season in 1988, Gonzalez had fully emerged as one of baseball’s most feared right-handed bats by 1989. His dominance at the plate is captured on his ’89 Donruss issue, making it a must-own for Rangers collectors as well as Gonzalez enthusiasts. High-grade copies can reach the $100-150 range.
While the rookie class of 1989 may not have had any true superstars, it did feature several solid longtime big leaguers whose cards hold nice value decades later such as Jeff Bagwell, Tom Glavine, and Greg Maddux. The star power, however, came from veteran greats of the era. No card exemplifies this better than the Kirby Puckett issue from the set. Having just led the Twins to a breathtaking World Series victory in 1987 and 1988, Puckett had become the face of Minnesota baseball. His iconic smile and perennial All-Star production made any Puckett card highly coveted, with his ’89 Donruss among the most iconic images of the fan favorite. Graded PSA 10 examples can reach or exceed $500 due to Puckett’s enduring popularity.
The 1980s produced some of the game’s most charismatic superstars, and few shined brighter during that era than Oakland A’s slugger Jose Canseco. Having just won the 1988 American League MVP and led the A’s “Bash Brothers” attack, Canseco was the most feared power hitter in baseball during his ’89 Donruss issue year. Any card capturing the muscular outfielder in his athletic prime holds great nostalgia and nostalgia for 1980s baseball fans. High-grade Canseco cards can reach near $100 despite some off-the-field issues later staining his legacy.
Of course, no discussion of the 1980s is complete without mentioning the great Roger Clemens. Arguably the best pitcher of that decade, Clemens’ domination on the mound for the Boston Red Sox translated to great demand for his rookie and star cards from the era. His ’89 Donruss issue depicts the Rocket mid-windup, exhibiting the frenetic delivery that befuddled hitters for over two decades. PSA 10 versions often reach $200 due to Clemens’ Hall of Fame career and place as an icon of 1980s/1990s baseball.
While lacking breakout rookies, the 1989 Donruss set endures because of its capturing so many veteran superstars of that era at the absolute peak of their powers and popularity. Featuring career-defining images of players like Griffey, Ryan, Puckett, Gonzalez, Canseco, and Clemens, it provides a true time capsule back to 1980s on-field excellence. Combined with the aesthetics of the classic late 80s Donruss design, key cards from this set will remain baseball collecting cornerstones for decades to come.
