The 1989 Donruss baseball card set was released at the beginning of that MLB season and contained 330 cards that covered players, managers, and teams from the American and National Leagues. This set came during the height of the baseball card boom period of the late 1980s when the hobby was immensely popular. As a result, the 1989 Donruss cards were produced in extremely high numbers and there is an abundance of these still available today on the secondary market. That does not mean they lack value, especially for the most coveted rookie cards and stars of the era. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top cards from the 1989 Donruss set and what their current estimated values are.
One of the marquee rookie cards from 1989 Donruss is Ken Griffey Jr. Playing his first season with the Seattle Mariners that year, Griffey took the baseball world by storm with his incredible all-around skills and swagger in the outfield. Numerous baseball observers feel he was the best pure talent the game has seen. In PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, his rookie now sells for around $1,000. Even in lower grades of PSA 8 or Beckett 8, it still fetches $250-350 showing its enduring popularity. Few rookie cards hold value as well as this iconic one of the legendary “Junior”.
Another highly desired rookie is Tom Glavine’s. The left-handed pitcher went on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Atlanta Braves, winning two Cy Young Awards. Glavine’s 1989 Donruss rookie in top PSA 10 grade moves for $500-700. Most graded copies sell for $150-250 still making it a valuable card relative to print run. For Braves collectors especially, this is an important one to own. Bonds’ rookie from same year in PSA 10 can exceed $2,000 due to his all-time legendary power and controversy surrounding steroid era.
Key veterans from the set with strong sustained values are Rickey Henderson and Wade Boggs. Arguably the greatest leadoff hitter and base stealer ever, Henderson entertained fans for over two decades. His 1989 Donruss PSA 10 goes between $300-450. Excellent contact hitter Boggs won multiple batting titles and his PSA 10 is $150-250 range. Both remained prolific producers well after the late 80s boom losing little collector interest. For star pitchers, Orel Hershiser’s near-perfect 1988 season made his 1989 Donruss card an anchor. A PSA 10 is $150-250 showing durability.
Two other superstars whose 1989 Donruss cards hold up are Barry Bonds and Nolan Ryan. Bonds was just entering his prime but was already feared for his gap power. His PSA 10 is reliably $100-200. Ryan was in his 40s but still flummoxing hitters with triple-digit heat. As the all-time strikeout king, collectibles of “The Ryan Express” have longevity. Even a low-grade PSA 5-6 of his 1989 Donruss pulls $30-50 easily. These cards prove star power endures beyond fleeting trends in the market.
Among rookie pitchers from the set, Greg Maddux has aged quite gracefully as well. Widely regarded as one of the smartest and most consistent hurlers ever, the 355-game winner dominated well into his 30s. His ’89 Donruss PSA 10 is valued at $250-350 demonstrating his sustained legend status. The rookie cards of Cubs shortstop Shawon Dunston ($40-80 PSA 10) and outfielder Jerome Walton, who won NL Rookie of the Year award in 1989 ($50-100 PSA 10), have respectable values reflecting their strong debut seasons. Walton’s stock has risen recently with Cubs’ renewed success and interest in their history.
While produced in massive numbers, the 1989 Donruss set still has plenty of collector value concentrated in the prized rookie cards and veterans who cemented Hall of Fame careers. Star power and performance sustains fascination with these cardboard slices of baseball history. Plus, nostalgia for the peak of the bubble era sustains collectors’ passion. For complete set builders too, it remains obtainable to acquire the full 330 card collection in lower grades. Even as just common players, the 1989 Donruss cards aid in documenting this pivotal period in baseball and the card/memorabilia industry’s boom and bust.
