The 1989 Fleer baseball card set is one of the most iconic and popular of the late 80s/early 90s era. Fleer’s design and photography captured the nostalgia that baseball card collectors continue to love to this day. The 1989 cards hold value and can still be found in collections and on the secondary market.
Released in March of 1989, the Fleer set featured 660 total cards including 652 base cards and 8 additional short print cards. The most notable highlights were rookie cards of Barry Bonds, Bob Welch, Craig Biggio, and Jeff Bagwell. Mark McGwire was in his third Fleer season after debuting in 1987 Topps. Ken Griffey Jr. continued his rise with his third Fleer issue card in 1989 as well.
Fleer’s photography and design created a truly vintage baseball card aesthetic. With grainy black and white images and simple borders, the 1989 cards evoke a nostalgic feel that transports collectors back to the ballparks of late 80s MLB. Fleer’s exclusive license with MLB allowed for crisp action shots and posed portraits with great uniform and stadium detail. Many consider the 1989 Fleer design among the most iconic of the entire baseball card genre.
In recent years, as interest in vintage sports cards has boomed, the 1989 Fleer set has risen in popularity and secondary market value. Of the 652 base cards, the most sought after and valuable on the modern market include the star rookie cards and key veterans of the era. Here’s a look at some of the top 1989 Fleer cards that routinely sell on eBay:
Barry Bonds Rookie Card: As one of the greatest players of all-time, Bonds’ rookie is extremely scarce in high grade. PSA 10 examples regularly sell for $3,000+. Lower graded copies still fetch $100+.
Ken Griffey Jr: While not technically a rookie, Griffey’s third year Fleer remains a highly desired vintage issue. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $1,000.
Mark McGwire: Before becoming the star of the home run chase, McGwire’s cards were affordable. But interest in his early career has increased values. PSA 10 copies sell around $500-600.
Roger Clemens: The Rocket was already an Ace by 1989. His Fleer is iconic from the era. High graded PSA/BGS copies can reach $300-500.
Nolan Ryan: King of the K’s continued delivering in his late 30s. As one of the all-time greats, his ’89 commands $100-200 in top grades.
Ozzie Smith: A stalwart of the 1980s Cardinals. The Wizard’s glovework made him popular and his Fleer goes for around $75-150 graded.
Don Mattingly: The Yankee first baseman was a superstar of the day. Strong grades of his ’89 still pull in $75-150.
Kirby Puckett, Wade Boggs: Twin and Red Sox stars from the late 80s/early 90s. Their ’89 Fleers sell for $60-100 graded.
Randy Johnson: One of the earliest looks at “The Big Unit” as he broke in with the Mariners. Values have grown to $50-75 PSA/BGS.
Dennis Eckersley: Before closing, Eck was a standout starter. His ’89 rates around $50-75 in high grade.
While the above examples are some of the most sought after 1989 Fleer cards, there is value to be found throughout the entire set on eBay if you’re willing to search. Condition is still king, but raw or lower graded copies of stars from the era can often be acquired for $10-25. For teams like the A’s, Blue Jays, and Mets – whose players are nostalgically tied to 1989 – there are affordable collecting and investment opportunities as interest in vintage memorabilia increases. Whether you’re looking for a specific star player, aiming to complete the set, or searching for affordable nostalgia – Fleer’s iconic 1989 baseball issue provides fun and diverse options for collectors on eBay.
