The 1989 Fleer baseball card set was the last Fleer set released before Upper Deck launched and disrupted the baseball card industry the following year. After over a decade of producing sets alongside Topps, Fleer’s dominance was coming to an end. The 1989 set remains a fun relic from the “junk wax” era that saw unprecedented production levels.
The set contains 792 total cards including 24 rookie cards and runs the gamut from stars to seldom-heard-of prospects. Some of the top rookies included Gregg Olson, Derek Bell, David West, and Gregg Jefferies. The design features large colorful photos on a white background with team logos at the top. Simple yet effective for its time, it encapsulates the no-frills aesthetic of late 80s/early 90s Fleer sets.
In terms of value for the average card in the set, most commons and even most stars can be acquired for under $1 in near mint condition. There are a handful of standouts that command much higher prices. Let’s take a look at some of the top 1989 Fleer cards and their respective value:
Ken Griffey Jr. RC – Perhaps the most beloved and valuable card from the whole junk wax era. Even as one of the most printed cards ever, Griffey’s rookie commands big bucks due to his iconic status. Near mint copies routinely sell for $100-200. Higher grades can reach well into the thousands.
Frank Thomas RC – While not quite as beloved as Junior, Thomas was also a true superstar and his rookie is very popular. Near mint copies sell in the $30-50 range with Gem Mint bringing over $100.
Gregg Maddux – One of the best pitchers ever who racked up over 300 wins. His base card isn’t too pricey at $5-10 but higher grades can hit $20-30.
Rickey Henderson – Another true legend and one of the most exciting players of all time. Rickey’s base ‘89 Fleer card sells for $10-15 near mint.
Nolan Ryan – Even at the end of his illustrious career, King Nolan’s cards hold value due to his iconic status. His base ‘89 Fleer sells for $5-10 near mint.
Barry Bonds – A rookie appearing very early in his record-setting career. Near mint copies trade hands for $10-15 currently.
Roberto Alomar RC – One of the finest second basemen ever who could also hit. His RC has found a home in the $15-25 range near mint.
Jeff Bagwell RC – Bagwell may be overshadowed by the superstars around him but he was truly elite in his own right. His RC hover around $15-25 in a PSA 8 or Beckett graded near mint.
Dennis Eckersley – One of the best closers ever now sporting an A’s cap after years with the Red Sox & Cubs. ‘Eck’ commands $5-10 in near mint.
Will Clark – The one-time Giant and perennial All-Star slugger’s 1989 base card sells for $5-10.
Beyond the stars, there are dozens of cards in the set that offer value for specialists or team collectors. Autograph cards have also become popular targets for authentication and grading which can exponentially increase prices. While not as valuable as some other flagship sets, 1989 Fleer remains a budget-friendly vintage release with some true star power still holding on to relevance over 30 years later. For fans of the era or team-specific pc’s, it’s a fun relic to rediscover.
While immense production has suppressed overall values compared to modern releases – some true superstars and key rookies from the 1989 Fleer set can still deliver returns for savvy collectors. Condition is critical, with high end NM-MT+ or true gem mint copies commanding the best prices. But overall it remains a nostalgic and budget-friendly set to build or flip, without breaking the bank to acquire the majority of the base roster.
