The 1989 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the more iconic sets from the late 1980s. While it may not reach the heights of the classic 1952 Topps or 1968 Topps sets in terms of nostalgia and demand, the 1989 Fleer set remains popular among collectors due to the stars it features from that era of baseball. The 1989 season saw notable storylines like the World Series matchup between the Athletics and Giants, Rickey Henderson breaking Lou Brock’s stolen base record, and Roger Clemens winning his third Cy Young award. This set does an excellent job memorializing that specific year in MLB. As with any set from decades past, certain cards have increased substantially in value while others have held or lost value over time. Here’s a closer look at some of the top 1989 Fleer baseball cards and their estimated values in today’s market:
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (1989 Fleer #416): Widely considered one of the most iconic rookie cards ever produced, Griffey’s debut Fleer cardboard is the clear grail card from the 1989 set. In pristine mint condition, this rookie fetches upwards of $10,000. Even well-centered excellent-very good copies can sell for $2,000-$4,000. Griffey would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie is surely one of the best investments from the junk wax era.
Nolan Ryan inserts (#109, #155): Fleer took a unique approach with its inserts in 1989, focusing on specific accomplishments rather than traditional parallels. The two most coveted were recognizing Nolan Ryan’s 5,000th and 5,100th strikeouts. In gem mint, these can each bring in $1,000-$2,000 with the 5,100th K card carrying a slight premium.
Rickey Henderson (#401): Much like Griffey’s, Rickey’s base rookie from 1981 Fleer is one of the most iconic in the hobby. While not quite reaching Griffey hype, a pristine Rickey Henderson from 1989 still fetches $500-800. Very good-excellent copies sell in the $200-$400 range.
Roger Clemens (#433): The Rocket won his third Cy Young in 1989 and his card typically follows Rickey’s in terms of values. Near-mint Clemens rookies sell between $150-400, with especially well-centered examples fetching up to $500-600.
Ozzie Smith (#73): Despite being well past his rookie season, cards of the slick-fielding Wizard remain popular with collectors. His 1989 holds steady value of $50-150 in near-mint or better condition.
Frank Thomas (#237): Some consider Frank The Big Hurt’s rookie season to actually be in 1990 Topps Traded rather than this 1989 Fleer issue. Still, his impressive rookie stats make for an attractive cardboard. Near-mint Thomas rookies trade hands for $40-100.
Will Clark (#129): The former Giant first baseman is revered on the West Coast and his 1989 base card maintains value between $10-30 NM/MT.
Barry Bonds (#144): At the beginning of his superstar career, Bonds’ 1989 Fleer is still affordable for most collectors. Very good+ examples change hands for $5-15.
Base Set Cards: Outside the star rookies and veterans, most base cards from the 1989 Fleer set hold little monetary value in today’s market. There are a few exceptions that command a bit more:
Benito Santiago (#222) – The 1987 NL Rookie of the Year’s cardboard peaks around $15-20 NM/MT.
Gregg Jefferies (#305) – An underrated star during his time with the Mets, his late ’80s issues trade around $10-15.
Bo Jackson (#348) – One of the bigger names from the era outside traditional baseball, his 1989 values hover around $5-10.
As with most vintage sets, it’s wise to assess condition carefully when buying or selling. Even small flaws can drastically decrease worth for the high-end cards. But for collectors seeking iconic rookies and stars from baseball’s late-80s/early-90s peak, the 1989 Fleer set delivers on nostalgia and investment potential. Grading valuable cards is also recommended to confirm condition and further protect their long-term worth. But for now, this set remains affordable for most hobbyists to build or rebuild their childhood collections.
