The 1989 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the more valuable vintage issues from the late 1980s. While it doesn’t contain any true “modern” rookie cards like Griffey Jr. or Bonds rookie cards from later years, there are still several key cards from the ’89 Fleer set that can be worth significant money in high grades. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards from this set that collectors are willing to pay top dollar for today if they are well preserved and centering:
Rickey Henderson (#131) – Rickey Henderson is considered one of the greatest leadoff hitters and base-stealers of all time. His ’89 Fleer card in near mint to mint condition can fetch $50-75. A true gem mint copy might go for over $100. Henderson was still in his prime with the A’s in 1989 and put up impressive stats. This card remains highly collectible and desirable for any Rickey Henderson PC.
Kirby Puckett (#156) – Kirby Puckett was already an established star for the Twins in ’89 coming off a WS win. This is not a true rookie card but still an early Puckett issue. Mint copies in the $30-50 range are common, with a PSA 10 potentially reaching $100+. Puckett’s infectious smile and popularity in Minnesota have kept this card a steady riser in value over the years.
Dennis Eckersley (#122) – Eckersley had just come off winning the Cy Young and MVP awards in 1988 while closing for the A’s. This ’89 Fleer issue captures him in his dominant relief role. PSA 10 copies have sold for $75-100 given his legendary career. Still an affordable Eckersley collectors can add to their PC’s.
Wade Boggs (#82) – Boggs was a perennial .300 hitter for the Red Sox in the late 80s. His defense and consistency at the plate made him one of the best 3B of his generation. Higher graded copies in the $30-50 range reflect his Hall of Fame caliber career.
Roger Clemens (#63) – Still early in his dominant run with the Red Sox, Clemens was already one of the best power pitchers in the game by 1989. Mint+ copies command $30-50 in the marketplace. The Rocket’s accolades and stats have made his vintage issues worthwhile long term holds.
Tim Raines (#184) – Raines was still producing for the Expos in ’89 but hadn’t reached the peak of his career yet. As one of the best leadoff hitters of all time, his cards have increased in demand. PSA 10’s have brought $50-75 at auction given his Hall of Fame induction.
Ozzie Smith (#114) – The Wizard was a stalwart for the Cardinals and a human highlight reel at SS in 1989. His flashy defensive skills made him a fan favorite. Higher graded copies remain $30-50 cards for now due to his popularity.
Don Mattingly (#41) – Still in pinstripes in ’89, Mattingly was one of the game’s best hitters and had just led the AL in batting. Near mint+ grades bring $30-50 routinely these days. His Yankee fandom and MVP caliber prime keep this a desired vintage issue.
Nolan Ryan (#78) – Ryan was past his prime fastball years but still dealing for the Astros in ’89. His legendary status and MLB records have maintained interest in his vintage cards. PSA 10’s can get $50-75.
In addition to stars, there are also several key rookie cards in the 1989 Fleer set that can hold value long term:
Greg Maddux (#382) – Widely considered one of the best pitchers ever, Maddux’s rookie is affordable compared to others from this era. Higher graded PSA 10 copies have reached $150-200 given his dominance and Hall of Fame career.
Alex Rodriguez (#391) – A-Rod’s true rookie card came later in the same year’s Bowman issue but this is still a coveted early card. PSA 10’s are $75-100 pieces for serious A-Rod PC collectors.
The 1989 Fleer set also includes cards of other future Hall of Famers like Wade Boggs, Paul Molitor, and Dave Stewart. While not the flashiest issue of the late 80’s, it contains many stars from that era still cherished by collectors today. Graded mint copies of the top RCs and veteran stars listed above are prime targets if trying to add valuable vintage cardboard to a baseball collection on a budget. For researchers of the players and time period, it’s a fun look back at where some all-time greats were in their careers in 1989.
