The 1989 Kmart baseball card collection has become a favorite amongst baseball card collectors and vintage card enthusiasts. While not as well known as flagship releases from Topps or Fleer during the late 1980s, the ’89 Kmart set holds a nostalgic appeal and featured some iconic players from that era.
Released exclusively through Kmart stores, the 1989 baseball card collection contained 330 total cards printed on thick, high quality cardboard stock. The set featured players from both the American and National Leagues and included stars, rookies, and even some lesser known players. Design-wise, the cards had a simple but classic look with the team logo prominently displayed on a solid color background above the player photo. Stats and fun facts were listed on the back of each card.
Perhaps the biggest draw of the ’89 Kmart set was the inclusion of rookie cards for future Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr. and Greg Maddux. Griffey’s rookie is one of the most coveted and iconic baseball cards ever printed and his 1989 Kmart RC carries substantial value in high grade. Maddux would go on to have a legendary pitching career and win 4 Cy Young awards, making his ’89 Kmart rookie a must-have for collectors of the Braves ace. Other notable rookies in the set included Bobby Thigpen, Gary Sheffield, and Darrin Jackson.
In addition to rookies, the 1989 Kmart collection featured many of the game’s biggest stars from the late 1980s. Players like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Rickey Henderson, and Tony Gwynn were prominently featured. The Dodgers and Mets of that era were well represented with cards of Mike Scioscia, Kirk Gibson, Darryl Strawberry, and Dwight Gooden. The collection also included cards honoring legendary veterans like Nolan Ryan in his final MLB season and Reggie Jackson near the end of his illustrious career.
One unique aspect of the 1989 Kmart set was the inclusion of special promotion inserts. Throughout the 330 card base set, collectors could find special “Kmart Champions” inserts highlighting the most valuable player or top pitcher from each MLB team. These prestigious insert cards added another layer of challenges for collectors seeking to complete the set. Other special insert series in the ’89 Kmart collection paid tribute to all-time greats like Mickey Mantle and honored Negro League legends.
While produced exclusively for Kmart, the 1989 baseball card collection was sold individually for 49 cents per pack or available in discounted factory sets. This high availability at a major retailer led to a huge number of these cards being produced, circulated, and collected during that time period. The set never received the same limelight as other mainstream releases. Over the decades since, appreciation and demand for the ’89 Kmart set has grown significantly amongst collectors seeking out more obscure vintage issues.
In mint condition, particularly the Griffey and Maddux rookies remain quite valuable today. Most examples from 1989 Kmart sets found in collectors’ old shoeboxes and collections are well-loved but not in top graded shape. Even slightly played copies of stars and key rookies maintain substantial nostalgic appeal for collectors. When found in large factory sets or team sets, the entire 1989 Kmart collection can also carry value due its historic signifigance within the world of 1980s baseball cards.
After only a one year run in 1989, Kmart discontinued their own exclusive baseball card line. For fans and collectors of that late 80s MLB era, the retailer’s single release holds a beloved spot. The cards transported many kids back to summer afternoons watching their favorite players and introduced future hobbyists to the dawn of a new decade in baseball history. Over three decades later, the nostalgia and iconic moments captured in the 1989 Kmart baseball card set ensure it remains a highlight for those seeking out memorable pieces of sports card history from years past.
