The 1989 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set was released at the end of the 1988 baseball season showcasing players and teams from the American and National Leagues. The set includes cards for 264 different players as well as manager and team cards. While not quite as highly sought after as some of the classic sets from the 1950s and 1960s, the 1989 O-Pee-Chee cards can still hold value for collectors today, especially for rookie cards and stars of the late 1980s/early 1990s era of baseball.
One of the most valuable rookie cards from the 1989 O-Pee-Chee set is catcher Mike Piazza’s card. Rated as a 63 on the PSA 10 scale, Piazza’s rookie card in near mint to mint condition can fetch prices upwards of $2,000. Piazza went on to have a Hall of Fame career and is considered one of the best hitting catchers of all time. The rarity of his rookie combined with his legendary career make this one of the gems of the 1989 set.
Another highly sought after rookie is catcher Sandy Alomar Jr’s card. Alomar enjoyed a long and productive career mostly with the Cleveland Indians and was a six-time All Star. In top condition, his rookie card can sell for $450-$600 range. Outfielder Kenny Lofton’s rookie is also in demand, with PSA 10 examples bringing in $150-250. Lofton was a six-time All Star and six-time Gold Glove winner known for his speed and defense.
For star veterans of the late 80s, the most valuable 1989 O-Pee-Chee cards include Oakland A’s slugger Jose Canseco. The 1988 American League MVP’s card in pristine condition will fetch $80-150. Canseco was one of the first true “five-tool” players of his generation and helped usher in the steroid era. Chicago Cubs star Andre Dawson, nicknamed “The Hawk,” commands $70-120 for his high grade ’89 card. Dawson was the 1987 NL MVP and one of the best all-around outfielders of the 1980s.
Pitching legends Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens also have cards in the 1989 set that hold value. Ryan’s card in a PSA 10 grade can bring in $125-175 given his status as one of the all-time strikeout kings. Clemens, in his first year with the Boston Red Sox after coming over from the Red Sox, has a PSA 10 value of $80-120. Clemens would go on to win a record seven Cy Young Awards. Relief specialist Dennis Eckersley, who had a dominant season closing for the A’s in 1988 and won the Cy Young and MVP, has a $60-100 PSA 10 value.
Rookie cards that have increased in value thanks to later career success includeslugger Mo Vaughn ($100-150 PSA 10), knuckleballer Tommy Hanson ($75-125 PSA 10), and reliever Roberto Hernandez ($60-90 PSA 10). Vaughn went on to win the AL MVP and batting title in 1995, while Hernandez had a stellar career as “Goose” Gossage’s heir in relief.
In terms of team sets and parallels, the Toronto Blue Jays team card has gained value in recent years as that franchise’s glory years of the early 90s are further in the rearview mirror. A near mint example will fetch $40-75. The Boston Red Sox team card also commands $30-60 due to the team’s resurgence. For inserted parallel sets, the O-Pee-Chee Traded set spotlighting players who switched teams has increased to $15-30 per card in top condition.
While it may not have the same cachet as the classic 1950s and 1960s sets, savvy collectors have realized the appreciating value hidden within the 1989 O-Pee-Chee issue. Rookie cards of future stars, dominant veterans of the late 80s, and key team cards can make this an undervalued set poised to increase in the collectibles market for years to come. For players like Piazza, Alomar Jr., and Clemens, their rookie issues hold historical significance as the first trading card capturing their early careers prior to greatness.
