The 1989 ProCards baseball card set is considered one of the more unique issues from the late 1980s. While not as iconic or valuable as sets from Topps, Donruss, or Fleer during the peak of the baseball card boom, the 1989 ProCards does contain some cards that have increased in value in recent years. Let’s take a deeper look at the set and examine which individual cards from the 1989 ProCards run have realized the most value in today’s collectibles market.
The 1989 ProCards set contains 264 total cards and was produced by ProCards, Inc. The design features a colorful cartoon-style illustration of the player on the front with their name, team, and position below. On the back, stats and a short biography are provided. The design was quite different than the photos used by the larger issuing companies at the time but added a unique fun element. Card stock was also on the thinner side which has led to many examples showing wear over the past 30+ years.
In terms of the entire set, sealed wax packs and factory sets in mint condition do carry value but won’t fetch big money today. A full, near-mint set in a binder or pages typically sell in the $30-50 range online. There are several star rookie and Hall of Fame player cards that have gained appreciation. Here are some of the individual 1989 ProCards that have realized the most value:
Ken Griffey Jr Rookie Card – Considered one of the all-time iconic rookie cards, Griffey’s 1989 ProCards RC is the crown jewel of the set. High grade examples in PSA/BGS 10 have sold for over $1,000 each. Even well-centered near-mint copies can reach the $100-200 range.
Greg Maddux Rookie Card – As one of the dominant pitchers of the 1990s, Maddux’s rookie is another key card. PSA 10s have reached $300-400 in recent eBay auctions. Most well-centered near-mint copies sell in the $50-100 range.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card – “The Big Hurt” exploded onto the scene in 1990 and his rookie is highly sought after as well. Graded PSA/BGS 10 examples have topped $200-300. Most raw near-mint copies sell for $50-150 depending on centering and condition.
Roberto Alomar Rookie Card – The smooth-fielding second baseman enjoyed success over two decades and his rookie holds value too. PSA 10 copies have reached $150-250. Most raw near-mint versions range $30-100.
Eric Davis Rookie Card – Injury plagued “Old Butterfingers” was an exciting power/speed threat early on. His rookie pops up less often but still carries demand. PSA 10s have brought $150-200. Near-mint copies range from $30-100.
Barry Larkin Rookie Card – Larkin put together a Hall of Fame career and his ’89 ProCards RC captures his early Cincinnati days. PSA/BGS 10 grades have topped $150. Most raw near-mint sell in the $30-100 bracket as well.
Additional Hall of Famer rookie cards like Tom Glavine, Jeff Bagwell, and Kenny Lofton from the 1989 ProCards set also command premiums relative to the issue. But star rookies aren’t all that carry value in the set. Veteran talent like Nolan Ryan, Rickey Henderson, Cal Ripken Jr., Wade Boggs, and Ozzie Smith also have cards that outperform the rest of the set depending on grade.
While the 1989 ProCards set as a whole hasn’t reached big numbers, the star rookie offerings and established talent within hold appeal to collectors both as investments and pieces of baseball history. Centering, condition, and eye appeal are crucial in determining the value an individual card from the set will realize. But for those willing to put in research, desirable ProCards from ’89 can still be unearthed from boxes and provide returns relatively to the issue if prized rookies or HOFers are unveiled.
