The 1989 Score baseball card set was a very memorable one that introduced fans to some of the biggest future stars in the game through rookie cards. The 1980s were known as one of the most exciting eras in baseball history with legendary players like Mike Schmidt, George Brett, and Rickey Henderson still active while young stars like Barry Bonds, Wade Boggs, and Roger Clemens were emerging. It was against this backdrop that the rookie class of 1989 began their careers, with many going on to have Hall of Fame worthy performances.
Top Rookie Cards from 1989 Score Set
Ken Griffey Jr. (Card #158): Widely considered one of the most iconic and valuable rookie cards ever printed, Griffey’s Score RC showed him in a Mariners uniform with his iconic sweet swing. Junior would go on to hit over 600 home runs and win 10 Gold Gloves in center field over a storied 22-year career. PSA 10 examples of his ’89 Score RC currently sell for thousands.
Greg Maddux (Card #189): Maddux established himself as one of the greatest pitchers ever right away, winning the NL Rookie of the Year and starting an incredible run of success. His deceptively tricky pitching motion and pinpoint control made him a nightmare for hitters. PSA 10s of his Score RC have eclipsed $1000.
Tom Glavine (Card #190): Like Maddux, Glavine burst onto the scene in 1989 to begin a Hall of Fame career. His pinpoint control made him a workhorse who won 305 games and 2 Cy Young Awards as a lefty. Glavine’s Score RC remains one of the more affordable stars from ’89 but still gains value with each passing year.
Sandy Alomar Jr. (Card #46): Alomar made his presence known right away by winning Rookie of the Year honors. He was a talented catcher with a lifetime .300 average and clutch hitting abilities. His Score rookie remains very popular with Cleveland fans looking to commemorate their star from the late 80s/early 90s Indians teams.
Tim Belcher (Card #169): Though his career was solid but not superstar level, Belcher’s rookie card holds nostalgia for Reds fans as he helped Cincinnati to the NLCS in 1990. Strong pitching performances and a lengthy career as a reliable arm make his RC a favorite of collectors from his early teams.
Dennis Martinez (Card #183): “El Presidente” had already played several years in the majors but 1989 was his first season with the Expos, making this his de facto rookie card. Martinez enjoyed many successful years including pitching a perfect game. His longevity and breaking ball made him a memorable arm.
Other Notable Rookies from the ’89 Score Set:
Moises Alou (Card #8)
Gregg Jefferies (Card #197)
Barry Larkin (Card #209)
Bip Roberts (Card #281)
David Wells (Card #356)
Darrin Jackson (Card #190)
Erik Hanson (Card #191)
What Made the ’89 Rookies so Special?
Scouts had been buzzing for years about the talent of players like Griffey, Glavine, and Maddux as they came up through the minors. This class lived up to the hype right away with impressive MLB debuts. They stepped into established clubs and playoff teams, giving fans optimism for prolonged success. The players all seemed to have that “it factor” from the start with polished skills and confidence beyond their experience level. Winning awards as rookies set the table for what became truly remarkable careers, cementing their place in baseball history.
Investment Potential of the 1989 Score Rookies
As the years pass, these rookie cards gain more nostalgia and cachet. With each Hall of Fame induction or career milestone for these stars, interest in their first Bowman/Topps/Score issues increases. Modern fans want to own tangible pieces of memorabilia from the beginnings of icons like Griffey and Glavine. Grading services like PSA/BGS also add collector confidence, with high-end examples bringing top dollar at auction. Prices have vastly appreciated from a quarter for packs of ’89 Score at the time of release. Condition is key, but even lower grade rookies from this set perform well in the marketplace. The ’89 rookies clearly defined an era and their cards are a excellent long term collectible investment for enthusiasts.
The 1989 Score baseball card set will always be remembered as one of the most star-studded rookie classes in the history of the hobby. Fans were able to add young Ken Griffey Jr., Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and others to their collections without knowing the heights they would reach. Three decades later, these rookie cards still captivate collectors and bring back fond memories of a special time in baseball. Their staying power as coveted memorabilia for the game’s greatest names makes them a focal point for investors and enthusiasts alike.
