The 1989 baseball season saw many of the sports’ biggest stars at the top of their game. This was reflected in the coveted baseball cards released that year by companies like Donruss, Fleer, Score, and Topps. While stars like Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, and Roger Clemens dominated on the field, their cardboard counterparts were equally dominant in the hands of young collectors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable star players featured on 1989 baseball cards and their accomplishments that season:
Ken Griffey Jr.: Arguably the most collectible star from the 1989 set was Mariners center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. After several years of hype surrounding his prodigious talents, Griffey was coming into his own in 1989. He hit .286 with 24 home runs and 65 RBI in only his second full MLB season at just 19 years old. Griffey’s smooth left-handed swing and effortless skills in center made him a burgeoning superstar. His rookies and base cards from ’89 are still highly coveted by collectors today as one of the first signs of his upcoming greatness.
Roger Clemens: As one of the most dominant pitchers of the late 80s and 90s, Clemens’ 1989 season was particularly masterful. The Red Sox ace went 24-4 with a 2.64 ERA and 198 strikeouts to capture the American League Cy Young and MVP awards. His intimidating delivery and rocket right arm made him a nightmare for hitters. Clemens’ 1989 Fleer and Score cards highlight perhaps his signature season before going on to rack up multiple Cy Youngs. They remain a staple in collections of anyone looking for one of baseball’s all-time great hurlers.
Wade Boggs: Mr. Red Sox himself, Wade Boggs, was a model of consistency at the plate throughout the late 80s. In 1989, Boggs won his fifth consecutive batting title with a league-leading .353 average to go along with 24 home runs and 88 RBI. His sweet left-handed swing and ability to spray line drives from foul line to foul line made him the toughest out in the AL. Boggs’ ’89 cards, especially the one showing him holding up five fingers for his five straight batting titles on Donruss, exemplify why he was so revered.
Ozzie Smith: As the “Wizard of Oz” continued weaving his magic for the Cardinals in the late 80s, his flashy defense was must-see TV. In 1989, the sure-handed shortstop committed only 9 errors despite 698 total chances and dazzled with jaw-dropping plays almost nightly. At the plate, he hit .226 but was still an All-Star for his glovesmith prowess. Smith’s numerous 1989 cards highlighting “The Wizard” in mid-flip or360-spin serve as a tribute to one of history’s finest fielders.
Rickey Henderson: Despite playing for four different teams from 1985-1989, the charismatic Rickey Henderson remained one of baseball’s most thrilling players. In 1989 with the A’s, he batted .276 with 33 steals and 77 runs scored at age 30. “Rickey Being Rickey” was must-see TV whether wreaking havoc on the basepaths, jawing with opponents and umps, ormaking highlight-reel catches in the outfield. Henderson’s high-energy play translated to some of the era’s most unique and collectible cards.
Nolan Ryan: At age 42 in 1989, many believed the “Ryan Express” had seen his final days in the bigs. But not so fast – the flamethrowing righty proved there was still gas left in the tank. Splitting time with the Astros and Rangers, Ryan went a combined 9-9 with a 4.10 ERA and 193 Ks. His blazing fastball gave hitters fits as usual and he tossed his record 6th career no-hitter. Ryan’s perseverance and otherworldly heat made his ’89 cards fan favorites.
Will Clark: Dubbed “Goodbye Columbus” for his boyish looks and swing reminiscent of Tom Selleck’s character in the movie, Will Clark was coming into his own1989. Playing for the Giants, he batted .333 with 34 doubles, 21 home runs and 89 RBI, finishing 3rd in NL MVP voting. Whether laying out for a dive or unleashing his mighty uppercut cut, Clark played with a blue-collar flair that resonated. His ’89 rookie and star cards were a sign of bigger things to come.
This sampling only touches on some of the dominant performers featured in the memorable 1989 baseball card sets. Other huge stars like Jose Canseco in his 40/40 season with the A’s, Don Mattingly swinging for the fences with the Yanks, and Dennis Eckersley closing it out for Oakland all had iconic cards that year as well. For collectors and fans, the 1989 cards serve as a reminder of some of the sport’s greats at the top of their game during one of the hobby’s classic vintage seasons.
