The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues of the late 1980s. While it may lack the star power and cultural impact of sets like the infamous 1952 Topps or even the late 70s/early 80s classics, the ’89 Topps set holds distinct value for collectors decades later. Card hunting was at its peak in popularity during this era and the chase for stars, rookies, and rare inserts was in full swing. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable 1989 Topps cards that continue to attract attention and demand substantial prices from collectors.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#171) – Widely considered one of the greatest rookie cards of all time, the Junior Griffey is the true blue chip of the ’89 set. Even in well-worn condition, examples routinely sell for hundreds if not over $1000. Getting one in pristine mint condition could cost a collector well over $10,000 today. Griffey was already showing star potential in his rookie season with Cleveland and would go on to have a Hall of Fame career. This iconic cardboard capture of The Kid in a Mariners uniform is simply beloved by the hobby.
Greg Maddux Rookie Card (#479) – While not quite as heralded as Griffey, the first Bowman card of eventual Hall of Famer Greg Maddux is also extremely coveted and valuable in its own right. Like Griffey, even low-grade Maddux rookies sell for several hundred dollars minimum. Getting one in near-mint or better condition examined by a grading service will easily fetch $1000-2000. His rookie season was a glimpse of the dominance to come for over two decades in the bigs.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card (#562) – Big Hurt’s official rookie from his breakout 1989 season doesn’t get quite the same glory as Griffey or Maddux, but it remains highly sought after nonetheless. Near-mint Thomas rookies sell in the $300-500 range while a pristine specimen could reach $1000-1500. One of the most feared hitters of the 90s, collectors love having Thomas’ early cardboard in their collections.
Barry Bonds (#120) – While not technically a rookie card, Barry’s first Topps issue as a member of the Pirates is a key flagship card from the classic ’89 set. Bonds was already showing his superstar potential during this phase of his surefire Hall of Fame career. Well-preserved examples in and above near-mint condition command $200-400 due to his legendary status and association to the steroid era controversies.
Fred McGriff (#299) – Crime Dog’s sophomore card celebrating his breakout 1989 season has gained recognition over the decades. McGriff hit .282 with 36 HR and 101 RBI during this campaign and would go on to hit 493 total home runs in his 19-year career. Highly rated examples of his ’89 Topps sell around the $75-150 range depending on condition.
Tom Glavine (#449) – Like Maddux, Glavine’s first official card from the ’89 set showcases him during his early days with the Braves before emerging as an elite pitcher. Graded gems can sell for $100-200 due to Glavine’s Hall of Fame pitching career and the allure of rookie cards for big name stars. His is arguably the most affordable of the Valuable veterans (#540) main viable rookie cards from this set.
Don Mattingly (#132) – Iconic Yankees first baseman Donnie Baseball’s portrait from his MVP 1987 season remains a very notable non-rookie card from ’89 Topps. Still displaying his retro batting stance wearing pinstripes, high grade versions cling to the $75-150 range even after his playing days concluded. A true symbol of 80s baseball excellence.
Nolan Ryan (#489) – The Ryan Express’s final Topps issue from ’89 depicts him in an Astros uniform after iconically retiring as a player following the 1993 season. Highly rated examples can reach $75-150 due to Ryan’s legendary status as perhaps the greatest power pitcher of all time before becoming a team executive and part-owner. His legendary career accomplishments lend significance to any of his vintage cardboard.
Ken Phelps Traded Set (#T84) – One of the highly sought after ‘traded’ insert cards from the flagship ’89 release, this Phelps refreshes his Mariners tenure after being dealt from the Yankees in a famous trade. Only 150 copies were printed, making high grade variations extremely rare and valued. An pristine PSA/BGS 9.5+ example could be worth thousands.
While certainly not exhaustive, these highlight some of the most valuable 1989 Topps cards that continue to retain steady collector demand and investment potential decades after their original print run. The allure of rookie sensations, Hall of Fame talents, and rare variations ensure this classic issue remains an iconic and extensively collected set for baseball card aficionados. With modern stars like Griffey and Frank Thomas leading the way, it’s easy to understand why the 1989s maintain a strong legacy in the hobby.
