The 1989 Topps baseball card set was released at the start of the 1989 MLB season and commemorated the 1988 season. It was the 68th series issued by Topps and featured cards of players from the American and National Leagues. With 792 total cards in the base set including traded set variations, the 1989 Topps set saw significant increases in values of many star players over the years as the 1980s collecting boom started to fade. Let’s take an in-depth look at the current average secondary market prices of some of the top rookies and star players from the 1989 Topps baseball card set according to PSA population reporting and recent eBay sales comps.
One of the most valuable rookie cards in the 1989 Topps set is Ken Griffey Jr. who had one of the best rookie seasons of all time in 1989. Griffey Jr.’s rookie card in a PSA Gem Mint 10 grade can fetch $8,000-$10,000 today. Even in a PSA Excellent-Mint 8 grade, a Griffey Jr. rookie will pull in around $300-$500. Still a very affordable option for any baseball card collector looking to add this iconic rookie to their collection. Another highly sought after rookie is Gregg Olson. As Rookie of the Year closer for the Baltimore Orioles in 1989, an Olson rookie PSA 10 is valued at $600-$800. In a PSA 8, expect to pay around $50.
On the star veteran side, cards of Rickey Henderson continue to hold strong value given his perennial production and base stealing prowess in the late 80s. A PSA 10 Rickey Henderson will fetch $300-$400 while a PSA 8 stays in the $30-$50 range. Also popular are cards of Oakland A’s pitching aces Dave Stewart and Dennis Eckersley. A Stewart PSA 10 goes for $150-$200 while an Eckersley PSA 10 will range from $100-$150. With their dominance on one of baseball’s premier franchises in the late 80s, these A’s stars remain fan favorites from the era.
Continuing down the list of valuable 1989 Topps veterans, cards of Bo Jackson see higher values partly due to his rare dual professional baseball/football career and cultural icon status. A PSA 10 Bo Jackson 1989Topps card would sell in the neighborhood of $125-$150. Meanwhile, emerging superstars like Mark McGwire start to gain value with his early Cardinal days cards. A Mint PSA 10 1989 Topps Big Mac card is worth around $75-$100 while an Excellent-Mint PSA 8 still fetches $15-$25. Speaking of emerging superstars, Barry Bonds’ 1989 Topps rookie cards graded PSA 8 can be found for $15-$25 as well given his ascent towards superstardom later in his career.
Stepping back to pitching greats of the era, Nolan Ryan’s dominance in 1989 as age 42 with the Texas Rangers makes his 1989 Topps cards popular pickups. A flawless PSA 10 nets $50-$75 for collectors. Cy Young award winner Bret Saberhagen of the KC Royals also saw a nice bump in 1989 prices with a Mint PSA 10 valued at $30-$50. Continuing in the Royals franchise, George Brett shined in the twilights of his career, making his 1989 Topps cards valued between $15-$25 for a PSA 8. Lastly, fan favorite Ozzie Smith remained a wizard with the glove for the Cardinals, lifting his 1989 PSA 8 graded cards to $10-$15 range.
This overview hits some of the biggest names and highlights from the varied and extensive 1989 Topps baseball card set. With 792 total cards produced, there are plenty of other stars, key rookies, and variations that can carry value as well. The late 80s boom years helped lift the entire set which saw strong overall increases since its original release. Pricing will fluctuate with market forces, but the 1989 Topps set endures as one of the most iconic releases that defined late 80s baseball card collecting. With such stars as Griffey Jr., Henderson, McGwire, and more, it makes for a prime set to build a collection around from this historical period.
