1989 Topps Baseball Cards – Values and Popular Players
The 1989 Topps baseball card set is a historic issue that contains the rookie cards of some all-time great players. While not the most valuable vintage set overall, certain stars from the ’89 Topps roster hold significant collector value – especially when professionally graded. Let’s take an in-depth look at what makes this set special, as well as PSA-graded values for its top rookie cards and other standouts.
Key Things to Know About the 1989 Topps Set
Issue Size: 660 cards total, with variations. Produced from 1989-1990.
Design: Bright colors, player pose photos with team logos. Backs include stats and career highlights. Set includes Traded and Update Series.
Rookies of Note: Ken Griffey Jr, Gregg Maddux, Tom Glavine, Barry Larkin, Randy Johnson.
Other Stars Present: Nolan Ryan, Rickey Henderson, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Roberto Alomar.
Condition Issues: Corners and edges prone to damage due to thin cardboard stock. Creasing also common.
The rookie class of ’89 is heralded as one of the deepest and most talented in baseball history. Leading the way is Ken Griffey Jr’s iconic upper-deck rookie, which was pulled at a staggering rate during the card’s release. While common in raw form, high-grade Griffey rookies demand huge prices. But he’s not the only rookie star – let’s examine PSA-graded values for the set’s true big five.
PSA-Graded Values – The Fab Five Rookies
Ken Griffey Jr:
PSA 10: $8,000-$12,000
PSA 9: $2,500-4500
PSA 8: $800-$1,200
Known for his swing and electrifying play. Even mint copies are hard to acquire.
Gregg Maddux:
PSA 10: $3,000-$5,000
PSA 9: $800-$1,500
PSA 8: $300-$500
Four-time Cy Young winner was a control artist. High-grade copies remain elusive.
Tom Glavine:
PSA 10: $1,500-$2,500
PSA 9: $500-$800
PSA 8: $200-$300
Consistently excellent pitcher who dominated well into his 30s.
Barry Larkin:
PSA 10: $1,000-$1,500
PSA 9: $400-$800
PSA 8: $150-$300
12-time Gold Glove winner at shortstop was smooth and steady.
Randy Johnson:
PSA 10: $800-$1,200
PSA 9: $300-$500
PSA 8: $100-$200
“Big Unit’s” rookie is tougher to find in high grade due to photo issues.
While not Stratosphere prices, these proven performers remain sound long-term investments – especially in pristine PSA 10 condition. But ’89 Topps holds value elsewhere too.
Other Notable Stars and PSA Valuations
Nolan Ryan (PSA 10): $250-$400
Still iconic at age 42 in this final Topps issue.
Rickey Henderson (PSA 10): $200-$350
Led AL in steals and runs scored en route to an MVP year.
Wade Boggs (PSA 10): $150-$250
Hit .366 in his ’89 season for Red Sox. Superb consistency.
Ozzie Smith (PSA 10): $125-$200
Wizard of Oz patrolled shortstop with perfect form for 15+ years.
Roberto Alomar (PSA 10): $100-$175
Young star showed signs of greatness as a 22-year old Oriole.
While these prices pale compared to vintage legends, strong demand exists for elite copies of proven Hall of Famers, especially in PSA’s pristine black label holder. Condition is critical to ’89 Topps values due to the fragile cardboard stock utilized.
In Conclusion
The 1989 Topps baseball card set holds a special place in card history due to its star-studded rookie class. While common in lower grades, PSA-certified gems of Griffey, Maddux, Glavine, Larkin, and Johnson continue attracting significant collector interest and command premium prices. Beyond the rookies, elite examples of other stars from the era like Ryan, Henderson and Boggs retain noteworthy valuations too. Although not the most valuable vintage set outright, ’89 Topps remains an exciting and iconic release for serious collectors three decades later.
