The 1989 Topps baseball card set is one of the most popular vintage sets from the late 1980s that continues to hold value for serious collectors and investors. While it may lack the star power of some earlier decades, the ’89 Topps issue featured several young stars and key rookie cards that have increased drastically in value over the past 30+ years. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top 1989 Topps baseball cards that are worth segregating from your collection in order to potentially make a good profit.
Ken Griffey Jr. (card #126) – Widely considered one of the best player investments from the ’80s and ’90s, Griffey’s rookie card remains the undisputed heavyweight champion of the ’89 set in terms of value. Near mint copies in pristine condition have eclipsed $1000-$1500 in recent years. Even well-centered lightly played examples can fetch $500+ due to Griffey’s status as a true icon of the game. His rookie is arguably the greatest baseball card of the modern era and will likely continue its steady rise for years to come.
Barry Bonds (card #610) – Arguably the second most desirable rookie after Griffey, Bonds’ future Hall of Fame career has lifted his ’89 issue high above the rest. Near mint copies trade hands for $350-$500 regularly. It’s a true shame that PED controversies have tarnished Bonds’ legacy to some extent, as otherwise this card might be worth several grand by now given his immense on-field talents and records. Still, it remains a worthwhile investment piece.
Greg Maddux (card #200) – Maddux is one of the greatest pitchers who ever lived and his stellar rookie campaign is brilliantly captured in ’89 Topps form. His card has gained over 200% in value since 2016. Pristine near mint examples hit $150-200 today, with most well-centered copies in the $75-125 range. Maddux’s legend and four Cy Young Awards ensure this beauty stays relevant for years ahead.
Tom Glavine (card #356) – Another Hall of Fame hurler and 300-game winner, Glavine debuted with the Braves in ’87 but his true rookie card popped up in the ’89 set two years later. It’s priced just below the Maddux, with near mint copies commanding $100-150. Even heavily played versions can net $40-50 due to Glavine’s terrific success and longevity of 20 Big League seasons.
Barry Larkin (card #280) – Larkin’s distinguished career was highlighted by an MVP season in 1995, but his true rookie card belongs to Topps ’89. It’s gained over 100% since mid-2020. Pristine specimens reach $80 now, with most well-centered copies in the $40-60 range. Larkin was an elite defender and sparkplug for over 19 years – his RC will hold long-term appeal.
Dave Justice (card #219) – The former Atlanta Brave bopped 22 home runs in his second MLB campaign of ’89 to emerge as a rising star. As a result, his ’89 Topps issue has gained around 150% in 18 months. Near mint copies sell between $60-80 as Justice develops into a sought-after player card from the set. His power burst and two World Series rings keep interest strong.
Other notable ’89 Topps RCs worth owning for the future include Sandy Alomar Jr. (#193), Eric Davis (#193), and Dennis Martinez (#245 – the first Dominican-born 300-game winner). Prominent stars like Wade Boggs (#1), Ozzie Smith (#80), and Nolan Ryan (#179) are also steady blue-chip investments. And who could forget Bo Jackson’s iconic baseball/football dual threat depiction on card #574?
The 1989 Topps baseball card set still holds immense value for collectors due to strong rookie class headlined by soon-to-be all-time greats like Griffey and Bonds. Select high-grade copies of their RCs along with glittering careers of Maddux, Glavine, Larkin and others will surely retain and grow their worth for a long time to come. For investors, several keys from the set deserve a strong look for appreciation potential. Three decades later, ’89 Topps endures as one of the vintage issues where smart picking can yield high long-term returns.
