The 1989 Topps baseball card set was one of the most popular issues of the late 1980s and remains a fan favorite to this day thanks to star rookies and HOF talents featured. While the entire set has gained value over the decades, some stand out as truly valuable in top gem mint condition. Here’s a closer look at the top 20 1989 Topps cards based on PSA 10 prices:

Ozzie Smith (#444) – Around $200. Considered one of the greatest defensive shortstops ever, Ozzie Smith was a 13x All-Star and won 15 gold gloves over his 19 year career spent mostly with the Cardinals. His flashy defensive skills made him a fan favorite.

Tim Raines (#434) – Around $225. Nicknamed “Rock”, Tim Raines was one of the fastest baserunners and best leadoff hitters of the 1980s. He stole 808 bases in his career and was a 7x All-Star and one of the top players on the “Moneyball” Expos teams.

Mike Schmidt (#71) – Around $250. Regarded as the greatest third baseman of all time, “Mike Schmidt” dominated the NL throughout the 1970s and 80s. He won 10 gold gloves and 3 MVP awards along with being a 12x All-Star and the NL home run leader 3 times.

Wade Boggs (#383) – Around $275. One of baseball’s most consistent hitters ever, Wade Boggs batted over .300 in 12 straight seasons and won 5 batting titles. He played in 12 All-Star games primarily as a member of the Red Sox winning teams in the 1980s.

Reggie Jackson (#434) – Around $300. Known as “Mr. October” for his postseason heroics, Reggie Jackson hit 563 career home runs with both the A’s and Yankees, winning 5 World Series rings. He was a proven clutch performer under pressure.

Tony Gwynn (#449) – Around $325. Often overlooked by casual fans but considered one of the best pure hitters of all time, Tony Gwynn won 8 batting titles in his career always hitting for a high average primarily as a Padre. He was a 15x All-Star and .338 career hitter.

Nolan Ryan (#556) – Around $350. “The Ryan Express” established many pitching records through sheer will and longevity. He struck out a record 5,714 batters and threw 7 no-hitters in his 27 year career while known for his blazing fastball into his 40s.

Mark McGwire (#1) – Around $400. Mark McGwire burst onto the scene in this 1989 issue as one of the most feared power hitters in the game. He went on to smash a then-record 70 home runs in 1998 and 583 for his career cementing his place in baseball lore.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#178) – Around $425. “The Iron Man” played a record 2,632 straight games at shortstop for the Orioles throughout the 1980s and 90s, winning two MVP awards. His incredible durability and consistency made him a fan and teammate favorite.

Orel Hershiser (#546) – Around $450. Orel Hershiser had one of the greatest pitching seasons ever in 1988, winning 23 games with a 2.26 ERA and setting the MLB record with 59 consecutive scoreless innings. He led the Dodgers to a World Series win that year cementing his card value.

Rickey Henderson (#545) – Around $475. Widely considered the greatest leadoff hitter and basestealer ever, Rickey Henderson stole 1,406 bases in his career always creating excitement on the basepaths. He led the A’s to many wins in the late 1980s during his prime.

Kirby Puckett (#445) – Around $500. As a key member of World Series championship Twins teams, Kirby Puckett was beloved in Minnesota for his clutch hitting and defense in center field. He won 6 batting titles and cemented his Hall of Fame status before retiring early due to injury.

Mike Piazza (#88) – Around $525. Drafted as a favor in the late rounds, Mike Piazza went on to smash 427 career home runs primarily as a Dodger and Met establishing himself as the greatest hitting catcher ever. He was a key cog during New York’s late 90s resurgence.

Roger Clemens (#144) – Around $550. “The Rocket” established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers ever winning a record 7 Cy Young awards with Boston and the Yankees. He struck out over 4,000 batters and won 354 games through sheer stuff and competitiveness.

Barry Bonds (#213) – Around $575. Even in his early Pirates days, Barry Bonds showed signs of being a five tool superstar. He’d go on to smash the all-time home run record with 762 due to his incredible combination of power and patience at the plate.

Ken Griffey Jr. (#490) – Around $600. The smooth swinging “Kid” had it all – talent, charisma, and popularity. He was a centerpiece of the Mariners rise in the 1990s winning 10 gold gloves and hitting 630 homers while always putting on a show in the outfield.

Carlton Fisk (#544) – Around $625. “Pudge” was a legend between the lines for both the Red Sox and White Sox, winning two World Series rings. His epic Game 6 home run in 1975 cemented his place in MLB lore. He was a career .279 hitter who played in 11 All-Star games at catcher.

Tom Seaver (#340) – Around $650. “Tom Terrific” dominated the 1960s and 70s Mets with his legendary fastball-curve-changeup combo, winning 311 games and three Cy Young awards. He was the cornerstone of those amazing late 60s Mets Championship teams cementing his Hall of Fame career.

Don Mattingly (#425) – Around $675. As captain of the 1980s Yankees dynasty, “Donnie Baseball’s” smooth lefty swing and Gold Glove first base play made him a fan favorite. He hit .307 for his career before injuries cut it short after being a career .307 hitter and 9x All-Star.

Nolan Ryan (#56) – Around $700. The highest valued 1989 Topps card is another sought after Nolan Ryan issue, reflective of his status as not just the hardest throwing pitcher ever, but one of the all-time popularity icons of baseball. He was must-see TV every time he took the mound.

The 1989 Topps set was full of HOF talents, only increasing its collectibility and values decades later. Stars like Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr. and Mark McGwire in their early careers add to its appeal as do legends of the 70s/80s like Schmidt, Henderson, Ripken and more. For investors, a PSA 10 of stars like Ryan, Seaver, Mattingly or Clemens can really pay off long term as pinnacles of the vintage era.