The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable issues from the late 1980s. With 792 total cards, the ’89 Topps release featured many young stars and rising prospects that would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. Several key rookies and short-printed variations make certain 1989 Topps cards very desirable for collectors today. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable 1989 Topps baseball cards that frequently sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#116)

Widely regarded as one of the best player rookie cards of all-time, the 1989 Topps Griffey Jr. is the true crown jewel of the set. Griffey was an exciting young talent just starting his career with the Seattle Mariners. His sweet left-handed swing and effortless athleticism captivated baseball fans. Today, Griffey’s rookie card in pristine mint condition can fetch over $10,000. Even well-worn near mint copies still sell for $1,000 or more due to his legendary playing career and status as a fan favorite. High demand will likely keep this one of the most coveted and valuable modern baseball cards.

Tom Glavine Rookie Card (#648)

Though not as heralded as other pitchers’ rookie cards from the late 80s/early 90s, Glavine’s debut 1989 Topps card has proven to be an excellent long-term investment. The lefty went on to amass over 300 career wins and win two Cy Young Awards for the Atlanta Braves. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies have sold for upwards of $6,000 in recent years. Near mint versions can be acquired for $500-1,000, showcasing nice appreciation over the decades. With Glavine’s impressive resume and Hall of Fame plaque, his rookie will remain a sought-after piece for Braves and card collectors.

Gary Sheffield Rookie Card (#87)

Sheffield made an immediate impact on the majors in 1988 with the Milwaukee Brewers, batting .289 with 16 home runs in just 101 games as a 19-year-old. As one of the finest power hitters of his generation, it’s no surprise his rookie card is a valuable part of the ’89 issue. PSA 10 specimens change hands for $3,000-5,000 depending on market conditions. Well-centered near mint copies in the PSA 8-9 range can still fetch $500-$1,000. Sheffield’s six All-Star appearances and 509 career long balls cement this as an impactful modern baseball collectible.

Ken Griffey Sr. Card (#720)

While not exactly a rare card, copies of the Griffey Sr. issue from 1989 Topps are few and far between in high grades due to poor centering issues that plagued many copies. Finding a true PSA 10 perfect specimen is almost unheard of, with only a couple known to exist. Even PSA 9s in pristine shape sell for $2,000-3,000 just because high grade versions are so scarce. Combine that with Griffey Sr. being the father of a superstar, and you have a real condition rarity that attracts big spending from interested collectors.

Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (#143)

Widely considered one of the better all-around second basemen in baseball history, Alomar’s rookie card remains a blue chip investable piece from the late 1980s. The smooth fielding star won a Gold Glove in every full season of his career and batted over .300 ten times. Mint PSA 10 copies have topped $5,000 at auction in recent times. Near mint PSA 8 versions can typically be found for $500-800 based on current market conditions. Alomar’s impressive 17-year career and likely induction into the Hall of Fame fuels passion for his vintage card among collectors.

Eric Davis Rookie Card (#635)

Prior to injuries derailing his career trajectory, Davis was one of baseball’s brightest young outfield stars in the late 1980s. His rookie season with the Cincinnati Reds saw a .275 average with 13 home runs and 40 stolen bases in only 104 games played. Despite his lost potential, collectors still seek out Davis’ first card released by Topps due to his epic 5-tool skills when healthy. PSA 10 examples command $3,000-5,000, though PSA 8-9 copies are more affordable between $500-1,000 range. Davis’ rookie will remain a desired piece from the era thanks to his immense natural talent.

Ken Griffey Jr. Photo Variation (#116)

While all Griffey Jr. rookies hold immense value as discussed, special photo variation cards have their own cult following and demand premium pricing. The ’89 Topps issue included a small subset with Junior featuring an alternate closeup headshot instead of the standard full body pose. These scarce photo variants are beyond rare in high grades. Even well-worn copies in PSA 6 condition still sell for $1,000+. Finding one in true gem mint is almost unheard of, with an opportunity to acquire such an important piece of cardboard history.

This covers some of the most impactful and valuable rookie cards, stars, and short-prints that make the 1989 Topps baseball card set a must-have for dedicated collectors. Beyond just nostalgia, many of these seminal early career issues prove to be sound long-term investments compared to modern productions as well. The stars featured through this iconic issue are engraved in baseball history, ensuring their cardboard counterparts retain relevance, demand and steady appreciation for decades to come.