The 1989 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s. With 792 total cards, the ’89 Topps set featured many of the game’s biggest stars from that era. Several factors make cards from this set highly sought after by collectors, including the immense talent featured on the cards as well as the hype surrounding some of the rookie cards. Let’s take a look at the top 10 most valuable 1989 Topps baseball cards based on PSA 10 Gem Mint graded prices:

Ken Griffey Jr. (Card #430) – Griffey’s rookie card in the ’89 Topps set launched one of the most storied careers in baseball history. Though prices have softened a bit in recent years, a PSA 10 Griffey rookie still fetches $1,000-1,500. The smooth lefty swinger would go on to smash 630 career home runs and win 10 Gold Gloves in center field over two decades in the big leagues.

Roger Clemens (Card #443) – Arguably the greatest pitcher of his generation, Clemens’ intimidating stance and 100 MPH fastball made him a fan favorite on this classic Topps issue. In a PSA 10 holder, it sells for around $1,500-2,000. The Rocket would rack up 354 wins, 7 Cy Young Awards and a record 7 MVPs over a 24-year career that saw him dominate into his 40s.

Barry Bonds (Card #464) – As one of the best all-around players of all-time, Bonds’ rising stardom is captured here in just his third MLB season. PSA 10 examples command $1,500-2,000 as well given his iconic home run chasing performances later in his career. The switch-hitting Bonds would break Hank Aaron’s all-time home run record and win a record 7 MVP awards.

Tom Glavine (Card #623) – The crafty southpaw Glavine was already establishing himself as an ace when this card was issued. PSA 10s hover around the $2,000 mark. He’d go on to achieve Hall of Fame status, winning 305 games and 2 Cy Young Awards as a longtime Atlanta Brave. Glavine also helped the franchise to its lone World Series title in 1995.

Randy Johnson (Card #717) – “The Big Unit” was in his physical prime at this stage with his lanky 6’10 frame and 100+ MPH fastball. PSA 10s have reached as high as $2,500. Johnson would blossom into arguably the most intimidating pitcher ever, notching a record 303 wins and 4 Cy Youngs in a career spent mostly with Seattle and Arizona.

Mark McGwire (Card #720) – McGwire was already a household name in 1989 after smashing 49 home runs the previous season. His brute strength is evident on this issue. PSA 10s consistently sell for $2,000-3,000 given his prominent role in the infamous 1998 home run chase with Sosa. Big Mac finished his career with 583 home runs, second on the all-time list at the time of his retirement.

Nolan Ryan (Card #749) – Even at age 37, Ryan was still overpowering hitters as one of baseball’s all-time greats. His blazing fastball and ferocious demeanor are immortalized here. High-grade Nolan Ryan cards from any vintage set carry premium value, with a ’89 Topps PSA 10 hitting $3,000-4,000. The Ryan Express notched his record-setting 5th career no-hitter after this card was issued.

Cal Ripken Jr. (Card #763) – Many consider Ripken the greatest shortstop ever. His steady defense and clutch hitting made him a fan favorite for Baltimore. As Ripken’s career heated up in the early ’90s, collectors began snatching up his rookie cards. A ’89 Topps PSA 10 in mint condition fetches $3,000-5,000. Ripken would go on to break Lou Gehrig’s famed “Iron Man” record with 2,632 consecutive games played.

Ken Griffey Jr. (Card #684 – Update) – For die-hard Griffey collectors, this scarce update card from later in the ’89 season is the true definition of a holy grail. It features Ken Griffey Jr. in the familiar backwards hat that became his signature look. Only about 100 were printed, making even low-graded examples chase cards worth $5,000 raw or more. A pristine PSA 10 recently sold for a staggering $22,500 on eBay.

Frank Thomas (Card #1) – As the very first card in the set, Thomas’ rookie has always held immense significance for collectors. It set the bar sky-high for his Hall of Fame caliber career that saw him hit .301 lifetime with 521 home runs en route to two MVP Awards. Topps 1 cards also carry a certain prestige. A 1989 Frank Thomas PSA 10 in mint condition can net six figures at auction, with a recent sale surpassing an astounding $125,000.

The 1989 Topps baseball set continues to enthral collectors decades later thanks to a star-studded checklist featuring numerous future Hall of Famers. Rookie cards for players like Griffey, Thomas, and Ripken remain blue-chip investments. Meanwhile, dominant veterans like Clemens, Glavine, and Big Mac hold their value strongly as well. With such a treasure trove of talent captured at their peaks, ’89 Topps cards remain a cornerstone of the vintage collecting hobby.