The 1989 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues from the late 1980s. While it may lack some of the star power of sets from previous eras, the 1989 Topps cards contain several key rookie cards and stars from that time period that have grown in value and popularity over the past 30+ years. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the 1989 Topps cards that are worth the most today for collectors.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (1989 Topps #116) – Widely considered one of the best players of his generation, Griffey’s rookie card is the undisputed crown jewel of the 1989 Topps set. Often referred to as “The Kid”, Griffey went on to have a near Hall of Fame worthy career and was a true five-tool player in his prime. His rookie card has appreciated tremendously over the years and a PSA 10 gem mint copy recently sold for over $100,000. Even lower graded copies in PSA 7-8 condition can still fetch $1,000+ due to Griffey’s enduring popularity.
Greg Maddux Rookie Card (1989 Topps #366) – While not as well-known as some other rookie cards from the era, Maddux’s debut is highly sought after by collectors today. The four-time Cy Young Award winner had one of the best pitching careers in MLB history and tremendous command/accuracy on the mound. PSA 10 copies of his rookie have crossed the $10,000 threshold in recent years, with more affordable PSA 7-8 versions in the $500-1,000 range depending on condition.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card (1989 Topps #81) – “The Big Hurt” became one of the top sluggers of the 1990s after breaking into the league, winning back-to-back MVP awards in 1993-1994. That success translated to strong demand for his rookie card over time. Graded PSA 10 examples have sold for $8,000+, with PSA 8 copies still fetching $500+. Even raw near-mint copies sell for $100+.
Tom Glavine Rookie Card (1989 Topps #398) – A surefire Hall of Famer, Glavine racked up over 300 career wins and two Cy Youngs as one of baseball’s best left-handed pitchers of his era. Condition is more important than others due to his relatively lower profile, but a pristine PSA 10 can reach $3,000 while a solid PSA 8 holds $300-500 in value.
Barry Larkin Rookie Card (1989 Topps #526) – Winner of the 1995 NL MVP award, Larkin was the unquestioned star of the Big Red Machine teams in Cincinnati. While he isn’t in the same conversation as Griffey or Maddux, Larkin’s rookie has held consistent interest – a PSA 10 approached $2,000 in recent times. Upper mint PSA 8 or 9 copies stay near $300-500.
Ryne Sandberg Insert Card (1989 Topps Tiffany #T255) – Considered one of the true “short prints” of the set, Sandberg’s Tiffany issue has gained notoriety as perhaps the second most valuable card after Griffey. Only 100 were produced, and recently a PSA 9 version reached over $20,000 at auction due to its extreme scarcity. Even poorly graded copies still command multiple thousands.
Other Notables – Ozzie Smith Update Card (1989 Topps Traded #T88) showed its longevity at $1,500 PSA 10 recently. Will Clark Topps Traded Gold #TT31 also brought over $1,000 in Gem Mint state. Mark McGwire (#165) Mike Piazza (#238) and Barry Bonds (#251) rookies typically sell for $100-300 PSA 8. And rare Star Packers parallel cards featuring Robin Yount are usually in the $500 PSA 10 range.
While it lacks some A-list stars compared to sets before or after, there are still many gems to be found in the 1989 Topps issue. Ken Griffey Jr. is undoubtedly the most coveted, but solid Hall of Fame talents like Maddux, Thomas, Larkin and Glavine support the set with premium rookie cards of their own. With their careers cemented in the record books, these cards stand to keep appreciating over time for savvy collectors. Even 30+ years later, the 1989 Topps baseballs cards remain a vibrant and rewarding area for anyone seeking iconic cardboard from baseball’s past.
