The 1989 Topps Big Baseball cards were among the most exciting cards released in the late 80s. Featuring larger size cards with colorful artwork and photography, these big cards captured the action and excitement of Major League Baseball. Now over 30 years later, these cards remain popular with collectors and their prices have increased significantly for the most valuable and sought after rookie cards and star player cards from the 1989 set.
The 1989 Topps Big set contains 264 total cards and highlights many of the game’s biggest stars from that season like Ken Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, and Roger Clemens. The cards measure 3.5 inches by 5 inches, which was considerably larger than standard size cards at the time. This offered Topps the ability to really showcase the players with larger photos and illustrations. The oversized cards had tremendous appeal to young collectors.
One of the most iconic rookie cards from the 1989 Topps Big set is Ken Griffey Jr. as a member of the Seattle Mariners. Widely considered one of the best all-around players of his generation, Griffey won 10 Gold Glove Awards and hit 630 career home runs. His rookie card in the 1989 Topps Big set is among the most valuable modern baseball cards in existence today. In pristine Near Mint to Mint condition, examples of Griffey’s rookie card are now commanding prices up to $10,000 and higher. Even well-centered, sharply cornered copies in Excellent condition can sell for $2,000-$4,000.
Another highly sought after rookie card is that of Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Charles Nagy. Nagy went on to win 158 career games over 15 seasons in the majors, but his rookie card has endured as one of the scarcer issues from the 1989 Topps Big set. Fewer Nagy rookies seem to have survived to the present day compared to the more abundant Griffey rookie. As a result, Nagy’s rookie card in Near Mint condition can surpass $1,500, with solid Excellent copies reaching $800-$1,200 at auction.
Star power and memorable seasons from players like Nolan Ryan and Ozzie Smith also make their 1989 Topps Big base cards widely collected. As a member of the Texas Rangers, Ryan’s card remains one of the most iconic from the set. Even in well-traveled Excellent condition, Ryan’s base card often sells in the $250-$500 range. Meanwhile, 14-time Gold Glove winner Ozzie Smith’s smooth defensive skills in a St. Louis Cardinals uniform are captured on his popular issue. Smith cards typically sell from $150 up to $300 or more for pristine copies.
Other star players whose 1989 Topps Big base cards command strong prices include Roberto Alomar ($80-150), Eric Davis ($50-100), Andre Dawson ($50-150), Dennis Eckersley ($50-150), and Don Mattingly ($50-150) among others. The combination of on-field success achieved by these players and the visual appeal of the oversized Topps cards makes their issues consistent movers in the secondary market.
Beyond the base cards of stars, other factors like autograph variations, error cards, and serially numbered parallel issues have created premium cards within the 1989 Topps Big set. For example, the autographed rookie card of pitcher Todd Van Poppel is one of the rarest and most coveted parallel issues from the year. Produced without a parallel printing number but featuring an on-card autograph, prices for the Van Poppel have exceeded $4,000 in recent auction results.
Another notable parallel is the “Star Illusions” subset featuring 15 different players rendered as fantasy-themed illustrations. Serialized to only 150 copies each, mint Star Illusions cards of Hall of Famers like Wade Boggs, Kirby Puckett, and Ryne Sandberg regularly sell for $500-$1,000 per issue. Meanwhile, error cards like the “California #1” Kirk McCaskill picturing him with the California Angels instead of the correct Chicago White Sox sleeve logo have achieved auction prices up to $750 in pristine condition due to their scarcity.
The 1989 Topps Big Baseball card set remains a highly relevant issue over 30 years later thanks to its large size, memorable photography, and abundance of star players and rookie cards. Keys like the Griffey and Nagy rookies along with base cards of career statistical leaders like Nolan Ryan maintain incredible collector demand. When paired with the set’s autograph, error, and parallel card variations, it’s clear why values have grown substantially for many of the most condition-sensitive and rare issues available in the vintage baseball card market today. The colorful visuals and historical significance of the 1989 Topps Big cards ensure this classic set will remain a popular collectible for years to come.
