The 1989 Upper Deck baseball card set was truly revolutionary for the hobby. It was the first time a new major card company broke into the monopoly held by Topps since the 1950s. Upper Deck took the sports card industry by storm with its sharp, vibrant photography and attention to detail. The set inspired collectors and investors alike and really increased mainstream attention on the lucrative card market.
While the 1989 Topps set is still widely available and individual cards hold little value today, many key 1989 Upper Deck cards have increased tremendously in worth and remain highly sought after by collectors. The Upper Deck brand and their attention to quality rejuvenated the industry and made 1989 one of the most iconic years in baseball card history. Let’s take a look at some of the top cards from the 1989 Upper Deck set that can fetch big money today if in high grades.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card – Quite possibly the most valuable modern-era baseball card in existence, Griffey’s rookie is the jewel of the 1989 Upper Deck set. In pristine near-mint to mint condition, this card regularly sells for well over $10,000 and there is one that recently brought in over $25,000 at auction. Even in worn, played condition copies trade hands for $1,000 or more due to Griffey’s status as a fan favorite and truly great player. His smiling face and fluid swing made this one of the most iconic and desirable rookie cards ever issued.
Nolan Ryan Record Breaker – Pulling a Nolan Ryan card from 1989 Upper Deck holds extra significance as it was the year he broke the all-time strikeout record. This parallel achievement made Ryan cards very collectible and his Record Breaker flagship card, with a photo of him winding up his record-setting strikeout pitch, is one of the most iconic photographic baseball cards ever. High grade versions sell for $1,000-3,000 depending on condition but it remains a highly sought premiere piece for any collection.
Barry Bonds Rookie Card – As one of the best pure hitters in MLB history, Bonds’ rookie card from the 1989 Upper Deck set is a tremendous find. Not as iconic or expensive as Griffey’s, but still a true trophy piece for collectors given Bonds’ Hall of Fame career and single season home run records. Near-mint to mint copies sell for $500-1,500 depending on exact condition as Barry Bonds mania and nostalgia remains strong.
Greg Maddux Rookie Card – Maddux went on to have one of the greatest pitching careers in baseball history but his rookie card remains surprisingly affordable compared to Griffey or Bonds. Only fetching $100-300 in top condition, Maddux’s fame as one of the smartest and most consistent hurlers ever still makes his Upper Deck issue a coveted piece. Intriguing option for baseball card investors.
Randy Johnson Rookie Card – Also known as “The Big Unit” for his towering 6’10 stature, Randy Johnson’s rookie is another modern era gem from the 1989 Upper Deck set worth owning. Highly graded versions trade hands for $200-500 depending on exact condition. With over 4,000 career strikeouts, this intimidating lefty certainly cemented his place as an all-time great and his rookie maintains strong collector interest.
Ozzie Smith Record Breaker – Ozzie Smith’s wizardry at shortstop is immortalized in the 1989 Upper Deck set with his Record Breaker issue marking him passing Luis Aparicio’s career mark for games played at shortstop. This iconic defensive icon is remembered fondly and near-mint copies sell in the $100-300 range depending on condition. One to have for any vintage Cardinals collection.
Mark McGwire Rookie Card – While overshadowed today by performance enhancing drug controversies later in his career, McGwire’s mammoth home run feats in the late ’90s captured the sports world. As one of the original “Bash Brothers” with Jose Canseco in Oakland, McGwire’s rookie is a fun callback with mint examples worth $50-150 today depending on condition.
Jose Canseco Rookie Card – As McGwire’s power hitting teammate and co-author of the book “Juiced” about performance enhancers, Jose Canseco remains quite the controversial figure today. But his prodigious talents shined through early on and his 1989 Upper Deck rookie still entertains collectors willing to scoop it up for under $50 normally in top shape.
Steve Avery Rookie Card – Fresh off helping the Atlanta Braves win their first World Series title, young lefty Steve Avery had superstar potential evident on his 1989 Upper Deck rookie issue. Only fetching around $20-50 nowadays even in pristine condition, it remains an affordable option for building an early ’90s Braves collection on a budget.
While the vast majority of 1989 Upper Deck regular base cards hold little monetary worth, there are some true heavyweight superstars like Griffey, Bonds, Johnson and Maddux that can net thousands in top condition from this groundbreaking set. Finding RBI Leaders, Record Breakers or simply stars of the era like Ozzie Smith, McGwire and Canseco make the hunt enjoyable as well at affordable price points. The 1989 Upper Deck baseball cards remain hugely popular and collectible today due to the quality, appearance and star power embedded within.
