The 1989 Donruss baseball set is considered one of the most iconic releases from the brand during the late 1980s and early 1990s. While it did not feature any true rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, the ’89 Donruss set did include several young stars who were just starting to emerge as franchise cornerstones. It also showcased many established superstars still in their prime from the late 1980s era. When discussing the most valuable and desirable cards from the 1989 Donruss baseball release, several stand out from the rest.
Ken Griffey Jr. (Card #1)
While Ken Griffey Jr. was not technically a rookie in 1989 as he had played part of the 1988 season, his card was still one of the most sought after in the entire set. Junior was already showing superstar potential in just his second full big league campaign in 1989 as he smacked 24 home runs and drove in 65 runs with impressive speed and defense for the Seattle Mariners. His sweet left-handed swing was a thing of beauty even at such a young age. The Griffey Jr. is one of the most iconic baseball cards ever released and remains extremely popular to this day. Near mint to mint condition copies in the range of PSA 8 to PSA 10 regularly sell for $200-500.
Barry Bonds (Card #13)
Arguably the greatest player of the 1990s, Barry Bonds’ 1989 Donruss card shows him in his early superstar days with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. In 1989, Bonds was just 25 years old but was already a four-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner. He smacked 33 home runs and drove in 100 runs that season while stealing 28 bases. Bonds would go on to have one of the greatest careers in MLB history, but his ’89 Donruss is a key piece in any collection showing him in his physical prime before the infamous steroid era. High-grade copies can sell for $75-150.
Roger Clemens (Card #37)
As one of the most dominant pitchers of the late 1980s and 1990s, Roger Clemens’ 1989 Donruss card is a must-have for any collector. In 1989, the “Rocket” was in his age 27 season with the Boston Red Sox and was coming off a campaign where he won the American League Cy Young Award. That season, Clemens went 21-6 with an ERA of 1.93 and struck out 210 batters in 273 innings pitched in cementing himself as the ace of Boston’s staff. His iconic wind-up and fearsome fastball made him a fan favorite. PSA 9 or PSA 10 Clemens cards can sell for $150-300.
Rickey Henderson (Card #51)
Arguably the greatest leadoff hitter and base stealer in MLB history, Rickey Henderson’s speed and athleticism translated perfectly to his 1989 Donruss card. That season was Henderson’s age 30 campaign, but he was still in incredible shape as the sparkplug for the Oakland A’s. Henderson led the AL with 80 stolen bases in 1989 while hitting .275 with 22 home runs and 81 RBIs. He stole over 100 bases three times in his career and holds the all-time record. Near-mint to gem mint Henderson rookies can sell for $75-150.
Nolan Ryan (Card #72)
At age 42 in 1989, the “Ryan Express” was still overpowering hitters on the mound despite being deep into his legendary career. That season between the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros, Ryan went 8-16 but still struck out 225 batters in 232.1 innings with a 3.77 ERA showing he still had plenty left in the tank. His 1989 Donruss card captures one of the game’s all-time greats and is an important piece for any collection. PSA 8-10 graded Ryan rookies can sell in the $50-100 range.
Ozzie Smith (Card #79)
Nicknamed the “Wizard” for his acrobatic defense, Ozzie Smith was still in his prime as the Cardinals’ shortstop in 1989 at age 34. That season, Smith hit .258 and stole 33 bases while winning his 8th consecutive Gold Glove award cementing himself as the best defensive infielder of his generation. His iconic backflips after big plays made him a fan favorite in St. Louis. Near mint to gem mint graded Smith rookies have sold for $75-150 showing his enduring popularity.
Wade Boggs (Card #88)
As one of baseball’s most consistent hitters throughout the 1980s, Wade Boggs’ 1989 Donruss card stands out. That season was Boggs’ age 32 campaign, but he was still raking for the Boston Red Sox, hitting .325 with 15 home runs and 82 RBIs while winning his fifth batting title. Boggs hit over .300 in 11 straight seasons establishing himself as one of the game’s premier contact hitters. PSA 8-10 graded Boggs rookies have sold in the $50-100 range.
Kirby Puckett (Card #97)
One of the most beloved Twins of all-time, Kirby Puckett’s 1989 Donruss card came during his breakout season in Minnesota. That year, Puckett hit .331 with 27 home runs and 94 RBIs while leading the league in hits. He won the first of two batting titles that season. Puckett’s infectious smile and all-out style of play made him a fan favorite. His untimely passing in 2006 at a young age has also increased interest in his rookie cards. PSA 8-10 Puckett rookies sell for $75-150.
Dwight Gooden (Card #107)
Nicknamed “Doc,” Dwight Gooden’s 1989 Donruss card came during a season where injuries limited him to just 17 starts. It serves as a reminder of the electric stuff that made him the most dominant pitcher in baseball from 1984-1986. At just 24 years old in 1989, Gooden was still considered one of the game’s most exciting arms when healthy. Near mint to gem mint graded Gooden rookies have sold for $50-100 showing enduring interest.
While it did not feature any true rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, the 1989 Donruss baseball set showcased many established superstars and young emerging talents from the late 1980s era. Keys cards like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Rickey Henderson and others maintain strong collector demand due to capturing these all-time great players in their physical primes. The set remains a highly collectible vintage release for baseball card enthusiasts.
