The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic releases from the late 1980s. While not the most valuable set from that era, 1989 Topps featured several highly sought after rookie cards and stars of the day. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards collectors search for from the ’89 Topps checklist.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Card #1)
Arguably the most famous and valuable card from the 1989 set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie. Widely considered one of the best players of his generation, Griffey was one of the most exciting young talents in baseball when he debuted with the Seattle Mariners in 1989 at just 19 years old. His rookie card captured him at the beginning of what became a surefire Hall of Fame career. High grade Griffey rookies in PSA 10 condition have sold for over $100,000 in recent years, showing his enduring popularity and status as one of the greatest players ever. Even well-centered near mint copies trade hands for thousands. Any Griffey Jr. collector would be thrilled to own this groundbreaking first card.
Barry Bonds Rookie Card (Card #91)
While not as valuable as Griffey’s rookie, Barry Bonds’ first Topps card is still a highly sought after piece for collectors. Bonds went on to have one of the best careers in MLB history and his rookie signaled the arrival of a perennial MVP candidate. Like Griffey, Bonds was one of the faces of the sport throughout the 1990s. PSA 10 Bonds rookies have cracked the $10,000 mark, a big number for a card from the late ’80s. Any mint copy is a great addition for anyone building a collection of the game’s all-time great sluggers.
Greg Maddux Rookie Card (Card #235)
Maddux established himself as one of the premier pitchers of his era and one of the best of all-time. His rookie season was the first indication of greatness to come as he went 16-6 for the Chicago Cubs in 1986. The 1989 Topps card captured Maddux early in his career before he became a legendary control artist. High grade Maddux rookies have sold for over $3,000, showing the card has held strong value among collectors. It remains a key piece for any Cubs or baseball Hall of Fame collection.
Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (Card #250)
Alomar made his debut in 1988 but didn’t receive a rookie card until 1989 Topps. He went on to have a stellar career that landed him in Cooperstown and established himself as one of the game’s all-time great second basemen. Mint Alomar rookies have cracked the $1,000 mark, which is impressive for a card from his early Blue Jays days. It’s an important pickup for anyone building a collection focused on the careers of baseball’s all-time greats.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card (Card #461)
“The Big Hurt” had one of the most dominant careers for a right-handed slugger in baseball history. His rookie season with the White Sox saw him hit .294 with 16 home runs, showing the raw power that would make him a perennial MVP candidate. PSA 10 Thomas rookies have sold for over $2,000, underlining its significance. Any mint copy is a great addition for Sox fans and collectors following the game’s best hitters.
Don Mattingly Rookie Card (Card #497)
One of the game’s most respected hitters during his prime years with the Yankees, Mattingly’s rookie campaign saw him hit .283 with 13 homers. His 1989 Topps card serves as an iconic reminder of “Donnie Baseball” in his early days in pinstripes. High grade Mattingly rookies have topped $1,000, a strong return for a card from the late ’80s. It remains an important piece for any Yankees PC or collection of the sport’s all-time great batsmen.
Nolan Ryan Express Postcard
One of the unique inserts found in 1989 Topps packs was the Nolan Ryan “Express Postcard.” It featured an action shot of the flamethrower winding up paired with stats from his record-setting 1983 season when he struck out a single-season record 383 batters. High grade versions have sold for over $500 due to Ryan’s legendary status. Any mint postcard is a real highlight for collectors following the career of the all-time strikeout king.
While not the most valuable set overall, 1989 Topps featured the debut cards of future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Bonds, Maddux, and Alomar. Keys cards like the rookies of Frank Thomas, Don Mattingly and the Nolan Ryan postcard also hold strong secondary market value. For fans and investors following the careers of baseball’s all-time greats, several cards from the ’89 checklist deserve a home in any collection.
