The 1989 Topps Big Baseball card set was a subset issued within the larger 792 card flagship Topps baseball release that year. The Big cards featured enlarged close-up head shots of players surrounded by vivid fluorescent colored borders that stood out distinctly from the traditional smaller size base cards.
Packaged randomly 1 per pack within the 1989 Topps wax boxes, these oversized Big cards captured the attention of collectors both young and old at the time with their bold graphic designs and showcasing of some of baseball’s biggest stars. While only comprising 50 cards total in the set, the popularity and nostalgia surrounding the 1989 Topps Big cards has made them a highly sought after vintage subset by collectors today.
A comprehensive price guide for the 1989 Topps Big Baseball cards must consider several factors that influence the value of these classic oversized cards across the current collecting market. The level of fame and on-field accomplishments of the players featured, the scarcity and condition of individual cards, as well as long term trends in demand all impact pricing when buying or selling examples from this fun and memorable late 80s set.
Some of the priciest individual cards at PSA 10 Mint condition from the 1989 Topps Big subset include star pitchers like Nolan Ryan’s card regularly selling above $200. Ryan’s immense career stats and status as a living baseball legend command top dollar for High Grade copies of his Big card. Similarly, rookie cards of Hall of Famers like Barry Larkin and Mark McGwire can fetch $100-$150 each in top condition as they remind collectors of those players’ arrival on the scene.
All-time sluggers like Roger Maris, Mike Schmidt, and Dave Winfield see PSA 10 prices in the $75-$125 range due their iconic playing careers and recognizable faces featured prominently on their Big cards. Star hitters Kirby Puckett, Ozzie Smith, and Ryne Sandberg typically sell in the $50-$100 range, while solid veterans like Eddie Murray, Andre Dawson, and Don Mattingly range from $30-$75 depending on demand.
Beyond the star players, there is also value to be found in High Grade examples of less heralded names from the 1989 Topps Big subset. Backup catchers and middle relievers and the like can still sell steadily for $10-$30 each in top condition. For collectors trying to complete their Big set, these solid role players fill out important spots and hold value due to the challenge of acquiring the entire 50 card roster.
In terms of set building options, a complete team or rainbow collection of a player’s various parallel and serially numbered Big card variations can also carry a hefty price tag. For example, assembling Kirby Puckett’s Gold #/1991 parallel from 1989 Topps would cost over $500 total due to the card’s scarcity. Building Mario Soto’s complete 9 card SP serial number run could set a collector back around $300-400 as well.
When it comes to the condition of 1989 Topps Big Baseball cards, the logical extreme ends of the spectrum see near-gem copies selling in the $1-5 range on average while low grade examples in Poor-Fair condition may only find $0.25-1 dollar per card. But for keys and stars, even slightly played VG-EX grades can still fetch $10-$30 depending on eye appeal and the comp values of higher graded sales.
Long term, the 1989 Topps Big Baseball cards have proven to be a lasting and popular vintage set among collectors. As the original generation of 90s kids who enjoyed opening these flashy boxes as children come of age as serious vintage collectors today, strong long term demand is projected to support premium prices across the grading scale. This nostalgia factor and increasing recognition of the 1989 Big subset as a innovative and distinguishable early ’80s oddball issue should propel values even higher amongst pricier stars over time according to industry experts.
When considering a comprehensive price guide for the 50 card 1989 Topps Big Baseball subset, the condition, player, scarcity of parallel issues all influence valuations. Keys ranging from $50 up to $200+ for the most desirable Hall of Famers in top grades lead the way. Solid veterans and role players still hold value too at $10-$30 across the set. With rising nostalgia and appreciation, the 1989 Big cards seem poised to appreciate steadily overall in the collecting marketplace for years to come.
