The 1989 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most iconic and highly collected vintage issues from the late 1980s. Produced by Donruss Play Ball Company, the 1989 Donruss set showcased players and teams from that previous Major League Baseball season. It holds a special place in the hearts of many collectors who were kids opening packs of these cards in the late 80s and early 90s. Even today, over 30 years later, the 1989 Donruss set remains very popular on the secondary market.

Donruss released boxes, packs, and factory sets of the 1989 issue throughout that year and into 1990. The base set included 792 cards numbered 1-792. Some of the top rookie cards featured in the set included Gregg Jefferies, Gary Sheffield, Bobby Witt, and Ken Griffey Jr. This was Griffey’s first issued baseball card and it remains one of the most sought after rookie cards from any set. In addition to the base cards, Donruss also produced parallel subsets like Traded, Update, Leaders, Record Breakers, and All-Star cards that added to the diversity and collecting options.

On the current eBay marketplace, it’s not uncommon to find full sets, individual cards, and team lots of 1989 Donruss cards being auctioned off on a daily basis. Given the mainstream popularity and nostalgia associated with the set, values for high-grade and key cards can escalate quickly depending on condition and chase status. Here’s a closer look at some of the top selling 1989 Donruss cards that attract serious bidding wars among eBay collectors:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Card #1) – In gem mint condition ( graded PSA 10), Griffey’s iconic rookie frequently sells for well over $1,000 on eBay. Even well-centered near mint copies in the PSA 8-9 range can command $200-500. This remains the crown jewel card of the entire ’89 Donruss set.

Bo Jackson (Card #662) – Considered one of the rarest pull rates from factory packs, an ultra-high grade Bo Jackson in PSA 10 condition has sold for over $3,000 on eBay. Near mint copies regularly sell for $150-300.

Roger Clemens (Card #144) – The Rocket’s flagship card from his Cy Young award winning years consistently sells for $50-150 in mint condition depending on centering and eye appeal.

Ozzie Smith Autograph (Factory Set Insert) – Signed Ozzie Smith autograph cards from the factory sets are quite scarce and have sold for $700-1,000 on eBay when offered in pristine mint state.

Barry Bonds Rookie Card (Card #581) – High-end copies of Bonds’ rookie have topped $500 on eBay before, though most mint examples sell in the $150-300 range today. Slightly played copies can still fetch $50-100.

Nolan Ryan Record Breakers Insert (Card #RB7) – Considered one of the more aesthetically pleasing inserts from ’89 Donruss, the Nolan Ryan “Record Breakers” card in Near Mint condition has sold for over $150 before on eBay auctions.

Full 1989 Donruss Factory Set – Unopened full factory sets in excellent to mint condition command big money on eBay. Prices vary based on sealing/centering but can easily top $300-500 or more for a truly high-grade example. Even opened/played sets can net $75-150 depending on completeness.

Team Lots – Affordable team collector’s lots that feature 5-10+ mint/near mint copies from the same franchise consistently sell well on eBay for $30-75. Popular teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, A’s, and Cubs attract the most bidding wars for team lots.

The 1989 Donruss baseball card set remains an iconic and highly collectible vintage issue over 30 years since its original release. With such star power and memories attached, it’s easy to see why individual cards, sets, and sealed boxes continue to attract a robust secondary market demand on auction sites like eBay. Whether you’re chasing your favorite players, completing team collections or simply indulging in sportscard nostalgia, there is certainly no shortage of affordable 1988 Donruss singles, lots, and sets to get your hands on through online auctions. The iconic designs, photography and rookie sensations enshrined in this cherished set ensure it will remain a popular collecting destination for baseball card enthusiasts new and old for many years to come.