The 1989 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s. While not quite as renowned as the 1952 Topps or 1964 Topps sets from earlier eras, the ’89 Topps cards featured some of the biggest stars and rising young talents of that time and hold significant nostalgia for many collectors and fans today. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable and desirable individual cards from the ’89 Topps set.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#90): Widely considered the marquee rookie card from the 1989 set, Griffey’s debut Topps issue is the undisputed crown jewel. Often listed as the most valuable modern-era (post-1970) baseball card in existence, pristine mint condition Griffey rookies in a PSA 10 Gem Mt rating have sold for over $300,000. Even well-centered, flawless copies in PSA 9 Mint condition command upwards of $50,000. The card beautifully captures a young Griffey in his Mariners uniform with flawless centering and image quality, making it the pinnacle rookie card for any collection.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card (#106): While not achieving Griffey levels of acclaim or price, Thomas’ rookie is still an iconic and very valuable card from the set. Regarded as one of the most powerful hitters of his generation, mint PSA 10 Thomas rookies have sold for upwards of $15,000. Even well-worn raw copies in played condition still trade hands for $1,000 or more due to the slugger’s stellar career and the card’s nostalgia.
Barry Bonds Rookie Card (#144): Bonds emerged in the late 80s as a budding young star and five-time MVP whose rookie is highly sought after. While more common than the Griffey or Thomas rookies, flawless PSA 10 copies can still sell for $5,000-7,000. Bonds’ unprecedented power and controversial legacy still make this an important piece for enthusiasts.
Rickey Henderson Rookie Card (#203): “Rickey being Rickey,” as shown stealing a base on his ’89 Topps card, Henderson was a true blur on the basepaths who shattered stolen base records. While more common than the three rookies above, pristine PSA 10 examples command $2,000-3,000 due to Rickey’s Hall of Fame career and excitement as a player.
Nolan Ryan (#293): Iconic photo of Ryan delivering a heater, this card holds appeal due to his status as perhaps the greatest power pitcher ever. High-grade copies in PSA 8-10 condition typically sell in the $500-1,000 range.
Roger Clemens (#400): Capturing “Rocket” in mid-delivery, this card features one of the most dominant pitchers of the late 20th century. Higher grade PSA 8-10 versions are valued near $200-500.
Cal Ripken Jr. (#440): Autograph variation (#/5000): This rare autographed parallel of Ripken, showing him at bat, is one of the most coveted parallel/short print cards from the ‘89 set. Only 5,000 were produced with Ripken’s actual signature. Pristine PSA/Beckett Gem Mint 10 examples in this 1/5000 parallel have sold upwards of $4,000 due to Ripken’s Iron Man legacy and rarity of this autographed issue.
Ozzie Smith (#494): Arguably the greatest defensive shortstop ever, this card highlighting Ozzie’s talents in the field is a highly regarded vintage issue. High grades in PSA 8-10 condition bring $150-300.
Kirby Puckett (#571): A beloved Twins star, Puckett is depicted swinging for the fence on this popular ‘89 issue. Graded versions between PSA 8-10 typically sell in the $100-250 range.
Beyond these individual standouts, there are also several “team” or parallel subsets that hold strong collector interest and demand premium prices. These include the 1985 Topps All-Star cards, 1989 Topps Traded cards, Glossy Send-In cards and rare error or omitted parallel variations. The 1989 Topps baseball card set offers iconic and historically significant cards of the game’s biggest stars from that era that continue to entertain collectors and drive noteworthy secondary market values decades after their original release. For dedicated enthusiasts of the 1980s sport or investors, selecting premium graded examples from this choice set can make for exceptionally sound holdings.
