The 1989 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable releases in the modern era. While not quite as famous as the iconic 1952 Topps or 1968 Topps sets that preceded it, the ’89 Fleer set stands out for capturing many of the game’s biggest stars at the height of their careers and before some would face decline. Containing 792 total cards, the 1989 Fleer set showcased many future Hall of Famers and stars of the late 1980s game. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best and most valuable cards from this classic release.
The undisputed king of the ’89 Fleer set is card #416 – Ken Griffey Jr. Widely considered one of if not the greatest rookie card of all time, Griffey’s debut Fleer issue shows him in a Mariners uniform with his trademark smooth left-handed swing. Even back in 1989, scouts were raving about Griffey’s five-tool talents and predicting superstardom. He would live up to the hype by becoming a 13-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glover and member of the elite 600 home run club. In pristine mint condition, Griffey’s rookie card can fetch over $10,000 today due to his iconic status in the game.
Another tremendously valuable rookie from the ’89 Fleer set is #1 Barry Bonds. Like Griffey, Bonds was already showing signs of his future Hall of Fame talents very early in his career. This card features a young, lean Bonds in his Pirates uniform from his early days before bulked up and became the home run king. High-grade Bonds rookies have sold for over $6,000.
One of the greatest pitchers of all-time, Greg Maddux, has his rookie card at #160 in the ’89 Fleer set. Maddux would go on to win 4 Cy Young Awards and dominate for two decades, but this early Fleer issue shows a fresh-faced “Mad Dog” with a full head of hair in his Chicago Cubs days. Pristine Maddux rookies have also topped $6,000.
Another future Hall of Fame arm, Tom Glavine, has his rookie card at #322. Like Maddux, Glavine was just getting started in 1989 with the Atlanta Braves but would go on to dominate the NL for years. His rookie is highly regarded by collectors.
Arguably the set’s biggest star, Roger Clemens’ card at #405 shows him in mid-windup for the Boston Red Sox. The “Rocket” was already a two-time Cy Young winner by 1989 and on his way to a legendary career. High-grade Clemens cards from this set command $1,000+ due to his iconic status.
Other valuable star cards include #13 Ozzie Smith (considered one of the best defensive players ever), #29 Wade Boggs (always hit for average), #47 Kirby Puckett (a clutch postseason performer), #99 Dwight Gooden (already a Cy Young winner at age 23). Each of these stars’ cards can reach $500+ in top condition.
Rookies don’t have to be future Hall of Famers to hold value either. Jeff Bagwell’s debut at #682 has also gained esteem after his excellent career. Bagwell rookies reach $400+. Star pitchers like David Cone (#223), John Smoltz (#233), and Dennis Eckersley (#235) also appear.
While the headliners demand the highest prices, completists love hunting lesser stars from the set too. Players like Will Clark (#14), Mark McGwire (#24), and Jose Canseco (#25) all had monster seasons in 1988 and ’89 to raise their profiles. Even role players like Steve Sax (#92), Bob Boone (#97), and Rick Reuschel (#98) hold nostalgia value.
For fans and collectors, the 1989 Fleer baseball set endures because it captures an all-time great generation of players at the height of their abilities, before Father Time eroded skills and injuries struck down stars. Over 30 years later, it remains a true time capsule of late-80s MLB that also happens to include some of the best rookie cards in the modern era. For condition-sensitive collectors, finding high-grade examples of stars like Griffey, Bonds, Maddux and others is the holy grail.
