The 1989 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues from the late 80s and early 90s. While it didn’t feature any true “superstars” at the time like some other classic sets from that era, there are still several cards that have increased tremendously in value over the past 30+ years. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable and sought-after cards collectors search for from the 1989 Donruss collection.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Card #481) – Widely considered the crown jewel of the 1989 Donruss set, Griffey’s rookie is the most expensive card on this list. In pristine mint condition, examples have sold for well over $10,000. Even well-centered near mint copies can fetch $3,000+. At the time of its release, no one could foresee just how great of a career “The Kid” would have. He went on to become a 13-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glover, and is regarded by many as the best player of the 1990s. The popularity of his rookie card has only grown since his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016.
Greg Maddux Rookie Card (Card #502) – While not quite as expensive as Griffey, cards of Greg Maddux from the 1989 Donruss set still carry a hefty price tag. Widely considered one of the best control pitchers of all-time, Maddux went on to win 4 Cy Young Awards and dominate for over two decades in the big leagues. Pristine mint condition examples of his rookie have sold in the $2,000-$3,000 range in recent years. Even well-centered near mint copies can often fetch $500+. The longevity of Maddux’s Hall of Fame career has kept interest in his rookie card high.
Tom Glavine Rookie Card (Card #522) – Alongside Maddux, Tom Glavine was one of the anchors of the dominant Atlanta Braves pitching rotations in the 1990s that led to a World Series title. Like Maddux, Glavine put together a Hall of Fame career highlighted by two Cy Young Awards. In pristine mint condition, his 1989 Donruss rookie has sold for upwards of $1,500. Well-centered near mint copies commonly sell for $300-$500. Glavine remains one of the most popular and identifiable rookies from this iconic late 80s set.
Ken Caminiti Rookie Card (Card #480) – While not a true “superstar” like Griffey, Caminiti put together a very solid career that was highlighted by an NL MVP award in 1996 as a member of the San Diego Padres. As one of the more notable rookies in the 1989 Donruss set, mint condition examples of his rookie card have topped $300 at auction. Even well-centered near mint copies tend to fetch $50-$75 depending on demand. Not too shabby for a player who simply had a good career rather than an all-time great one.
Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (Card #453) – Alomar became just the second second baseman ever elected to the Hall of Fame, putting together an excellent 12-year career highlighted by 10 All-Star appearances and 7 Gold Gloves. His rookie card from 1989 Donruss commends solid appeal from collectors, with PSA 10 Gem Mint copies selling in the $200-$300 range in recent years. Even well-centered near mint copies can often sell for $75-$125 depending on conditions. Alomar’s high-level career and status as a Hall of Famer keeps his rookie desirable.
Gary Sheffield Rookie Card (Card #493) – Although a controversial player both on and off the field during his long career, Sheffield put up the numbers of a true star slugger. He smacked 509 home runs and appeared in 5 All-Star games over 22 seasons in the majors. In mint condition, his rookie from 1989 Donruss has topped $200 at auction. Well-centered copies in near mint can be acquired for $50-$75. His raw power and dominance at the plate for over two decades gives his rookie continued collector demand.
Sandy Alomar Jr. Rookie Card (Card #573) – The son of Roberto Alomar had a solid 12-year MLB career as a versatile player and catcher. Though Sandy Jr. was never a true star, collectors still have nostalgia for his rookie card as both Alomars were members of the iconic 1989 Donruss set. Pristine mint versions can reach $150, with sharp near mints often fetching $35-$50 depending on the market. Not bad for someone who was mostly known as “Roberto’s kid brother” early in his career.
Tim Belcher Rookie Card (Card #585) – Belcher had a serviceable 16-year career in the majors primarily as a starter, but never achieved superstar status. Still, as one of the more notable rookie cards from 1989 Donruss, his card holds sentimental value to collectors of the set. Gem Mint 10 examples in top-notch condition have been known to sell for $100 with well-centered near mints going for $25-35. Belcher simply benefits from being one of the select rookie choices in this legendary baseball set.
While it may not feature true all-time greats across the board, the 1989 Donruss baseball card set remains highly coveted by collectors today mainly due to the inclusion of the ultra-valuable Ken Griffey Jr. rookie. Other notable rookie cards like those of Maddux, Glavine, Caminiti, Alomar, Sheffield and more add to the lasting appeal and value of this Donruss issue from the late 80s baseball card boom era. Not bad for a set released over 30 years ago!
