The baseball card market of the late 1980s was booming, with 1989 being one of the most memorable years for the hobby. Several iconic rookie cards were released that year which would go on to become hugely valuable. The 1989 Fleer baseball set is considered one of the most important releases of the decade.
Ken Griffey Jr. was one of the biggest rookie stars of 1989. After being drafted first overall by the Seattle Mariners in 1987, Griffey tore up the minor leagues and made his MLB debut in 1989 at just 19 years old. His rookie card from Donruss and Fleer that year is among the most sought after and valuable cards ever produced. Griffey’s smooth left-handed swing and effortless athleticism made him an instant fan favorite. He would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and is still considered one of the greats of the game. His rookie cards have sold for over $100,000 in pristine mint condition.
Another rookie who took the league by storm in 1989 was Gregg Jefferies of the New York Mets. Jefferies was a gifted hitter and fielder who impressed from day one. His rookie cards, particularly from Fleer and Score, are extremely valuable today for collectors. Jefferies had all the tools to be a perennial all-star but injuries and personal issues derailed what could have been a stellar career. Still, his rookie cards from ’89 capture the promise and hype around one of the game’s most naturally talented young players.
The 1989 Upper Deck set completely changed the baseball card landscape. It was the first high-end release that featured sharp, colorful photography and superior production quality. The brand captured the imagination of collectors and inserted itself as the premier issuer. The rookie cards of Ken Griffey Jr., Gregg Jefferies, and Ben McDonald are all highly sought after from the ’89 Upper Deck set. The set also featured superstars like Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, and Nolan Ryan. Upper Deck cards from this era in near-mint condition can sell for thousands.
Two other noteworthy rookies from 1989 were Ben McDonald of the Baltimore Orioles and Gary Sheffield of the Milwaukee Brewers. McDonald was a power right-hander who went on to have a solid if injury-plagued career. His rookie cards, particularly from Score and Fleer, are icons from the year. Sheffield was an athletic five-tool player who made his debut at age 20 and immediately showed why he was such a hyped prospect. His rookie cards, like those of McDonald, are highly valued today.
Donruss, Fleer, and Score were the heavy hitters in the trading card industry in 1989 besides the upstart Upper Deck brand. The Donruss set featured the popular “Photo Graphics” design on many cards that year. Score brand continued featuring creative artwork and oddball stats on the back of its cards. But the 1989 Fleer set stands out as one of the most historically significant releases ever. It featured the rookie cards of Griffey, Jefferies, Sheffield, and McDonald among many others. The photography, production quality, and subject matter have made 1989 Fleer one of the true classics that any serious collector must own.
Several star veterans also had valuable cards in 1989 releases. Nolan Ryan’s cards were highly sought after every year as he continued adding to his record career strikeout totals. Ozzie Smith remained the premier defensive wizard at shortstop for the Cardinals and his cards were always popular. Wade Boggs’ hitting prowess made him a fan favorite on the Red Sox and his cards sold well. Rickey Henderson, the all-time stolen base king, was entering his prime on the Oakland A’s and his cards showcased his electrifying speed and flair.
In terms of chase cards, the 1989 Fleer Griffey and Jefferies rookies are rightfully the most valuable and iconic from the year. But other scarce and elusive inserts also captured collector interest. The ultra-rare Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck hologram card is legendary for its visual effects and scarcity. Upper Deck also featured autographed cards that year of stars like Nolan Ryan which drove collector frenzy. Overall, 1989 was a banner year for the baseball card industry and rookie class. The releases from that year remain some of the most historically significant and financially valuable in the hobby.
