The 1989 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most popular releases of the late 1980s baseball card boom. While it didn’t feature the dazzling photography or futuristic designs of some contemporary sets, Donruss ’89 contained rookie cards and stars cards that have become highly valuable to collectors decades later. Let’s take a look at some of the most expensive and sought-after singles from the set.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie – Widely considered the hottest rookie card of the late 80s, Griffey’s legendary debut has only increased in value over time. PSA 10 examples routinely sell for $4,000-6,000. Even raw near mint copies pull in $1,000+. At just 19 years old, Griffey’s sweet swing and effortless grace in center field dazzled fans and foretold a Hall of Fame career. His rookie is the crown jewel of any ’89 Donruss collection.
Frank Thomas Rookie – Another slam dunk Hall of Famer, Frank Thomas established himself as the premier slugger of the 1990s. His rookie card isn’t in Griffey’s league in terms of sales data, but mint PSA 9s still fetch $500-800. “The Big Hurt” was a sensation right out of the gate for the White Sox and his intimidating 6’5″ frame made him a nightmare for opposing pitchers.
Nolan Ryan Insert – One of the rarest inserts in the set, Donruss saluted Ryan’s then-record 350th career win with a special black-bordered card. Only 25 copies are known to exist, making it essentially the holy grail for ’89 Donruss collectors. Remarkably, two gem mint PSA 10 examples have sold on the secondary market for over $35,000 each in recent years.
Greg Maddux – Mad Dog continued cementing his eventual Hall of Fame case in 1989, winning 18 games for the Cubs. His basic card isn’t the most valuable in the set, but high grade copies still command $30-50 as one of the premier pitchers of his generation and a 4-time Cy Young winner.
Tom Glavine Rookie – Like Maddux, Glavine broke in with the Atlanta Braves and was a model of consistency over two decades in the majors. PSA 10 condition is tough to earn but can fetch $300+. Most raw near mint copies sell in the $50-100 range for this smooth left-hander’s first card issue.
Ken Caminiti Rookie – Caminiti’s breakout 1996 season that saw him win NL MVP still lay ahead, but collectors recognized his promise coming out of the San Diego farm system. PSA 10s have sold for $225 in the last year. Even in rougher condition, this slugging third baseman’s debut card remains a key piece for PadresPC collections.
Rickey Henderson Insert – Deemed “the greatest leadoff hitter and base stealer in baseball history,” Henderson received a colorful yellow parallel card issue by Donruss in 1989. Only 398 copies were produced, on par with other short print inserts from the set. High grades have brought $200-300 at auction.
Don Mattingly – Already a six-time All-Star and AL batting champ by 1989, Mattingly’s graceful left-handed swing made him a fan favorite on George Steinbrenner’s Yankees teams. PSA 10s have topped $150 recently, with common near mint copies exchanging hands for $20-30 in the collector market.
Cal Ripken Jr. – Like Ripken’s Fleer Update rookie from 1981, his basic Donruss issue is abundant but remains a mainstay in OriolesPC collections due to Rip’s iconic ironman streak. High grades will reach $75-100, making it a affordable target even for beginning collectors.
Barry Bonds – Bonds broke out with 33 home runs for the Pirates in 1989 on his way to a Hall of Fame career. His unrefractors Donruss single is plentiful but still has nostalgia value as one of the game’s all-time great sluggers in the making. NM-MT copies sell in the $10-20 range.
The 1989 Donruss checklist reflects the transition between stars of the 1980s and all-time great players who dominated the 1990s. While production runs were large compared to modern issues, PSA 10 examples of rookie sensations like Griffey, Thomas and Glavine have proven to be sound long-term investments. Through both superstar names and short prints, the ’89 Donruss set remains a highly collectible vintage release more than 30 years later.
