The 1989 Bowman baseball card set was the first issued by Bowman since 1981 as the company regained the baseball card license from Topps after several years. The set contains 330 cards and introduced rookies of future Hall of Famers such as Barry Larkin, Larry Walker, and Tom Glavine. While not as iconic or valuable as some other years, the 1989 Bowman set featured many talented players and even 30 years later still holds significance for collectors.
One of the most valuable and sought after cards from the 1989 Bowman set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was one of the most talented players of his generation and is considered one of the best center fielders in baseball history. His sweet left-handed swing and effortless defense made him a fan favorite for many years. In near mint to mint condition, Griffey’s rookie now sells for around $150-$250. While not priced in the thousands like some other stars, the value has increased significantly from when it was first issued in packs. The card captures Griffey at the beginning of what became a legendary career.
Another star with a valuable rookie in the 1989 Bowman set is Barry Larkin. The shortstop had a decorated 19-year career spent entirely with the Cincinnati Reds that included an NL MVP award and twelve Gold Glove awards. Larkin was a leader on some competitive Reds teams in the 1990s. His rookie card still holds relevance for Reds collectors and sells in the $20-$30 range for a mint copy. The card pictures Larkin making a play at shortstop and offers relic value to those who follow the franchise.
Two future Hall of Fame pitchers also had their rookie card debuts in the 1989 Bowman set. Tom Glavine’s card featuring his smooth left-handed delivery for the Atlanta Braves can be acquired for under $10 still. Glavine went on to win 305 games and 2 Cy Young awards over a decorated 22-year career. Larry Walker had a breakout rookie season in 1989 after debuting late in the previous year and his rockies card sells in the $15 range. Walker hit .284 with 49 home runs over the 1989-1990 seasons launching what became a superb career.
Other notable rookie cards found in the 1989 Bowman set that hold value today include Randy Johnson ($15-20), Kenny Lofton ($8-12), and Moises Alou ($5-8). Meanwhile, superstar veterans like Roger Clemens ($10-15), Wade Boggs ($5-8), and Ozzie Smith ($8-10) can also be obtained at reasonable prices considering their excellent playing careers. The set also contains rookie cards of players like Dwight Gooden ($5-7) and Cecil Fielder ($3-5) who had huge seasons later on.
While it may lack the true high-end stars of other vintage sets, the 1989 Bowman baseball card release brought back the brand and introduced several all-time great players to the hobby. Even lower-priced commons from the set of talented players sell on the secondary market. The Design features vivid team color borders and action shots of the athletes. For collectors looking to add affordable vintage cards of notable players and Hall of Famers to their collections, the 1989 Bowman baseball set provides a wealth of historically relevant options. While prices have appreciated over time, finding high quality copies of these rookie cards is still within reach of most budgets. The set endures as an important part of baseball card history after Bowman regained the license and remain collectible to this day.
While it may lack true gem mint 10 modern elite vintage status cards, the 1989 Bowman baseball set still holds relevance in the hobby thanks to legendary rookie introductions of Griffey, Larkin, Glavine and Walker. Veterans like Clemens and Fielder also make appearances. Overall values are inflation proof with mint 9 rookie cards of future Hall of Famers affordable for most collectors. The set also introduced collectors to other notable players and remains an important part of the evolution of Bowman as a baseball issuer in the modern era. Finding affordable vintage cards of stars remains possible, making this an overlooked gem that continues to gain appreciation among investors and fans.
