1989 Donruss Baseball Card Pricing Guide
The 1989 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the late 1980s. Featuring 660 total cards, the 1989 Donruss set showcased the top major league players and prospects from that season. Even over 30 years later, these cards remain highly collectible and their prices vary widely depending on the player, condition, and specific variations. Let’s take an in-depth look at pricing trends for some of the top 1989 Donruss cards.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Card #1)
This is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the entire 1989 Donruss set. Griffey’s rookie card is arguably the most coveted baseball card of the late 20th century. In near mint to mint condition (NM-MT 8 or higher), Griffey rookies in top shape can fetch prices anywhere from $2,000 to well over $10,000 depending on auction activity. Well-centered copies in gem mint (GM 10) condition have sold for upwards of $25,000. Even heavily played (HP 6 or lower) versions still sell in the $300-500 range due to strong collector demand. The Griffey rookie is the undisputed blue-chip card from 1989 Donruss and sets the ceiling for pricing across the entire set.
Greg Maddux Rookie Card (Card #138)
Considered one of the finest pitchers of his generation, Maddux’s rookie is the second most valuable card from the ’89 Donruss set behind Griffey. NM-MT 8 copies typically sell for $500-1000, while a PSA-graded gem mint 10 can reach $3,000-5000 at auction. Heavily played copies still sell, but for much less – in the $50-150 range. The Maddux rookie remains highly sought after and its price tag reflects his Hall of Fame career and the card’s excellent on-card photo and design.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card (Card #424)
“The Big Hurt” had a monster career that resulted in a Hall of Fame induction. His rookie card from the ’89 Donruss set has appreciated well over the decades. NM-MT 8 copies trade hands for $200-400, while a BGS- or PSA-graded gem mint 10 can reach $1,000-2,000. Even low-grade HP-MT 6 versions still attract bids in the $50-100 range. The Thomas rookie remains one of the more affordable star rookies from the late ’80s/early ’90s due to his relatively high print run compared to Griffey or Maddux.
Barry Bonds Rookie Card (Card #491)
Bonds exploded onto the scene in Pittsburgh and went on to shatter the all-time home run record. His rookie card from ’89 Donruss is highly sought after by collectors. NM-MT 8 examples sell in the $150-300 range. PSA 10 gems have reached over $1,000 at auction. HP-MT 6 copies still attract interest around $20-50. Like Thomas, Bonds benefited from a higher print run that has kept his rookie card attainable compared to others from this era. Still, it remains one of the key cards for any ’80s/’90s collection.
Other Notable Stars and Prospects
Mark McGwire (Card #48): NM-MT 8 around $75-150, PSA 10 over $300.
Nolan Ryan (Card #253): NM-MT 8 $50-100, PSA 10 over $200.
Cal Ripken Jr. (Card #301): NM-MT 8 $30-60, PSA 10 around $150-250.
Ozzie Smith (Card #348): NM-MT 8 $25-50, PSA 10 $100-200.
Kirby Puckett (Card #428): NM-MT 8 $20-40, PSA 10 $75-150.
Dwight Gooden (Card #498): NM-MT 8 $15-30, PSA 10 $50-100.
Ken Griffey Sr. (Card #573): NM-MT 8 $10-20, PSA 10 $40-80.
Randy Johnson (Card #660): NM-MT 8 $10-25, PSA 10 $50-100.
Condition and centering are critical in determining value for these high-profile stars. Minor prospects can sell for $1-5 in played condition. Uncommon variations like photo variations on stars can boost prices significantly too. The 1989 Donruss set remains a cornerstone of the vintage collecting era. Values fluctuate based on the economy and collector interest levels, but long-term these cards represent a sound vintage investment.
