The 1989 Topps baseball card set holds a special place in the hearts of many collectors as it features some of the biggest stars and rookie cards from that era. The entire set has become highly desirable in recent years with skyrocketing prices for the top cards. While unopened packs still circulate at affordable prices given the large print run, pristine single cards from ’89 Topps in gem mint condition can fetch tens of thousands of dollars.
Leading the way as the most valuable and sought after 1989 Topps card is none other than Ken Griffey Jr’s rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the best baseball cards of all time, Griffey’s stellar 22-year career and iconic swing made him a fan favorite. His rookie campaign was incredible as well, batting .294 with 16 home runs and 61 RBI in just 89 games in 1989 to finish second in Rookie of the Year voting. Given his star power and dominance for over a decade with the Seattle Mariners, demand for his rookie has never slowed.
In pristine mint condition, Griffey Jr’s 1989 Topps rookie card routinely breaks records, consistently selling for well over $100,000 and occasionally reaching into the $200,000 range. What makes it so highly valuable is the rarity of finding the card in absolutely flawless condition after over 30 years in circulation. The combination of his legendary career, one of the cleanest swings in baseball history that was a joy to watch, and scarcity of true gem mint 10 rookies propels it above all others from the set.
While no other single ’89 Topps card approaches Griffey’s value, there are a handful that can still fetch impressive five-figure sums and above in top grades. Another enormously popular rookie that year was Gregg Jefferies of the New York Mets. As an 18-year old sensation, Jefferies batted .321 in 53 games and showed off impressive power potential. His card still garners excitement among collectors today, selling for $3,000 – $6,000 in pristine condition. Fellow rookie sensation Sandy Alomar Jr’s Cleveland Indians card also commands $2,000 – $4,000 in top shape.
Two of the biggest stars of the 1989 season and era, Kirby Puckett and Barry Bonds, also have cards that still break out four-figure sums. Puckett was winning batting titles and helping the Twins to titles, while Bonds was beginning his ascent up the all-time home run list. A PSA 10 mint Puckett or Bonds 1989 Topps card would cost a collector $5,000+. Puckett’s memorable rooftop catch from Game 6 of the 1991 World Series only adds to the lore and value of his ‘89 cardboard.
A dark horse contender that sneaks into five-figure territory on occasion is none other than skateboarding and BMX legend Tony Hawk’s lone baseball card appearance. While not a major leaguer, Hawk signed a contract in 1989 with the minor league Phoenix Giants and was subsequently featured in Topps. His card is a true oddity collectible these days that has seen its value soar into the $8,000-$10,000 range in pristine shape.
Last but not least, no discussion of expensive 1989 Topps cards would be complete without mentioning the legendary Bo Jackson. As a two-sport star of football and baseball, Bo’s hoops card is iconic. Add in the rarity of finding it sharp after three decades and you have a card that now brings $8,000-$12,000 in gem mint condition. Some consider it one of, if not the most aesthetically pleasing designs from the entire ’89 set.
While Griffey Jr’s rookie sits comfortably above the rest, there are still a handful of cards left from the ’89 Topps checklist that can earn collectors five or even low six-figure returns if they hit the daily double of pristine preserved condition paired with the right buyer. The entire set endures as a snapshot of the game at a pivotal moment, when stars like Ken Griffey Jr, Barry Bonds, and Cal Ripken Jr were just entering their primes. And thanks to its massive original print run, the set remains inexpensive to collect overall, making big hits all the more exciting when they emerge.
