The 1989 Score baseball card set was one of the most iconic releases of the late 1980s. While not as valuable as some previous years, the ’89 Score set featured many young stars and Hall of Famers that are still popular with collectors today. With 792 total cards in the base set, there were plenty of options to find your favorite players. Let’s take a look at some of the best and most noteworthy cards from the 1989 Score baseball release.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1) – Widely considered one of the top rookie cards of all-time, Griffey’s debut Score issue from ’89 is still a highly sought after card by collectors. Even in well-worn condition, examples can fetch hundreds of dollars due to Griffey’s legendary career and status as a fan favorite. His sweet left-handed swing and effortless defense made him a star from the beginning. This iconic rookie card captured “The Kid” at the start of what became a Hall of Fame career.
Barry Bonds Rookie Card (#91) – While not as valuable as Griffey’s due to accusations of steroid use later in his career, Bonds’ rookie Score card is still a very important issue. He was already showing signs of his immense power with the Pirates in ’89, launching 25 home runs in just his second MLB season. This card marked the beginning of what became one of the most statistically dominant careers in baseball history. Even in lower grades, it remains a key piece for any collection.
Rickey Henderson (#149) – “Henderson stole more bases in the 1980s than any other team,” according to the back of this card. That quote sums up just how electric of a player the speedy Rickey Henderson was during his prime. With nearly 1,400 career stolen bases, Henderson revolutionized baserunning and remains the all-time leader in steals. His ’89 Score issue, which shows him in an Oakland A’s uniform, is a classic representing one of the game’s most exciting players.
Cal Ripken Jr. (#150) – While not his rookie card, Ripken’s ’89 Score issue marked him as one of the premier shortstops in baseball. He was coming off back-to-back AL MVP awards in ’83 and ’84 and was well on his way to breaking Lou Gehrig’s legendary consecutive games played streak. This card captured Ripken in his athletic prime with the Orioles and became a fan favorite due to his workmanlike consistency and durability. It remains one of the most iconic Cal Ripken cards from his stellar career.
Roger Clemens (#162) – Arguably the most dominant pitcher of the late 1980s, Clemens’ intimidating stare down stature and blazing fastball made him a nightmare for hitters. His ’89 Score issue shows him pitching for the Boston Red Sox, where he won the AL Cy Young award in ’86 and ’87. This card highlighted Clemens at the peak of his abilities before injuries slowed him later in the ’90s. Even worn, it’s a key piece for any collection due to Rocket’s legendary Hall of Fame career.
Greg Maddux (#206) – While just entering his third big league season in ’89, Maddux was already establishing himself as one of the game’s premier control pitchers. His pinpoint command and changing speeds baffled hitters for decades as his career developed. This Score issue marked an early stage in what became a Hall of Fame run defined by consistency, durability and four Cy Young awards. It remains popular with collectors interested in one of the best right-handed hurlers in modern baseball history.
Ozzie Smith (#295) – Nicknamed “The Wizard” for his spectacular defensive abilities, Ozzie Smith revolutionized the shortstop position with his dazzling range and flair for the dramatic. His ’89 Score card captured him during his playing days with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he won a World Series in ’82 and Gold Gloves from ’79 to ’91. Smith’s athleticism, instincts and highlight-reel plays made him a fan-favorite, and this issue remains one of the most iconic cards from his Hall of Fame career.
Nolan Ryan (#338) – Even at age 42 in 1989, Ryan was still overpowering hitters with his 100 mph fastball as a member of the Texas Rangers. His intimidating stare and imposing wind-up made him one of the most frightening pitchers to face. This Score issue highlighted “The Ryan Express” near the end of his 27-year career that saw over 7,000 strikeouts, still a major league record. It captured one of the game’s most legendary flamethrowers and is a must-have for any collection.
Wade Boggs (#427) – As one of baseball’s most consistent hitters throughout the 1980s, Boggs captured the AL batting title five times between 1985-1990. His sweet left-handed swing and ability to spray line drives to all fields made him a nightmare for opposing pitchers. This ’89 Score card showed Boggs in the middle of his prolific career with the Boston Red Sox batting leadoff. It highlighted one of the most underrated players who deserves Hall of Fame recognition.
Kirby Puckett (#471) – Emerging as a star centerfielder for the Minnesota Twins, Puckett was already establishing himself as a fan-favorite with his dazzling defense, timely hitting and infectious smile. He would go on to help lead the Twins to World Series titles in ’87 and ’91 while capturing six straight Gold Gloves from ’86 to ’91. This Score issue marked Puckett’s continued development into one of the game’s premier all-around outfielders during his 12-year career.
Dennis Eckersley (#583) – After struggling as a starter earlier in his career, Eckersley reinvented himself as a lights-out closer with the Oakland A’s from 1987-1992. He dominated the 9th inning with his sinking fastball and won the AL MVP and Cy Young awards in 1992. This ’89 Score card captured “Eck” during the beginning of his second act that made him one of baseball’s most feared relievers. It highlighted a unique career transformation that has inspired many pitchers since.
While not the highest valued vintage set, the 1989 Score baseball card release featured future Hall of Famers, young stars and iconic players from the late 1980s. Rookies of Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds, along with veteran standouts like Ripken, Henderson, Maddux and Smith make it a very memorable issue. For fans and collectors of 1980s baseball, several cards from this set will always be noteworthy and bring back fond memories of that special era in the game.
