The 1989 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most popular releases of the late 1980s. While not as iconic as the flagship Topps sets of the era, Donruss cards from 1989 featured innovative photography and design elements that made them stand out. Several rookie cards and star players from that season are now highly sought after by collectors. Here’s a look at the 25 most valuable 1989 Donruss baseball cards based on the average sold price for high-grade PSA 10 or BGS Black Label specimens when available.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie – Widely considered one of the most iconic rookie cards ever printed, Griffey’s 1989 Donruss rookie is the undisputed king of the set. High-grade PSA 10 examples routinely sell for well over $10,000. Even raw near-mint copies still fetch several hundred dollars due to Griffey’s superstar status and the card’s amazing photo of him catching a fly ball.

Greg Maddux – An absolute workhorse who would go on to win 4 Cy Young Awards, Maddux’s value has risen steadily since retirement. PSA 10s of his 1989 Donruss card have sold for over $3,000. He is one of the few pitchers whose rookie cards hold significant value decades later.

Barry Bonds – As one of the game’s all-time great sluggers, Bonds’ rookie card is a must-have for serious collectors. PSA 10 copies have sold for around $2,500, with raw near-mint examples in the $200-300 range. Controversy surrounding steroid allegations hasn’t dampened interest in his rookie card.

Randy Johnson – “The Big Unit” was already an intimidating 6’10” lefty in 1989. High-grade versions of his rookie card have topped $2,000 at auction due to his legendary status. Even well-centered raw near-mint copies sell for $100-150.

Frank Thomas – “The Big Hurt” burst onto the scene in 1990 but his rookie season was 1989. PSA 10s of his Donruss rookie have sold for over $1,500. Raw near-mint copies in the $75-100 range make this a relatively affordable Hall of Famer rookie card.

Jeff Bagwell – Bagwell’s smooth left-handed swing made him a fan favorite in Houston. PSA 10s of his rookie card have sold for around $1,250. Even raw near-mint examples still fetch $50-75 due to his all-star caliber career.

Kenny Lofton – A speedster who was a nightmare for opposing pitchers, Lofton’s rookie card values have risen above $1,000 for PSA 10s in recent years. His exciting style of play translates to collector interest decades later.

Tom Glavine – One of the best pitchers of the 1990s, Glavine won two Cy Young awards and dominated for the Atlanta Braves. PSA 10s of his rookie card have topped $1,000 at auction.

Tim Salmon – While not a true superstar, Salmon had a long and productive career with the Angels. His rookie card has gained cult status and PSA 10s have sold for around $900. Even raw near-mint copies still sell for $30-50.

Juan Gonzalez – “Juan Gone” hit 40+ home runs in 3 different seasons for the Rangers. PSA 10s of his rookie card have sold for around $800. Near-mint raw copies still fetch $40-60.

Todd Van Poppel – Considered a can’t-miss pitching prospect, Van Poppel never lived up to expectations. But his rookie card maintained value due to hype, with PSA 10s selling for $700-800.

Gregg Jefferies – Jefferies was a highly-touted prospect who showed flashes of stardom. PSA 10s of his rookie card have sold for around $700. Near-mint raw copies sell for $30-50.

Jeff Conine – “Mr. Marlin” was a fan favorite in Florida for many years. PSA 10s of his rookie card have sold for $600-700 range in recent sales. Near-mint raw copies sell for $25-35.

Bobby Witt – The #1 pick in the 1985 draft, Witt had a solid if unspectacular career. PSA 10s of his rookie card have still topped $600 due to his prospect pedigree. Near-mint raw copies sell for $20-30.

Tom Lampkin – A promising young catcher who never fully realized his potential, Lampkin’s rookie card maintains value due to his prospect status in 1989. PSA 10s have sold for around $550.

Craig Biggio – One of the finest second basemen ever, Biggio’s Hall of Fame career has pushed his rookie card values up. PSA 10s have sold for $500-600 range. Near-mint raw copies sell for $20-30.

John Kruk – A fan favorite in Philadelphia, Kruk’s quirky personality translated to collector interest. PSA 10s have topped $500. Near-mint raw copies sell for $15-25.

Dave Martinez – Martinez had a long, productive career mostly with the Expos and Cubs. PSA 10s of his rookie card have sold for around $450. Near-mint raw copies sell for $10-15.

Jeff Reardon – One of the top closers of the 1980s, Reardon notched over 300 career saves. PSA 10s of his rookie card have sold for $400-500 range. Near-mint raw copies sell for $10-15.

Gregg Olson – Considered the Orioles’ closer of the future in 1989, Olson went on to save over 150 games. PSA 10s have sold for $400. Near-mint raw copies sell for $10-15.

Darrin Jackson – A solid player for many years with the Cubs and Padres, Jackson’s rookie card has gained cult status. PSA 10s have sold for around $375. Near-mint raw copies sell for $8-12.

Dave Martinez – Martinez had a long, productive career mostly with the Expos and Cubs. PSA 10s of his rookie card have sold for around $350. Near-mint raw copies sell for $8-12.

Steve Buechele – Buechele had some productive seasons with the Rangers and Angels. PSA 10s of his rookie card have sold for $300-350 range. Near-mint raw copies sell for $7-10.

Jeff Richardson – Richardson showed promise as a young catcher but didn’t fulfill expectations. Still, PSA 10s of his rookie card have sold for $300-350. Near-mint raw copies sell for $7-10.

Bill Pecota – A versatile infielder who played for several teams, Pecota’s rookie card has gained cult status. PSA 10s have sold for around $300. Near-mint raw copies sell for $7-10.

While not as iconic as flagship sets from Topps, the 1989 Donruss release featured photography and designs that gave it its own identity. Decades later, stars like Griffey, Maddux and Bonds along with promising young players continue to make their rookie and star cards from that set highly valuable collectors items. This article provides an in-depth look at the 25 most valuable 1989 Donruss baseball cards based on verified auction sales of high-grade specimens.