The 1989 Score baseball card set featured many young stars who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. It also featured several key rookie cards that are now highly valued by collectors. Below is a look at the 10 most valuable 1989 Score baseball cards based on the average sales prices they command in Near Mint to Mint condition on the secondary market.
Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card – Average Price: $150-$200
The Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card from the 1989 Score set is one of the most iconic rookie cards in the hobby. Griffey was one of the best all-around players of his generation and his rookie card remains hugely popular among collectors. While not as valuable as some other vintage rookie cards, copies in top condition still sell consistently in the $150-$200 range. The card captures Griffey at the beginning of what became a spectacular career that saw him hit over 600 home runs and win 10 Gold Gloves.
Nolan Ryan #132 – Average Price: $200-$250
Nolan Ryan was in the twilight of his legendary career when this card was issued by Score in 1989, but he was still one of the most feared and dominant pitchers in baseball. His final season wouldn’t come until 1993, so this card captures “The Ryan Express” near the end of his 27 year MLB career that saw him rack up over 5,000 strikeouts. Only a few thousand copies of this card are believed to exist in top grade and it remains a prized piece for any vintage card collection.
Ozzie Smith #89 – Average Price: $250-$300
Known as “The Wizard” for his spectacular defensive skills at shortstop, Ozzie Smith was a surefire Hall of Famer by 1989 despite having only won a single Gold Glove award to that point. This card perfectly captures his flashy style of play and it’s equally flashy design has made it a longtime favorite among collectors. Few shortprints from the 1980s have retained their value as well as this Smith issue.
Barry Bonds rookie card – Average Price: $300-$350
Whether you love him or hate him, Barry Bonds is arguably the greatest pure hitter in baseball history. His rookie card from the ’89 Score set is symbolic of the start of what became a truly incredible playing career. Bonds went on to smash the all-time home run record and win a record seven NL MVP awards. Near mint copies of this historic rookie card still fetch $300-350 despite harsh criticism of Bonds for alleged steroid use later in his career.
Roger Clemens #130 – Average Price: $350-$400
By 1989, Roger Clemens had already won the AL Cy Young award twice but had yet to reach his absolute peak years in Boston. This card is a reminder of “Rocket” Randy early dominance as one of baseball’s most feared pitchers. He would go on to add four more Cy Youngs and a record seven overall before his career concluded. Only the best copies bring the top end of $350-400 for this legendary hurler who is also facing skepticism for PED usage later in his career like Bonds.
Cal Ripken Jr. #161 – Average Price: $400-$450
Between breaking Lou Gehrig’s famed “Iron Man” streak of consecutive games played and winning two MVP awards, Cal Ripken Jr. put together a simply amazing career throughout the 1980s and 1990s. This ’89 Score issue was issued early on Ripken’s path to the Hall of Fame and captures him before he truly emerged as a superstar. His consistency and class have made him beloved among fans and collectors alike, which helps this card achieve top dollar in pristine condition.
Bo Jackson #188 – Average Price: $450-$500
Bo Jackson had already shown flashes of stardom in baseball and football before ’89, but this Score issue came a year before he truly exploded onto the national scene. Capturing the immense physical gifts and athletic prowess of “Bo Knows” added intrigue and mystique to this card. While injuries sadly curtailed his career trajectory, demand has never waned for his scarce rookie issue which can top out at $450-500 in the right holders.
Robin Yount #22 – Average Price: $500-$550
One of the game’s most complete players throughout the 1980s, Robin Yount’s career was in full swing when this iconic card was issued. By 1989, he was a two-time AL MVP and arguably the face of Milwaukee Brewers baseball. Not only was Yount consistently excellent, but his humbleness and leadership cemented his legendary status in the sport. All these factors have made his ’89 Score among the most sought after cards from the entire set.
Kirby Puckett #153 – Average Price: $600-$650
While still early in his career in 1989, Kirby Puckett was already well on his way to cementing his legacy as a surefire Hall of Famer with the Minnesota Twins. His infectious smile and elite skills brought joy to baseball fans for over a decade. Combined with his Tragic post-career health issues, this card has taken on even greater significance in the years since. Condition sensitive but a blue chip vintage pick for true Puckett devotees willing to pay near the $600-650 range.
Donruss Roger Clemens error card – Average Price: $1,000+
While not technically part of the main 1989 Score set, the scarcest and most desired card is without question the fabled “blank back” error version of the Roger Clemens issue that was mistakenly printed without any stats or information on the reverse. Fewer than a dozen are believed to even exist today. For Clemens superfans and error card collectors, this is the ultimate prize. Examples in pristine condition can sell for well over $1,000 due to the card’s unbelievable rarity and historic significance. It’s incredibly scarce even among the rarest of the rare in the hobby.
While full of young superstars and future Hall of Famers, it’s the legendary players toward the end of their careers like Ryan, Smith, Ripken, and Puckett that top the value rankings for the 1989 Score baseball card set. Rookie issues of soon-to-be all-time greats like Griffey, Bonds, and Clemens also hold their esteem. But clearly, nothing compares to the singular importance, mystique, and price tag commanded by the singular “blank back” version of Clemens’ card – a true unicorn among the already rare world of vintage sports memorabilia.
