The 1989 baseball card season marked a significant transition period in the hobby. While the big three manufacturers of Topps, Donruss, and Fleer were still producing the majority of sets, collectors were starting to see more premium and niche brands enter the market. Perhaps most notably was the debut of Score, a new brand launched by Score Board, Inc. that was aimed directly at the high-end collector.
Score’s inaugural 1989 set is still regarded today as one of the most visually striking designs of the late 80s/early 90s era. Featuring bold colors, intricate graphics, and unique photo treatments, the cards stood out on the rack. Beyond just aesthetics, Score also took a different approach than the traditional manufacturers by including statistical information and fun extras on many of the cards. Things like season and career stats, fun facts, career highlights, and even cartoons added valuable context and collecting interest.
At the time, Score cards were considered a step above the basic Topps and Donruss cardboard in terms of premium appeal. They carried a suggested retail price of $1.25 per pack compared to $0.75 for the mainstream brands. This price point helped cultivate an image of Score being a more serious, sophisticated product for older collectors. While kids could still enjoy opening them, Score cards seemed designed to appeal especially to teenagers and adults.
Some of the biggest stars and most popular rookie cards from the 1989 Score set include Ken Griffey Jr., Gregg Olson, Tom Glavine, Randy Johnson, and Barry Larkin. Griffey’s impressive rookie is one of the most iconic cards of the entire decade. His sweet left-handed swing and effortless athleticism made him an immediate fan favorite. Many believe his ’89 Score RC to be the most aesthetically pleasing design of his numerous rookie variations that year.
Olson had a breakout season as the Orioles closer in ’89, saving 29 games with a microscopic 1.69 ERA. His Score RC showcased his overpowering fastball and fearsome scowl on the mound. Glavine and Johnson both had early success as well, with the former winning Rookie of the Year and the latter showcasing his incredible arm speed and 6’10” frame. Larkin’s smooth defensive skills and timely hitting made him a star in Cincinnati from day one.
While the big name rookies and stars sold the 1989 Score set, the brand also included unique insert sets that added to the product’s appeal. The “Top 50 Past and Present” card stock photo subset highlighted some of the game’s all-time greats alongside current standouts. Legendary sluggers like Mickey Mantle and Ted Williams received the premium Score treatment alongside contemporaries like Wade Boggs and Ozzie Smith.
Another popular insert was the “Record Breakers” subset, which paid tribute to notable single-season and career statistical milestones. Cards featured records like Pete Rose’s all-time hit mark, Nolan Ryan’s strikeout titles, and Rickey Henderson’s stolen base exploits. A “Turn Back The Clock” retro-style subset also allowed collectors a fun look back at the earliest days of the sport.
While Score would go on to produce baseball cards through the early 2000s, their 1989 inaugural effort remains a true classic of the hobby. The innovative design and premium extras set them apart in the late 80s marketplace. Key rookie cards like Griffey, Olson, and Glavine retain strong collector demand to this day. And the various inserts like “Top 50” and “Record Breakers” added lasting nostalgia and collecting depth. Whether completing a set or cherry picking singles, 1989 Score baseball cards offer a memorable piece of the hobby’s history from when the collecting boom was in full swing.
