The 1989 baseball card rookie class featured some of the biggest stars and most valuable players of the late 80s and 90s. While many of the rookies from that year went on to have Hall of Fame careers, a select few rookie cards stand out as being the most valuable and sought after from the entire set nearly 35 years later. Let’s take an in-depth look at the top 1989 rookie baseball cards by market value:
Ken Griffey Jr. (Fleer): Widely considered the most valuable baseball card of all-time, Griffey’s rookie is centered around one of the game’s greatest players and fan-favorite sluggers of all-time. An incredibly talented two-sport star out of high school who chose baseball, Griffey lived up to the hype in every way during his Hall of Fame career. His smooth left-handed swing and effortless defense in center field made “The Kid” a fan-favorite for over two decades in the big leagues. With all of his on-field success paired with the nostalgia from collectors who rooted for him as kids in the late 80s and 90s, PSA 10 Gem Mint copies of Griffey’s 1989 Fleer rookie routinely sell for well over $10,000 today. Lower graded versions still easily fetch over $1,000. It’s truly a trophy card to own for any collector.
Greg Maddux (Pacific): Considered by many to be the best pitcher of his generation, Maddux was a certifiable artist on the mound during his 23 year career. With 4 Cy Young Awards, 18 Gold Gloves, and 355 career wins between the Cubs, Braves and Padres, the crafty right hander established himself as one of the game’s all-time greats. His rookie card comes from the lower print run 1989 Pacific set and features a close cropped image of “Mad Dog” ready to unleash one of his trademark changeups or sinkers. PSA 10 copies have cracked the $5,000 mark in recent vintage sales, showing no signs of slowing down for one of baseball’s smoothest operators. Even mid-grade copies still hold significant value in the $500-1,000 range years later.
Frank Thomas (Bowman): Nicknamed “The Big Hurt” for his intimidating presence in the batter’s box, Thomas smashed his way to a Hall of Fame career primarily with the White Sox virtually every statistical category for a right-handed hitter. The smooth swinging slugger won back-to-back MVPs in 1993-1994 and retired with over 500 career home runs. His iconic rookie card image features Thomas setting up at the plate ready to do damage sporting his signature number 35 White Sox jersey. Pristine PSA 10 copies have eclipsed the $3,000 price tag in recent auction, while mid-grade copies still hold impressive value in the $500-700 range. For White Sox fans and card collectors who appreciate the game’s most feared sluggers, Thomas’ rookie remains a highly coveted piece of cardboard.
Barry Larkin (Bowman): As the backbone of the Big Red Machine 2.0 Cincinnati Reds teams of the 1990s, Larkin brought Gold Glove defense and consistent offensive production to shortstop that eventually led him to the Hall of Fame. The slick-fielding hometown hero hit over .300 twelve times during his career and still holds the record for putouts by a shortstop in a season with 376. Larkin’s classic rookie card features him fielding his position from the leadoff spot in the 1989 Bowman set. High-grade PSA 10 copies have crossed $2,500 at auction, showing the enduring appeal for the hometown hero’s first card. Even mid-grade copies still attract bids around the $300-500 range years later.
Tim Salmon (Bowman): Nicknamed “The Salmon Batman” in honor of his power and dark hair reminiscent of the comic book superhero, Salmon smashed over 300 career home runs primarily as a member of the California/Los Angeles Angels from 1992-2006. While injuries slowed what could have been an even bigger career, Salmon established himself as a fan-favorite on the West Coast during his playing days. His rookie card stands out for its eye-catching action shot of Salmon already driving the ball to the gap. Pristine PSA 10 copies have cracked the $1,500 price barrier in recent sales. Even well-worn copies still attract interest beyond the $100-200 range for dedicated Angels collectors nostalgic for Salmon’s early 90s MLB debut.
Sandy Alomar Jr. (Bowman): A two-time All-Star and six-time Gold Glove winner behind the plate for the Cleveland Indians throughout the 1990s, Alomar Jr. established himself as one of baseball’s premier defensive catchers of his era. His smooth receiving skills and strong arm served as the backbone for some talented Indians pitching staffs. His rookie card features Alomar Jr. digging in from the left side of the plate in a classic pose. PSA 10 specimens have hit the $1,000 price point in recent sales, showing the enduring strength for Indians related cardboard. Even played copies still find buyers in the $150-250 range due to Alomar Jr.’s sustained popularity in Northeast Ohio.
Tom Glavine (Bowman): One of the greatest pitchers of his generation, Glavine went on to rack up 305 career victories and two Cy Young Awards split between the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets. The crafty lefty known for his legendary changeup helped pitch the Braves to a World Series title in 1995. His rookie card shows Glavine on the mound ready to deal from the 1989 Bowman set. High-grade PSA 10 copies have crossed the $1,000 sales threshold in recent transactions. Even well-centered but played versions still attract bids beyond $150-200 due to Glavine’s pitching prowess and lengthy career accomplishments.
This encompasses what are widely considered to be the “Big 7” most valuable 1989 baseball rookie cards on the secondary market today based on recent sales data and long-term collector demand. While there are certainly other notable rookies from that year such as Randy Johnson, Luis Gonzalez, and Moises Alou, the seven players featured established themselves as true superstars at the highest levels of Major League Baseball. Their blend of on-field success, sustained popularity with collectors, and lower original print runs have made their first Bowman and Fleer cards some of the most historically significant and financially desirable rookie cards in the entire hobby. Nearly 35 years later, these pieces of cardboard retain immense nostalgic appeal and remain highly valuable assets for knowledgeable vintage baseball traders.
