The 1989 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 80s. Produced at the height of the baseball card boom, the ’89 Topps set showcased stars from what is considered one of the golden eras of the sport. Now over 30 years old, many of the cards from this set have greatly appreciated in value.
The overall design of the 1989 Topps cards featured a traditional portrait photo with the team logo and player name below. The cards had a glossy finish and measured approximately 2.5 x 3.5 inches, standard for Topps baseball cards of that time period. The set totaled 792 total cards and consisted of team cards, rookie cards, highlights cards, and sticker cards inserted randomly in packs. Several short print and missing number cards also added to the allure and chase of completing the entire ’89 Topps set.
While not quite as valuable today as sets from the 1950s, some 1989 Topps cards still command four-figure prices. Perhaps the most notable is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card, which has seen tremendous growth in value over the years. Considered one of, if not the greatest player of his generation, Griffey’s popularity has translated to high prices for his rookie. PSA 10 (near mint mint) graded copies have sold for upwards of $30,000 in recent years. Great condition examples in PSA 9 can still fetch over $10,000 as well.
Another star rookie from 1989 is Gregg Maddux. Widely considered one of the best pitchers ever, Maddux’s humble portrait rookie holds significant value too. PSA 10 Maddux rookies have sold for around $12,000, with PSA 9s in the $4,000-$6,000 range depending on auction activity. Also notable is Toronto Blue Jays starter Dave Stieb, whose error-filled rookie card is one of the most coveted mistakes in sports cards. High grades of this card can reach $3,000-$5,000.
While rookies get the lion’s share of attention in the ’89 set, veteran star cards also maintain respectable prices. A PSA 10 Barry Bonds card averaged around $1,500 in recent years. Other four-figure 90s stars include PSA 10 cards of Nolan Ryan ($1,000+), Mark McGwire ($900+), and Ozzie Smith ($800+). Closer Dennis Eckersley and catcher Gary Carter also hold value at $500-$700 for top-graded examples.
Fun highlights cards like Orel Hershiser’s record-setting scoreless innings streak or Astrologer can reach $200-$300 each in top condition. These illustrate specific accomplishments and were inserted randomly in packs during the ’89 season, adding to their appeal as collectibles.
For team collection builders, rare and elusive cards like Eddie Murray’s Phillies card or Robin Yount’s Brewers parallel can be found, although prices will depend highly on condition with these tougher inserts. Some scarce short prints have realized over $1,000 each as well.
The 1989 Topps set maintains relevance and collecting interest decades after production. Encapsulated examples verified in high MINT grades by respected third-party graders like PSA and BGS are the most valuable. While the prices of star rookies and highlights cards have appreciated most drastically, solid examples of Hall of Fame veterans and key parallel cards from the set retain meaning and value for dedicated collectors too. This classic late 80s Topps release continues to excite the vintage baseball card market.
