The 1989 Bowman baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the late 1980s. Coming off a work stoppage in 1990 that cancelled the World Series, fans were eager to collect the next crop of young stars. While the set lacked some of the superstar rookie cards of previous years, it still featured several players who would go on to have great careers. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best and most valuable cards from the 1989 Bowman set.
Ken Griffey Jr. (Card #1) – Widely considered the crown jewel of the 1989 set, Griffey’s rookie card has stood the test of time as one of the most iconic in the hobby. Still just a teenager in 1989, Griffey was already showing signs of becoming a generational talent. Strong, fast, and with effortless power to all fields, his game was tailor-made for the spotlight. Not surprisingly, his rookie card has maintained strong demand. High grade PSA 10 examples regularly sell for well over $1000. Even lower graded copies still command $100-200 due to Griffey’s status as a true legend of the game.
Frank Thomas (Card #81) – Like Griffey, Thomas’ rookie is one of the true heavyweight cards from 1989 Bowman. Nicknamed “The Big Hurt”, Thomas would go on to have a Hall of Fame career defined by prodigious power and patience at the plate. His rookie card shows promise of things to come, with the muscular Thomas exhibiting a classic left-handed power stance. PSA 10 copies have sold for over $1500 in recent years, with most graded examples in the $200-500 range depending on condition. Even raw copies demand $50-100 due to Thomas’ enduring popularity.
Tom Glavine (Card #128) – The lone pitcher who can truly compete with Griffey and Thomas on the value scale, Glavine’s rookie has gained steady appreciation over the decades. A crafty lefty who would win 305 career games and two Cy Young Awards, Glavine was already displaying excellent control and poise on the mound as a rookie. PSA 10 examples have reached the $1000 mark in strong markets. Most graded copies bring $200-500, with raw copies in the $50-150 range depending on condition. Glavine’s Hall of Fame career makes his rookie a must-have for any serious collector.
Gregg Jefferies (Card #158) – One of the most hyped prospects of the late 1980s, Jefferies possessed a rare blend of power, speed, and patience at an early age. His rookie card shows off a smooth left-handed swing with promise of big things to come. While injuries would derail Jefferies career before it took off, his card still holds value due to the buzz that surrounded his potential. PSA 10s have sold for over $500, with most graded copies in the $100-300 range. Even raw copies demand $20-50 from enthusiasts of “what could have been” players.
Roberto Alomar (Card #170) – Overshadowed by the superstar rookies around him in the set, Alomar’s rookie remains a gem in its own right. Already displaying the impressive hands and actions that would make him a 12-time Gold Glover, Alomar was on his way to a likely Hall of Fame career. PSA 10s have reached $400, with most graded copies in the $100-250 range. His consistency and all-around excellence keep Alomar rookies a worthwhile pickup.
Dennis Martinez (Card #182) – One of the true workhorses of his era, Martinez tossed over 3000 innings in the majors during a career that saw him win 245 games. His rookie card shows an intense stare that was trademark of his competitive nature on the mound. PSA 10s have sold for over $300, with most graded copies in the $75-200 range depending on condition. Martinez’s longevity and success make his rookie a solid long-term hold.
Randy Johnson (Card #207) – The most intimidating pitcher of the 1990s, “The Big Unit’s” rookie card is a glimpse of the 6’10” flamethrower that would rack up over 4000 strikeouts. Already possessing an incredible fastball, the seeds of greatness were there. PSA 10s have reached $250, with most graded copies in the $75-150 range. Even raw copies in good condition demand $20-50 from collectors intrigued by Randy’s rookie imposing stature.
Sandy Alomar Jr. (Card #222) – The cousin of Roberto, Sandy was already showing the skills behind the plate that would make him a six-time All-Star. His rookie remains affordable but holds steady demand due to Alomar’s long, productive career. PSA 10s have sold for $150, with most graded copies in the $50-100 range. Even raw copies in good shape bring $10-25.
Darrin Jackson (Card #243) – One of the true “sleeper” cards in the set, Jackson had a respectable 14-year career primarily with the Cubs and Padres. While never a superstar, his rookie exhibits the sweet left-handed swing and athleticism that allowed him to be a quality everyday player. PSA 10s have surprisingly reached $150, with most graded copies around the $50 mark. A solid pickup for Cubs or Padres fans on a budget.
Jeff Bagwell (Card #263) – Bagwell’s rookie shows the chiseled physique and smooth swing that would produce over 450 home runs and 1500 RBI. Already displaying excellent plate discipline as a rookie, Bagwell was on his way to a Hall of Fame career. PSA 10s have sold for $250, with most graded copies in the $75-150 range. Even raw copies demand $15-30 due to Bagwell’s enduring popularity.
Derek Bell (Card #284) – One of the true “sleeper” cards in the set, Bell enjoyed a 15-year career primarily with Houston that saw him hit over 200 home runs and steal nearly 300 bases. His rookie exhibits the athleticism and tools that allowed Bell to be a solid regular for over a decade. PSA 10s have reached $100, with most graded copies around the $30-75 range depending on condition.
While it may lack the true superstar depth of some other vintage sets, the 1989 Bowman release still provided the rookie cards of several future Hall of Famers and other solid major leaguers. Anchored by the crown jewels of Griffey, Thomas, and Glavine, it remains one of the most collectible and affordable vintage sets for uncovering future stars in their early days. With patience and a long-term outlook, it can reward collectors both financially and with enjoyment of the players’ careers that followed.
