1989 Topps Baseball Cards Price Guide
The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the late 1980s. Produced during baseball’s steroid era, the ’89 Topps set featured many superstar players in the primes of their careers. Let’s take an in-depth look at the key cards from this 792-card release and provide estimated price values for high-end vintage condition examples.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (1989 Topps #316)
Widely regarded as one of the most coveted modern-era rookie cards, Griffey’s debut is the crown jewel of the ’89 Topps set. As one of the great five-tool players of his generation, Griffey would go on to hit over 600 home runs and win 10 Gold Gloves in center field. In pristine mint condition, this rookie currently fetches prices upwards of $5,000. Very good-excellent copies can be acquired for $300-800 depending on centering and corners.
Nolan Ryan (1989 Topps #1)
As a legendary power pitcher even in his 40s, Ryan’s iconic image leads off the ’89 checklist. This is one of the most iconic non-rookie cards from the set. High-grade versions have sold for over $1,000. Most well-centered near mint copies can be found between $150-300.
Rickey Henderson (#166)
The all-time stolen base king, Henderson was in his prime stealing bases for the Oakland A’s in ’89. His electric speed made him one of the most exciting players of the era. Near mint Rickey Henderson’s have recently sold for $600-800. Very good copies are around $150-250.
Barry Bonds (#250)
One of the most feared sluggers of the late 80s and 90s, Bonds was just entering his power prime in Pittsburgh. His ’89 Topps is a key pre-Giants card. Near mint examples have topped $500. Most very good/excellent copies sell between $150-300.
Ozzie Smith (#500)
A perennial Gold Glover at shortstop for the Cardinals, “The Wizard” was in his athletic prime in 1989. High-grade Ozzie’s have brought over $400. Very good copies are around $100-200.
Ken Griffey Sr. (#629)
As Griffey Jr.’s highly-regarded father, this card has gained popularity as a father-son connection. Near mint copies have sold for $300-400 recently. Most very good Sr.’s sell between $75-150.
Roberto Alomar Rookie (#679)
One of the finest second basemen ever, Alomar’s rookie is a key card for Blue Jays collectors. Near mint copies have topped $400. Very good/excellent Alomar rookies are $150-300.
Don Mattingly (#710)
The smooth-swinging Yankees first baseman was a perennial batting champion and fan favorite in the late 80s. High-grade Mattingly’s have surpassed $300. Very good copies are around $75-150.
Other notable stars like Wade Boggs (#30), Roger Clemens (#50), Kirby Puckett (#90), Jose Canseco (#150), and Dennis Eckersley (#680) can also be found in the $75-250 range depending on condition for near mint copies.
The 1989 Topps set also featured several popular team/league leaders and prospects that can yield value:
Mark McGwire AL Home Run Leader (#50) – $150-300 NM
Gregg Jefferies Prospect (#762) – $100-250 NM
Will Clark NL RBI Leader (#650) – $75-150 VG/EX
The ’89 Topps set is loaded with stars from baseball’s steroid era in the primes of their careers. Key rookie cards like Griffey Jr. and Alomar paired with iconic veterans make this a highly invested vintage release. With the original print run estimated around 50 million, condition is critical – but there are affordable collecting and investment opportunities across all price grades for this beloved issue.
