The 1989 Bowman baseball set was issued at the tail end of the junk wax era but still contained some valuable rookie cards that have stood the test of time. While not as iconic as sets from the 1950s or even the 1980s, the 1989 Bowman set deserves analysis due to continued interest in the rookie cards it featured over 30 years ago.
One of the most notable rookie cards from the 1989 Bowman set is Ken Griffey Jr. As one of the most talented players of his generation, Griffey put together a Hall of Fame career and remains one of the most beloved players in history. His rookie card from the 1989 Bowman set is highly sought after by collectors even decades after its original release. In top mint condition, a Griffey Jr. 1989 Bowman rookie card can fetch thousands of dollars, with a PSA 10 Gem Mint example recently selling for over $25,000. Even well-centered near mint copies in the PSA 8-9 range sell for hundreds of dollars, showing the strong, enduring demand for Griffey’s rookie card.
Another star rookie from the 1989 Bowman set is Gregg Jefferies of the New York Mets. Considered a can’t-miss prospect at the time, Jefferies showed flashes of brilliance but never lived up to his enormous expectations. Even so, his rookie card has maintained value among collectors. In top PSA 10 grade, a Jefferies 1989 Bowman rookie card recently sold for close to $1,000. Most graded Jefferies rookies in the PSA 8-9 range sell in the $100-300 range. While not in Griffey’s stratosphere, the Jefferies rookie manages to retain 4-figure prices in top condition decades later.
Two other notable rookie cards from the 1989 Bowman set that have high values are Dwight Gooden and Kirby Puckett. Gooden was already an established star by 1989 but his card is still desirable as it shows him with the New York Mets, for whom he had his biggest success. Top graded PSA 10 Gooden rookies from 1989 Bowman have sold for over $500. Kirby Puckett’s rookie card is iconic for Twins fans and collectors. While not the highest valued card, a PSA 10 Puckett 1989 Bowman rookie has sold for over $300. Most PSA 8-9 examples trade hands in the $100 range or above.
Beyond the star rookie cards, the 1989 Bowman set contains other cards that have appreciated due to strong player performance and dedicated collector demand. For example, Barry Bonds had an MVP-caliber season in 1989 and his bass card from that year’s Bowman set has gained value accordingly. A PSA 10 Bonds 1989 Bowman card recently sold for over $400 on the secondary market.
Other notable veterans with valuable cards in the 1989 Bowman set include Rickey Henderson, Wade Boggs, and Ozzie Smith. All three were superstars by 1989 with Hall of Fame careers and their Commons or bass cards have retained collector interest. High graded examples in PSA 9-10 grade will typically sell in the $50-200 range depending on the specific player and year.
While most of the commons or basic cards from the mammoth 1989 Bowman set have little intrinsic value, demand exists for stars at key points in their careers. Even basic or “bass” cards of future Hall of Famers and all-time greats like Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Wade Boggs and Rickey Henderson manage to retain collector value in high grades when the players are pictured in their primes.
Beyond the star rookie and veteran cards, there are also a few other key subsets and parallels from the 1989 Bowman baseball set that can hold higher values. The Glossy Sendbacks subset, which features players photographed with a glossy border around their image, has gained a cult following among collectors. High graded examples of stars like Griffey or Bonds in this subset can reach upwards of $100 even for basic cards.
The Ted Williams Career Highlights subset is also highly regarded. Featuring nine cards highlighting memorable moments from Williams’ career, pristine PSA 10 examples of the most notable highlights like his 1941 MVP season or his 500th home run have cracked the $1,000 price point at auction. Lower graded ones are still highly collecting in the $100-500 range.
In terms of parallels, the Glossy All-Stars parallel subset of 20 cards picturing the 1968 All-Star teams in a glossy foil style is among the most valuable. Ken Griffey Jr is featured in this subset, and a PSA 10 example of his card recently sold for $1,500. Other stars like Brooks Robinson, Carl Yastrzemski, and Don Drysdale in high grades will also attract prices in the $100-500 range.
While certainly not in the class of the premier vintage sets from the 1950s-1970s, the 1989 Topps Bowman baseball card set contains enduring value for key rookie cards, star veterans and notable subsets and parallels from three decades ago. Led by star performers like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds and other Hall of Famers, select cards from the 1989 issue demonstrate the long-term potential of the hobby. Today’s prices have climbed far beyond the “junk wax era” label generally applied to late 80s/early 90s sets. With a vintage patina developing, the 1989 Bowman set remains an attraction for dedicated collectors.
