The 1989 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues from the junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While it lacks the nostalgia and cache of older sets from the 1950s-1970s, there are still some extremely valuable rookie and star player cards that can fetch big money from serious collectors today. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable and sought after 1989 Donruss cards.
Ken Griffey Jr. – Widely considered the most valuable card from the 1989 Donruss set is the rookie card of future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. Griffey was already turning heads in the minors and there was huge hype surrounding his rookie season with the Seattle Mariners in 1989. In pristine mint condition, his Donruss rookie currently sells for around $800-1,000. Even well-worn near mint copies can bring $300-500 due to the iconic status of this card and Griffey’s career. The card is a true rookie card as it was issued in his true MLB rookie season making it the definitive Griffey rookie for most collectors.
Randy Johnson – Another Hall of Famer with an extremely valuable rookie from the 1989 Donruss set is Randy Johnson. Like Griffey, Johnson was highly touted coming up through the minors. His intimidating, 6’10 stature grabbing the attention of scouts. Johnson’s rookie card in mint condition currently appraises for around $500-700. Even in worn condition examples can sell for $150-300 due to his legendary career spanning over two decades. Johnson went on to become one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball history so his rookie remains a key card for any serious collection.
Barry Bonds – Arguably the greatest pure hitter in MLB history, Barry Bonds’ rookie season was way back in 1986 so his true rookie cards are quite rare and expensive. His 1989 Donruss card depicting his sophomore season with the Pittsburgh Pirates is also very valuable, selling for around $200-300 in top grades. Even well-worn near mint copies can still command $50-100. Bonds went on to smash the all-time home run record and won multiple MVP awards cementing this card as an important piece in any collection focusing on the game’s modern-day stars.
Greg Maddux – While not carrying the flashy wow factor of power hitters, Greg Maddux is considered one of the best pitchers in baseball history based on his outstanding control and consistency. His 1989 Donruss rookie card sells in the $150-250 range in pristine condition. Even worn copies can still fetch $50-100. Maddux was already showing immense promise as a young pitcher in 1989 before going on to rack up over 300 career wins and multiple Cy Young awards. His impeccable control and consistency make this a very valuable rookie card for any collector.
Tom Glavine – Another pitching legend with a valuable 1989 Donruss rookie is Tom Glavine. Like Maddux, Glavine was not overpowering but had pinpoint control mixed with several effective pitches. His rookie commands $100-150 in top shape with worn copies still selling in the $30-70 range. Glavine went on to win 305 career games and 2 Cy Young awards making this an important card for any collection of top MLB hurlers from the late 80s through early 2000s.
Ken Caminiti – One of the true rookie gems from the 1989 Donruss set is that of Ken Caminiti. Caminiti went on to win the 1996 National League MVP award, giving this card significance. Caminiti’s rookie is valued in the $80-120 range in top condition. Even well-worn near mint copies still fetch $30-60 due to his excellent career and status as an MVP winner. Caminiti played 14 seasons in the majors and was one of the game’s top third baseman for much of the 1990s making this a very collectible rookie card.
Nolan Ryan – While not technically a rookie card, the 1989 Donruss issue of legend Nolan Ryan is still highly valuable given his icon status in the game. Ryan was still defying father time and dominating hitters in the late 80s at an advanced age. His ’89 Donruss card can fetch $50-80 depending on condition. Even worn copies sell in the $20-40 range. No collection is complete without at least one Ryan card considering his all-time records for strikeouts and no-hitters. This affordable option highlights him at the tail end of his superb career.
While produced during the junk wax era, there are still valuable rookies and star cards to be found in the 1989 Donruss baseball set. Key rookies of future Hall of Famers like Ken Griffey Jr., Randy Johnson, and Greg Maddux remain highly sought after and command big money grades. Meanwhile, issues highlighting the greats like Barry Bonds, Nolan Ryan, and Tom Glavine provide affordable options for any serious collection. For nostalgia and completing a full set, the 1989 Donruss base cards can usually be found for cheap. But the right rookies or star performers could yield substantial returns for savvy collectors and investors.
