The year 1989 baseball card set produced by Score is not particularly valuable compared to some other classic sets from the late 1980s. There are a few noteworthy cards that can still hold value for collectors today if in good condition. To understand the value of 1989 Score cards, it’s helpful to discuss the context of the baseball card market at that time and evaluate certain standout rookie and star player cards that may retain collector interest.
In the late 1980s, the baseball card collecting craze was in full swing as companies pumped out massive print runs to keep up with overwhelming demand. Score was a new player in the baseball card publishing scene, having only begun producing cards in 1987. Although they gained popularity quickly, their print runs were significantly larger than older established brands like Topps. This excess supply diminished the long-term value potential for most 1989 Score cards compared to some other classic sets from the peak collecting era.
The 1989 set did feature several notable rookie cards that are still hunted by collectors today. Perhaps the most valuable is that of Gregg Jefferies, an exciting young prospect for the New York Mets who had a breakout season in the minors in 1988. While injuries hindered his big league career, his Score rookie card from ’89 remains a key piece for Mets fans and collectors due to his prospect status at that time. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples have sold for over $100 in recent years.
Another coveted rookie is that of Barry Larkin, a future Hall of Famer at shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds. While not his true rookie card since he played in 86-87, Larkin’s 1989 Score issue was the first card produced after he established himself as the Reds’ starting shortstop. High grade Larkin rookies in this set can fetch $50-75. Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie is also included, though his more iconic rookie is from the 1989 Upper Deck set which has significantly higher values. Still, a PSA 10 Griffey 1989 Score rookie could sell for $30-40.
Beyond rookies, there are a few star veterans from the 1989 set that collectors look for in top condition. An impressive PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 of Oakland A’s slugger Jose Canseco could sell in the $15-20 range given his popularity during his 40-40 season in 1988. New York Yankees first baseman Don Mattingly was the cover athlete for this set, so his high grade cards also appeal to Yankees collectors and could reach $15-20. And hall of fame pitchers Nolan Ryan and Tom Seaver, still in their prime years in ’89, might pull $10-12 in Gem Mint 10 condition.
It’s important to remember that the massive print runs of Score cards in the late 80s means finding high grade examples of stars is difficult. The cards were often subject to stains, bends, and other issues even right out of packs back then due to poor quality control. So while the names above have some demand, average or lower grade copies are pretty much bulk fillers worth under $1-2 each at best if they lack rookie card status.
While the 1989 Score set lacks the long term, broad collector interest of sets produced prior to the speculator boom era of the mid-80s, there are still a few standout rookie and star player cards that may hold values of $10-100 or more today if preserved in pristine Near Mint to Gem Mint condition grades. But the vast majority of commons from this release remain fairly low value outside of dedicated team and player collectors. So when appraising 1980s Score cards, it’s important to check for stars, rookies and true gems to gauge their potential worth.
