The 1989 Score baseball card set was one of the most iconic and valuable releases of the late 1980s. While it didn’t have the flashy design of Fleer or the massive rookie class of Donruss, Score offered collectors a solid set featuring many of the game’s top stars at the time. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout cards and most desirable rookie cards from the 1989 Score baseball set.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1)

Undoubtedly the crown jewel of the 1989 Score set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the most iconic rookie cards of all-time, Griffey’s rookie card from Score is still highly sought after by collectors today. As one of the greatest five-tool players of his generation, Griffey went on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie cards from Score, Donruss, and Upper Deck are consistently some of the highest valued from the late 80s/early 90s. While the Donruss rookie is probably the most famous, the Score RC holds a special place in the hearts of many collectors as one of Junior’s first widely distributed rookie cards.

Greg Maddux Rookie Card (#144)

Another all-time great with a rookie card in the 1989 Score set is Greg Maddux. While Maddux wouldn’t become a superstar until the early 1990s with the Braves, collectors knew they had a special pitcher on their hands based on how dominant he was in the minor leagues. The Maddux rookie from Score is considered the more scarce and higher valued of his two main rookie cards from 1989, with the other being his Donruss issue. Both are key pieces for any Hall of Fame collection.

Barry Bonds (#170)

One of the biggest stars of the late 80s/early 90s was Barry Bonds. His 1989 Score card shows him in his prime Pirates years before moving to San Francisco. While not technically a rookie card, Bonds’Score issue from this set remains a highly coveted card of one of the game’s all-time great hitters who owns numerous career records.

Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (#222)

Alomar burst onto the scene in 1988 and established himself as one of baseball’s top young stars the following year. His rookie card in the 1989 Score set is considered one of the more underrated gems from the late 80s. Alomar went on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie cards continue to gain in value and recognition among collectors.

Tom Glavine Rookie Card (#283)

Another Hall of Famer with a rookie card in the 1989 Score set is Tom Glavine. Like Maddux, Glavine was lighting up the minor leagues in 1988 and collectors knew the lefty had special talent. While not as scarce or valuable as some other big name rookies in the set, the Glavine Score RC remains an important piece for Braves and baseball Hall of Fame collectors.

Will Clark (#301)

One of the most feared hitters in the late 80s was Will Clark of the San Francisco Giants. His 1989 Score issue shows him in the prime of his career launching balls over the fence. Clark was an MVP caliber player throughout the late 80s and his cards remain highly popular with collectors today looking for stars from that era.

Rickey Henderson (#329)

By 1989, Rickey Henderson had already established himself as the game’s premier leadoff hitter and base stealer. His Speed Score card from this set is a classic portrait of the all-time stolen base king. Henderson’s cards from the late 80s are some of the most iconic from that decade and his 1989 Score issue remains a highly sought after piece for collectors.

Ozzie Smith (#355)

Known as the “Wizard” for his incredible defense at shortstop, Ozzie Smith was already a star by 1989 with the Cardinals. His defensive skills were almost superhuman and his cards from the late 80s/early 90s are some of the most popular for collectors looking for stars from that era. The 1989 Score Smith is a key piece for any Cardinals or 80s collection.

Nolan Ryan (#388)

By 1989, Nolan Ryan was already a living legend with over 5000 career strikeouts. His intimidating stare and blazing fastball made him one of the most feared and exciting pitchers of all-time. The Ryan card from the 1989 Score set shows him in the midst of his record breaking career with the Rangers. Any Ryan card from the late 80s/early 90s holds great value as one of the game’s true icons.

Donruss had the bigger rookie class and Fleer had flashier designs, but the 1989 Score baseball set delivered solid photography and key rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Griffey Jr., Maddux, Glavine, and Alomar. Combined with classic portraits of stars like Bonds, Henderson, Smith, Clark, and Ryan, the 1989 Score set endures as one of the most memorable and collectible releases from the late 1980s baseball card boom. The stars, rookies, and photography make it a true set to treasure for any collector.