The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s. Produced at the height of the baseball card boom, the ’89 Topps issue featured 792 total cards and included some of the game’s biggest stars from that era. Nearly 35 years later, many of those cards have greatly increased in value and desirability among collectors. Here’s a closer look at some of the most expensive and coveted cards from the ’89 Topps collection.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#716)
Without question, the crown jewel of the 1989 Topps set is the rookie card of Ken Griffey Jr. Widely considered one of the finest all-around players of his generation, Griffey was already generating huge excitement and buzz in the baseball world as a 19-year-old with the Seattle Mariners in ’89. His rookie card captured him at the very beginning of what would become a surefire Hall of Fame career. In top condition, with a perfect gem mint grade of PSA 10, Griffey Jr.’s rookie now routinely sells for well over $100,000. Even well-centered copies in Excellent-Mint (PSA 8-9) range still command prices of $1,000-$4,000 due to his iconic status. The Griffey rookie is undoubtedly the most valuable card from the entire 1980s era.
Nolan Ryan (#481)
One of the most intimidating and durable pitchers in MLB history, Nolan Ryan’s accolades and record-setting career have made his cards enormously popular with collectors through the years. In ’89 Topps, Ryan was pitching for his 5th franchise, the Texas Rangers, at age 42 after over two decades in the big leagues. His sharp action photo and dominant statistical resume attract serious interest. High-grade versions of Ryan’s ’89 Topps card in mint condition have sold for $3,000-$5,000, though more typical PSA 8 copies go for $300-$500 still. He remains one of the set’s most sought-after veteran stars.
Rickey Henderson (#488)
As one of the most electrifying players ever to play the game, Rickey Henderson continues to be a fan favorite years after his retirement. His 1989 Topps issue depicts him at the height of his career for the Oakland A’s, where he was a perennial MVP candidate known for his trademark leadoff power and base-stealing prowess. “Hendu” would go on to break Lou Brock’s all-time stolen base record in 1991. Pristine PSA 10 examples of his ’89 card have sold in the $800 range, while high-grade PSA 9s still return $150-300 at auction depending on the day. Henderson aficionados prize this issue.
Barry Bonds (#721)
Though he had yet to enter his true superstar prime, Barry Bonds was already an elite slugger for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1989. His impressive rookie season stats of 113 runs, 33 HR, 76 RBI were prominently displayed on his ’89 Topps RC. Bonds would go on to rewrite the home run record books over the next decade-plus and remain a lightning rod figure, but for collectors his rookie card holds historical significance. PSA 10 grades have reached over $2,000, with PSA 9 copies between $150-$300 and PSA 8s settling in the $50-100 range depending on eye appeal and centering quality.
Bo Jackson (#695)
One of the most unique dual-sport talents in pro sports history, Bo Jackson’s iconic status was already growing as an outfielder/designated hitter for the Kansas City Royals in 1989 while also starring on Sundays for the NFL’s LA Raiders. His ’89 Topps issue is overflowing with action and energy, highlighting just how much of an athletic freak Jackson truly was. PSA 10 grades of the Bo Knows card have sold for $800-1000, while high-end PSA 9s command $150-300 due to their relative scarcity compared to the demand from Jackson collectors and fans of ’80s nostalgia.
Others Of Note
Several other key stars and players from the late ’80s have maintained strong followings as well. San Francisco Giants star Will Clark (#655) and his trademark lefty swing have made his ’89 Topps card popular in the $80-150 range graded PSA 9. Toronto Blue Jays talent Tony Fernandez (#656) and his slick fielding at shortstop can fetch $75-125 for top-graded copies. Dodgers hurler Orel Hershiser (#536), fresh off his record-setting 1988 season and World Series MVP win, sees his issue trade hands for $60-100 on the secondary market. And emerging Atlanta Braves star David Justice (#731), just a rookie in ’89, has gained retro traction with aficionados of ‘90s Braves teams in the $40-80 range.
Obtaining high grades of PSA 9 or 10 are crucial to maximize value for the top cards in the ’89 Topps set. Centering, corners and edges must be flawless, with no creases, bends, or marks to hinder condition. Lesser overall eye appeal or dings will drop estimated prices by 25-50% each additional grade lower than a pristine PSA 10. But for dedicated collectors, finding choice, well-cared for specimens of their favorite players from the exciting 1989 baseball season remains a highly engaging and rewarding hobby decades later.
