The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues of the late 1980s. While it may lack the star power of some earlier decades, the ’89 Topps set features several highly sought after rookie cards that have grown exponentially in value. For serious baseball card collectors and investors, here are some of the most valuable gems to look out for from the 1989 Topps series.
Ken Griffey Jr. (card #1)
Arguably the most legendary rookie card of the 1980s, Griffey’s stunning debut in the 1989 Topps set is the undisputed crown jewel. Widely considered the greatest five-tool player of his generation, “The Kid” would go on to cement his status as a modern baseball icon and first-ballot Hall of Famer. His rookie card captured him at the peak of his youthful promise and skills. In near-mint to mint condition, examples regularly sell for $4000-$6000. High-grade copies in the PSA 9-10 range have reached over $10,000 at auction. Even well-worn copies still pull in $500-1500 due to legendary nostalgia. Griffey’s ’89 Topps RC remains the most valuable of the entire set by a wide margin.
Greg Maddux (card #498)
The smooth righty’s quiet brilliance emerged gradually, but Maddux would cement his place among history’s elite pitchers. His ’89 Topps cardboard capture him as an up-and-coming 22-year old starter for the Cubs. In mint condition, it ranks just outside Griffey in value at $1500-2500. High grades continue fetch $3000-5000. Considered one of the most consistent and accomplished pitchers ever, nostalgia for Maddux’s rookie ensures the card remains a premier pick for collectors.
Tom Glavine (card #500)
Another superstar hurler, Glavine debuted in the same set as Maddux after being drafted one pick later. His smooth lefty deliver served him well over a Hall of Fame career spent mostly with the Braves. Glavine’s rookie card sells around $800-1500 in sharp condition. PSA 9s have reached $2500 and mint 10 examples over $3000. Like Maddux, the lefty’s sustained greatness keeps interest high for his first cardboard.
Tim Salmon (card #248)
A bit of a surprise find, the “Kingfish’s” rookie skyrocketed due to his underrated but highly productive career. Salmon smashed 304 homers over 17 seasons for the Angels with his sweet swing. His ’89 Topps RC typically sells for $500-1000 in top shape now. PSA 9s have brought as much as $2000. A throwback slugger in the Mickey Mantle mold, Salmon’s steady play garnered him cult legend status.
Sandy Alomar Jr. (card #126)
The slick-fielding catcher cracked the Indians’ lineup in 1988 at age 20. His profile exploded with a playoff MVP performance that year too. In ’89 Topps, Alomar Jr. can be had for around $200-500 in top condition. Graded PSA 9s soar to $1000-1500 range. A consistent defender for over 15 years in league, his value may rise as Indians fans hold nostalgia for their 1990s contenders.
Roberto Alomar (card #158)
Brother Sandy’s more flashy sibling also hit retail shelves in this set. Alomar broke in strong with the Padres as a speedy second basemen. His smooth glovework and hitting prowess made him a star very quickly. In gem mint, his ’89 RC sells $150-300 typically. Higher grades reach $500-1000 due to 12-time All-Star status and reputation as one of game’s premier talents at his position.
Other notables in the set with values of $100-500 depending on condition include pitcher Tom Glavine (Braves), outfielders Barry Bonds (Pirates), Joe Carter (Indians), and catcher Benito Santiago (Padres). The ’89 Topps roster also captured future Hall of Famers like Nolan Ryan, Tony Gwynn, and Ozzie Smith still in their primes too. It features a mix of established stars and rising talents that have sustained strong collector demand for over 30 years since issue. The Griffey and Maddux rookies stand out as the true blue-chip trophies in the set though. For savvy investors, the 1989 Topps series affords opportunities to profit handsomely on premium examples still holding strong nostalgia today.
While it may lack the all-time greats of earlier decades, the 1989 Topps baseball card set remains hugely collectible and valuable today due to star rookie cards of Ken Griffey Jr., Greg Maddux, and others that emerged as legends. Nearly 15 years since issue, these iconic cards hold iconic status and command top dollar still – a testament to both the talent featured and emotional nostalgia cards carry for fans of a generation. For the savvy collector, choice specimens from the ’89 issue present canny opportunities to both appreciate a classic piece of sports pop memorabilia and realize healthy profits. The heavyweight rookies will likely retain top-tier status for decades more.
