The year 1989 saw the hobby of baseball card collecting at the peak of its popularity during the late 1980s boom. Whether it was opening fresh packs at the local drug store or scouring through shoeboxes full of cards from years past, kids and collectors alike were enthralled by the artwork, statistics and potential value found in these small pieces of cardboard. Now over 30 years later, some of the most coveted rookie cards and exquisite memorabilia cards from sets like Topps, Fleer and Score have exponentially increased in value. Here are some of the most valuable baseball cards to look out for from the year 1989 that still ignite passion in collectors today:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Topps): Arguably one of the most iconic rookie cards in the modern era, the Ken Griffey Jr. Topps card is truly a work of art. Featuring a clean photo of “The Kid” with his smooth left-handed swing, combined with Topps’ classic design, this rookie introduced baseball fans to one of the game’s greatest players. Even back in 1989, collectors rushed to find this rookie in packs knowing Griffey had superstar potential. Today a PSA 10 gem mint Griffey rookie regularly commands well over $10,000 at auction. Lower graded copies still bring in thousands, showing this card’s lasting popularity and investment grade worth.

Frank Thomas Rookie Card (Score): While the Frank Thomas Topps and Bowman rookies are also highly valuable, his rookie appearance in Score stands out for the fantastic action image featured. Shot from a low angle, Thomas is shown unleashing a powerful swing that looks like it’s about to take flight out of Comiskey Park. Plus, the Thomas autograph version of this rookie holds a special place for collectors seeking a true holy grail. Even raw copies in played condition sell for $500-1000 regularly now, with higher grades bringing far more. This card perfectly captured Big Hurt’s impressive talents right from the get-go.

Barry Bonds Rookie Card (Topps Traded): Perhaps the most famous traded card set ever released, the 1989 Topps Traded cards captured many of baseball’s hottest young stars at the time in vivid color photos. But none stands taller in value and significance than the Barry Bonds rookie, which has him sporting thick sideburns in a Pirates uniform. Bonds would go on to break the all-time home run record and become arguably the greatest slugger ever. Low end examples still pull in $100-200 even today despite the condition, with high quality specimens reaching the $1500-2000 range or more.

Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck RC (Upper Deck): While Topps held the MLB license in 1989, Upper Deck arrived on the scene and quickly gained popularity for their sharp photography and production quality. And they famously landed the coveted Griffey Jr. Upper Deck rookie card, which took collectors by storm upon set release. Featuring a dynamic action shot of Griffey swinging, this rookie helped elevate the hobby and establish Upper Deck as a premium brand. Even in lower grades, copies sell for $800-1200. Highly graded examples can reach $5000 or higher, especially for the rare hologram parallels.

Greg Maddux Rookie Card (Topps Traded): One of the most dominant and consistent pitchers in MLB history, Greg Maddux’s rookie introduction came amid the star power of the ’89 Topps Traded set. With a close-up headshot showing off Maddux’s intense stare, this card perfectly hinted at the incredible Hall of Fame career ahead. Today it’s among the most valuable Braves rookies from the 1980s-1990s era, with mint copies commanding $400-600. This was an iconic rookie card of one of baseball’s all-time great hurlers.

Barry Bonds Score Masters of the Game Patch Card: Perhaps the rarest and most valuable memorabilia card from 1989, Barry Bonds’ amazing Score Masters of the Game patch card carried a hefty $500 price tag upon release. And for good reason – it featured an immense 1/1 piece of Bonds’ actual game-worn Pirates jersey in pristine condition. Even ungraded, examples can eclipse $10,000 today. This truly represents the pinnacle piece of what collectors coveted and defined the 1989 high-end memorabilia card market.

Any rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Todd Zeile, Tom Glavine, or Juan Gonzalez are also highly sought after from ’89. And spectacular Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones, and Jim Abbott rookie appearances in Fleer and Stadium Club show the immense talent was also in the minors that year. While the players and amounts have changed, the thrill of the hunt for vintage cardboard treasures lives on strong for collectors three decades later. The magic of 1989 lives on through these classic cards that changed hands for pocket change at the time but represent so much more today.