The 1989 Bowman baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable vintage baseball card sets from the late 1980s. Produced by The Bowman Gum Company, the 1989 Bowman set was the last major issue of baseball cards produced before the Bowman brand was acquired by Topps in 1992. The set contains measurements on the backs of each card for the first time. It also features rookie cards of several future Hall of Famers like Kenny Lofton, Paul Molitor, and Dennis Martinez. Below is an in-depth look at some of the most valuable and sought after rookie and star player cards from the 1989 Bowman baseball set.
Ken Griffey Jr. (#1) – Widely considered the most valuable card in the set, Griffey’s rookie is the crown jewel for 1989 Bowman collectors. Even in low graded conditions, Griffey rookie cards typically sell for well over $1000. High graded PSA/BGS 10 examples have sold for upwards of $25,000 due to Griffey’s legendary career and the card being one of the most iconic rookie cards in the modern era. Condition is extremely important for Griffey’s already valuable rookie to maximize its worth.
Roberto Alomar (#98) – Alomar’s rookie card isn’t quite as coveted as Griffey’s, but it remains one of the key chases in the ’89 Bowman set. In PSA 10 condition, Alomar rookies have still sold for $1000-1500 ranges in recent years. Anything graded 8 or lower can usually be acquired for $100-300 depending on centering and edges issues. His success and multiple All-Star appearances maintains interest in this rookie long after his playing days.
Tom Glavine (#186) – Although not the top pitcher of his generation like Greg Maddux, Glavine put together a Hall of Fame worthy career of his own. His rookie card usually trades hands in the $150-250 range graded PSA/BGS 8-9. PSA 10 Glavine rookies have topped $500 at auction. Solid but unspectacular demand exists since he was never the biggest star on his own clubs despite 305 career wins and two Cy Young Awards.
David Justice (#187) – Justice never reached the superstar heights expected of him coming out of Georgia Tech, but he was a reliable power hitter and three-time World Series champion in his career. His rookie card can typically be found in the $50-100 range in PSA/BGS 8-9 condition. Higher grades have sold closer to $150-200 for Justice’s somewhat underrated ’89 Bowman issue.
Greg Maddux (#226) – One of the greatest pitchers ever, Maddux’s rookie doesn’t quite fetch the same returns as Griffey or Hideo Nomo mainly due to his lack of “star power” in the eyes of collectors. Still, in top PSA 10 condition, Maddux rookies have crossed the $500 auction mark before. Mostgraded 8-9 examples will sell in the $150-300 range reflecting his amazing accolades like 355 career wins and 4 Cy Young Awards.
Hideo Nomo (#294) – The Japanese pitching sensation’s U.S. rookie card is extremely tough to grade due to centering issues in the Bowman printing process. Still, even well-centered PSA 8’s have topped $1000 before capitalizing on Nomo’s trailblazing success as a posted player and two-time All-Star. Higher grades from PSA and BGS in the 5-7 range can often be found below $200. Any sharp PSA 10 Nomo rookie would command well over $2000.
Bobby Bonilla (#341) – Bonilla put together a very good career compiling over 280 home runs and is fondly remembered for his time with the ’80s Mets and Pirates teams. His ’89 Bowman rookie usually trades hands between $50-100 in PSA/BGS 8-9 condition. The larger pop of this lower-end star player’s issue keeps prices down versus the elite rookies of the set.
Sandy Alomar Jr. (#402) – The son of a 10-time All-Star, Sandy Jr. carried on the family legacy with over a decade in the big leagues primarily behind the plate. His rookie holds less appeal than his HOF bound brother Roberto’s issue. PSA/BGS 8’s are typically $30-50 while high grade 9’s might reach $75-100 at best reflecting his sons of a star status.
Beyond the marquee rookies highlighted, 1989 Bowman also features rising stars like Bret Saberhagen (#28), Darrin Jackson (#76), Billy Swift (#159), and Jerry Browne (#208) who each had multiple productive MLB seasons. For set builders, stars like Barry Bonds (#160), Mark McGwire (#166), Will Clark (#188), and Darren Daulton (#281) add iconic names from the late 80s/early 90s. The sheer volume of future All-Stars makes ’89 Bowman an undeniably important vintage baseball release even if many of the higher graded rookies remain out of reach price-wise for most collectors today. Condition sensitive veterans like Pete Rose and Joe Morgan were also included rounding out this historic 560 card Bowman baseball flagship. While not quite as collectible as the 1952 Topps or 1957 Topps sets, ’89 Bowman deserves recognition among the most valuable vintage issues. With the mixture of superstars, solid role players, and Hall of Fame talents its no wonder this set remains a fixture in the collections and want lists of cardboard curators everywhere.
