The 1989 Major League Baseball season was one of transition as the sport moved towards the dominance of teams valued the power of long ball over pitching and defense that would define the 1990s. The 1989 baseball card season captured these changes as new stars like Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds began to emerge on the backs of flashy rookie cards while legends like Mike Schmidt neared retirement. For collectors of 1989 Topps, Donruss, Fleer and Score baseball cards, it was an exciting time to be building a collection with memorable rookie cards and talented veterans still in their primes.
Score was a smaller baseball card company than the big three of Topps, Donruss and Fleer but released innovative sets that appealed to collectors. Their 1989 offering featured dramatic action photography and creative design elements that stood out among the competition. At the forefront was the “Diamond Kings” insert set highlighting 16 of the game’s superstars in uniform but in dramatic posed scenes away from the field. Ken Griffey Jr., Jose Canseco and Nolan Ryan were some of the young and old talent featured in these showcase cards. Another unique aspect of 1989 Score was the “Bat Kings” parallel set using the same photographs as the Diamond Kings but with the players holding their signature bats.
Beyond the innovative inserts, the 1989 Score base set roster provided a who’s who of the era. Cardinal greats like Ozzie Smith and Vince Coleman led the National League while power hitters like Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco topped the American League ranks. Righthander Nolan Ryan’s impressive career was immortalized in his Houston Astros uniform after leaving the Angels. Young stars like Kirby Puckett and Sandy Alomar Jr. had breakout 1988 seasons setting themselves up for superb careers captured early in the 1989 Score collection.
On the rookie front, future Hall of Famer Barry Bonds debuted with the Pittsburgh Pirates. His imposing 6’1, 190 lb. frame and Lefty swing seemed destined for stardom in his rookie card. Ken Griffey Jr also had his first card issued after making his Major League debut in right field for the Seattle Mariners in 1989. The spikey haired 19-year old showed why he was one of baseball’s top prospects and signs of a long, successful career ahead. Other notable rookies included pitchers Roger Clemens(Red Sox), Mark Gardner(Red Sox) and catcher Sandy Martinez(Pirates).
Veteran superstars still dotted the Score checklist in 1989 like Wade Boggs with the Red Sox, Fernando Valenzuela with the Dodgers and the ageless Nolan Ryan preparing to break yet another record. But the changing of the guard was evident with power hitters rewriting home run records. Canseco blasted 42 home runs leading the A’s offensive charge while sluggers like Will Clark, Kevin Mitchell and Mark McGwire also eclipsed the 30 home run plateau.
For collectors of the 1989 Score baseball card set, finding and completing the 660 card base roster provided a detailed who’s who of the era. Chasing after parallel inserts like “Diamond Kings”, “Bat Kings” and “Record Breakers” showed the creative ways Score designed sets beyond the standard base cards. With strong rookie classes headlined by Bonds and Griffey Jr. coupled with veterans like Ryan and Boggs, the 1989 Score collection is a time capsule to one of transition in Major League Baseball history toward the elite power era soon to come. Finding graded examples of these stars’ rookie and prime years cards remains a hobby highlight for collectors today.
From a investment standpoint, some of the top grades 1989 Score rookie cards have held strong values. A PSA 10 Griffey Jr. regularly brings over $1000. A PSA 9 Bonds tops $400. Even non-rookie cards like a PSA 10 Boggs or Ryan crack $100. Lower grade examples are also attainable investments for collectors on a budget, especially for famous veterans. Condition is especially important to consider for the 26 year old Score set when purchasing today.
The 1989 Score baseball card set offers collectors a unique glimpse at the end of one era and start of another in Major League Baseball during the late 1980s. With innovative inserts and spikey action photography beyond the typical offerings that year, Score captured stars of the recent past, present and future. Chasing key rookies like Bonds and Griffey Jr. along with veterans primes make this an enduring classic set for the hobby. Those willing to pay premiums for top grades can find sound long term investments as well from the talented roster featured.
