The 1989 Donruss baseball card set was released at the tail end of the late 1980s baseball card boom. While not as valuable as iconic sets from the same era like 1987 Topps or 1988 Fleer, the ’89 Donruss roster contained many star players and rookie cards that are still attractive to collectors today. With 792 total cards in the base set, there are several notable editions to keep an eye out for when browsing through your collection or at a local card show.
Perhaps the most well-known card from the 1989 Donruss set is the Roger Clemens rookie (#61). As one of the greatest pitchers of all time, there is always strong demand for Clemens’ rookie cards regardless of set. The 1989 Donruss RC has a sharp blue and yellow design that really makes Clemens’ young face stand out. Graded mint condition examples regularly sell for hundreds of dollars on the secondary market. Another highly sought-after rookie is that of slugger Barry Bonds (#235). Though overshadowed early in his career by Mark McGwire’s record-setting home run chase, Bonds would go on to break the all-time home run record. Low-print runs and the star power of these two future Hall of Famers make their ’89 Donruss rookies a priority for collectors.
In addition to rookie standouts, 1991 Donruss features many stars of the late 80s game. One of the most iconic cards is that of Boston Red Sox legend Wade Boggs (#73). Boggs’ classic slashed batting stance and “Chicken Man” persona made him a fan favorite of the era. His card boasts a regal photo and classic gray/red Donruss design. Low-numbered versions often sell in the $100-200 range. Another Red Sox card to watch for is that of superstar pitcher Roger Clemens (#61). By 1989, Clemens was already a two-time Cy Young winner and the ace of Boston’s staff. His stoic on-field intensity pops on his blue and yellow tinted card. Numbered editions can frequently draw $50-75.
Other expensive star cards include sluggers like Mark McGwire (#257) of the Oakland A’s and Chicago Cubs first baseman Andre Dawson (#83). McGwire was well on his way to back-to-back MVP seasons in 1987-88 and his powerful swing is immortalized in a classic action shot on his ’89 card. Dawson followed his 1987 NL MVP with another All-Star campaign the next year. His mid-swing pose and Cubs pinstripes make his Donruss issue a standout. Both these cards frequently command $30-50 in high grades. Moving across sports, basketball phenom Michael Jordan also made his baseball card debut in 1989 Donruss (#416). While not one of the higher valued cards in the set, it remains a fun piece of sports history.
Two decorated veterans with interesting 1989 Donruss cards include Nolan Ryan (#157) and Orel Hershiser (#447). Ryan had just moved to the Texas Rangers in 1989 but remained one of baseball’s most intimidating hurlers well into his 40s. His windswept hair and thousand-yard stare earned him the moniker “The Ryan Express” which this card really captures. Hershiser, meanwhile, was coming off his record-setting 59 consecutive scoreless innings in 1988 which led to World Series MVP honors. His open-mouthed smile and straightforward pose on his Dodger blue card make it a unique piece in collections. Both of these respected veterans have valuable editions that consistently sell in the $30-50 range.
Staying on the Dodgers, one of the biggest visual standouts in the 1989 Donruss set is the card of flamethrower Jay Howell (#461). With his thick handlebar mustache and intense pitching motion, Howell was one of the game’s most recognizable relievers. His card really highlights his memorable look with a dramatic action shot. It’s become quite a popular pull for that reason alone. Howell was also a two-time All-Star with the Dodgers and A’s so high-grade copies often attract $20-30 on the market. Also with the Dodgers in 1989 was slugging first baseman Eddie Murray. Arguably the best hitting first baseman of the 1980s, Murray was chasing career milestones at the time. His slick profile photo and off-centered Dodger logo make his card aesthetically pleasing for collectors.
The 1989 Donruss roster also featured several talented young arms breaking into the league. Notable examples include Bret Saberhagen (#348) of the Royals, who had won the AL Cy Young just two years prior in 1985 at age 21, and Vince Coleman (#420) who broke the NL stolen base record in 1987 with the Cardinals. Both of these speedy athletes got their share of action shots and are fairly affordable for most collectors around the $10-15 mark. Another pitcher card that stands out visually is that of Yankees hurler Steve Adkins (#11). With his leg kick captured mid-motion, Adkins looks to be literally walking through the air. It’s a captivating action pose on an otherwise generic player issue.
While not the most prolific or valuable set from the late 1980s boom, the 1989 Donruss baseball card roster has several true gems that enthusiasts enjoy tracking down. Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, and Wade Boggs rookie cards anchor the high-dollar investments. Meanwhile, iconic veterans like Nolan Ryan and Orel Hershiser pair with exciting rising stars like McGwire, Dawson, and Murray for affordable pieces of cardboard nostalgia. Whether you’re a casual collector or serious investor, the stories and historic images captured by Topps, Fleer, and Donruss in the late 80s will never get old. Happy hunting in the 1989 Donruss paper treasure troves!
