The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable sets from the late 1980s. While it doesn’t have any true “superstar” rookies like some other years, there are still several key cards that can be worth a significant amount of money in high grade. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top 1989 Topps baseball cards that have retained value or increased in value over the past 30+ years.

Ken Griffey Jr. (#1) – Griffey’s rookie card is always one of the most desirable from any set. In pristine mint condition, this card can fetch thousands. In a PSA 10 gem mint, recently sold examples have brought $3,000-$5,000. Even in lower grades like PSA 8 or BGS 9, it still holds value at $500-$1,000.

Gregg Jefferies (#96) – Jefferies was one of the top prospects in baseball when this card was issued. While he didn’t live up to the hype, his rookie card has become popular for set collectors. High grade examples in PSA 10 can sell for over $1,000. Most other mint copies sell in the $200-$500 range.

Tom Glavine (#168) – Glavine would go on to become a Hall of Famer, but his rookie card isn’t overly expensive compared to others from this era. Still, a PSA 10 sells for $300-$500 and PSA 9s go for $100-$200. Any mint quality Glavine rookie holds value for Braves collectors.

Randy Johnson (#254) – “The Big Unit” had already begun to dominate as a starter for the Mariners by 1989. His rookie remains one of the more iconic cards from the set. PSA 10s have sold for over $1,000. Most other mint grades still sell for $200+ due to his Hall of Fame career.

Barry Larkin (#266) – The Reds’ Hall of Fame shortstop had a stellar career that began around this time. High grade copies of his rookie in PSA 10 can reach $400-500. Most other pristine grades sell around $150-250 range still.

Dennis Martinez (#284) – Martinez’s perfect game in 1991 added to the appeal of his rookie card over the years. PSA 10s have reached $500-600 price tags. Most other mint grades sell around $150-250 still.

Tom Browning (#304) – Browning tossed a perfect game of his own for the Reds in 1988. His rookie card has gained popularity due to that achievement. PSA 10s sell for $300-500. Most other pristine copies sell around $100-200.

David Justice (#312) – Justice emerged as a power-hitting outfielder for the Braves dynasty teams in the 1990s. PSA 10 grades of his rookie have sold for over $400. Other top-graded versions still fetch $150-300.

Bobby Thigpen (#378) – Thigpen set the single season saves record with 57 in 1990 for the White Sox. His rookie has gained notoriety because of that. PSA 10s have sold for $400-500. Most other pristine grades sell around $150-250.

Roberto Alomar (#380) – Alomar established himself as a superstar-caliber second baseman throughout his career. High grades of his rookie in PSA 10 can reach $300-500 price levels. Most other mint copies sell around $100-200.

Fred McGriff (#397) – “Crime Dog” McGriff bashed 493 career home runs. His rookie remains popular for Blue Jays and power hitter collectors. PSA 10s have sold for $300-500. Most other pristine grades sell around $100-200.

Tom Henke (#410) – Henke established the closer role for the Blue Jays and Rangers in the late 80s-90s. His rookie has gained value due to that. PSA 10s have reached $400 price tags. Other mint grades sell around $150-250 levels still.

Gregg Olson (#433) – Olson emerged as a dominant closer for the Orioles in the early 90s. His rookie card is popular for that reason. PSA 10s have sold for $300-500. Most other pristine grades sell around $100-200.

Dennis Eckersley (#474) – Eckersley’s transformation from starter to closer made him a Hall of Famer. His rookie remains popular for that reason. PSA 10s have reached $400 price tags. Other mint grades sell around $150-250 levels still.

Bret Saberhagen (#489) – Saberhagen won two Cy Young awards for the Royals in the late 80s. His rookie holds value due to that success. PSA 10s have sold for $300-500. Most other pristine grades sell around $100-200.

While the 1989 Topps set may not have true “superstar” rookies, there are still several key cards that can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars in pristine, mint condition grades. Cards featuring future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Glavine, Larkin, Martinez and Eckersley will always be in high demand. Plus, stars like Johnson, Justice, Alomar, McGriff and others that emerged in the 1990s provide collectors opportunities to acquire affordable vintage rookies of proven big leaguers. With patience and a watchful eye on the market, savvy collectors can find valuable 1989 Topps gems still at reasonable price levels after 30+ years.