The 1989 Bowman baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic releases of the late 1980s. The designs were flashy and featured new action shots of players on vibrant color backgrounds. This release also featured some of the brightest young stars in the game that would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. While it may lack the star power and hype of sets like 1988 Fleer and 1989 Upper Deck, 1991 Bowman, or 1992 Bowman, 1989 Bowman still contains many highly coveted rookie and star player cards that continue to increase in value decades later. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards collectors seek from this fun and memorable set.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card: Arguably the most desirable card in the entire set is the rookie card of Ken Griffey Jr. Griffey was already generating immense hype in 1989 as a hugely talented young center fielder with a beautiful left-handed swing for the Seattle Mariners. While still just a 19-year old rookie at the time, collectors recognized his potential to be a true superstar. His rookie card showcases Griffey striding confidently toward the plate in glorious full color. This card has skyrocketed in value over the years to become one of the most expensive modern rookie cards on the market today, often fetching thousands of dollars even in low grades.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card: Like Griffey, Frank Thomas was already making major waves in his first full season with the Chicago White Sox in 1989 at age 21. His advanced plate approach and mammoth home runs gave a glimpse into the hitting skills that would earn him the moniker “The Big Hurt” and eventual enshrinement in Cooperstown. Thomas’ rookie card is one of the standout short prints from the set, showing his broad shoulders and intense stare. While not quite as iconic or costly as Griffey’s, it remains a crucial rookie card for White Sox fans and Thomas PC collectors.
Mark McGwire Rookie Card: As a member of the Athletics in his 1987 rookie season, Mark McGwire had already blasted 49 home runs to set a new major league rookie record. His dominance led him to become the most hyped rookie amongst collectors in 1989 Bowman. His card features “Big Mac” digging in at the plate, emphasizing his thick physique and prodigious power. Despite some condition-related issues that ding its rarity a bit, McGwire rookies have stayed popular for Oakland fans and remain financially out of reach for most collectors raw or graded.
Barry Bonds Rookie Card: Barry Bonds became the face of the Pittsburgh Pirates franchise in the late 1980s and established himself as perhaps the best all-around player in baseball. His rookie card from the ’89 Bowman set is one of the more ornate designs from that year, depicting Bonds rounding third base in a green and yellow border. Like most high-end vintage stars, his rookies became quite expensive over the years even before accounting for his controversial legacy. Still, for Pirates PC collectors or those seeking arguably the greatest player of all-time, this Bonds rookie remains iconic.
Ken Hill Rookie Card: While not a true “superstar” rookie like Griffey or Thomas, Texas Rangers starter Ken Hill had a very solid 14-year MLB career that was highlighted by his Cy Young-caliber 1992 season. His rookie in 1989 Bowman is quite scarce and intriguing for Rangers fans. Hill is shown striding in from the bullpen, showcasing the sidearm delivery that brought him success as a reliable starter and middle reliever over his career. Condition issues knock its value below true elite rookies, but Hill rookies retain collectors’ interest.
Roberto Alomar Rookie Card: As a member of the San Diego Padres in 1989, Roberto Alomar was still early in his Hall of Fame career but already displaying tremendous skills with the glove and bat that would define him as arguably the greatest second baseman ever. His color photo rookie from this set is amongst the sharper and nicer-looking cards in 1989 Bowman. Alomar remained a star for many contending Blue Jays and Orioles teams, making this a crucial rookie card for any AL East team PC or general vintage collection.
Doug Drabek Rookie Card: Pittsburgh Pirates ace Doug Drabek had established himself as one of baseball’s premier starting pitchers by 1990 when he won both the National League Cy Young Award and MLB Comeback Player of the Year honors. His rookie card from 1989 Bowman is a strong representation of his distinct pitching motion and intensity on the mound as a member of the Houston Astros. While not in the same galaxy of popularity as superstar cards, Drabek rookies retain steady interest from vintage collectors and Pirates fans.
Randy Johnson Rookie Card: Standing an imposing 6-foot-10 with a blazing fastball, “The Big Unit” was already showcasing his future Hall of Fame talent as a young Seattle Mariners starter in 1989. His vibrantly colorful rookie card depicts an intense close-up of the lefty preparing to fire a pitch. Johnson would go on to become arguably the greatest strikeout pitcher ever while starring for many contending teams. Even with some surface issues, his rookie remains a must-have for any Mariners or Johnson PC due to his legendary career.
The 1989 Bowman baseball set endures tremendous appeal for vintage collectors due to its fun, designer-style visuals plus starring rookie cards and early depictions of future Cooperstown legends. Even after over 30 years, specimens of Griffey, Thomas, McGwire, Bonds and others crack five-figure prices when high graded. For an affordable vintage basketball product loaded with young star power, 1989 Bowman is tough to top. While condition issues hold back some individual cards, collecting stars from this iconic release remains an enticing pursuit for any baseball fan or investor.
