The 1989 Score baseball card set was one of the most iconic and valuable sets of the late 1980s. Produced by Score Board, Inc and featuring photography by Bruce Menard, the 1989 Score set highlighted some of the biggest stars and rookie cards of that era. With 792 total cards and featuring a variety of insert sets and parallels, the 1989 Score set became a highly collectible release that still holds value among enthusiasts today.
One of the biggest storylines of the 1989 season was the emergence of Ken Griffey Jr. as a true superstar in the making. Griffey’s rookie card from the 1989 Score set, card #1, became one of the most sought after rookie cards ever. Featuring Griffey in a Cincinnati Reds uniform with his signature backwards hat, the card captured Junior in his early prime and as one of the game’s rising stars. Griffey would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie card remains one of the most valuable from the late 80s/early 90s. In high grade, a PSA 10 Griffey rookie has sold for over $100,000, showing its staying power in the hobby.
Another rookie who had a breakout season in 1989 was Frank Thomas of the Chicago White Sox. Thomas blasted 31 home runs and drove in 105 runs in his first full season, winning the American League Rookie of the Year award. His rookie card from the 1989 Score set, card #662, is also highly sought after by collectors. Like Griffey, Thomas went on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie remains a key piece for any collector from this era. A PSA 10 Thomas rookie has sold for over $10,000, underscoring its popularity and demand in the hobby.
In addition to rookie stars, the 1989 Score set also highlighted many of the game’s established superstars who were entering their primes. Cards of Will Clark (card #153), Barry Bonds (card #162), Mark McGwire (card #193), and Jose Canseco (card #212) all captured these sluggers in their athletic primes and before performance-enhancing drugs became prevalent in the game. Each of these stars’ cards remain highly collectible today for capturing them pre-PEDs at the peak of their natural abilities. Graded examples of Clark, Bonds, McGwire, and Canseco routinely sell for hundreds to thousands depending on condition.
The 1989 Score set also included several exciting insert sets that added to the product’s appeal and collectibility. The “Record Breakers” insert set featured cards honoring notable single-season and career records. The 12 cards in the set paid tribute to milestones like Nolan Ryan’s 5,000th strikeout, Pete Rose’s all-time hit record, and Rickey Henderson’s single-season stolen base mark. These unique parallel inserts captured historic moments in baseball history and remain a highly sought after subset.
The 1989 Score set featured “Turn Back The Clock” parallel inserts reimagining past baseball greats in their prime. 12 cards in the set depicted legends like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Willie Mays in modern baseball uniforms. These creative inserts allowed collectors a fun “what if” scenario and added nostalgia. The parallel inserts from 1989 Score added layers of collecting and increased the overall product’s appeal.
In terms of production and design, the 1989 Score set is considered one of the brand’s best overall releases. The thick, high quality cardboard used for the base cards gives them an exceptionally sturdy feel even after 30+ years. The vibrant color photography by Bruce Menard captured each player in crisp, lifelike fashion with a true focus on aesthetics. The design elements from the borders to the team logo placement felt balanced and timeless.
When grading and assessing condition, well-kept examples from the 1989 Score set maintain strong collector demand and higher prices relative to other late 80s/early 90s releases. This is a testament to both the quality control during production as well as the set’s enduring nostalgia and historic significance in the hobby. Key rookies like Griffey and Thomas will likely only continue increasing in price as the years pass.
The 1989 Score baseball card set was a true high point in late 80s/early 90s card design, production quality, and rookie class. Featuring stars entering their primes and debuts that became legends, the set succeeded in capturing a special season and players in an aesthetically beautiful package. With exciting inserts, parallel sets, and an iconic Griffey rookie headlining, 1989 Score remains one of the most recognizable and investable releases from the junk wax era. It’s a “must-have” for any vintage baseball card collector.
