The 1989 Bowman baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable issues from the late 1980s. Produced by Topps Bowman Gum Company, the 1989 Bowman set features future Hall of Famers like Ken Griffey Jr., Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine as rookies. With the retirement of legendary players like Nolan Ryan and George Brett after the 1993 season, collectors began to place increasing value on cards featuring the next generation of stars from the late 80s and early 90s.
The overall demand for vintage 1980s and 1990s sports cards has steadily increased since the late 2000s. The hobby experienced huge growth during the pandemic as more people sought out collectibles to invest in or enjoy from home. Graded gem mint condition examples of star rookies from the 1989 Bowman set have realized five-figure prices at auction in recent years. While ungraded common cards hold relatively modest value, the high-end rookies have truly become treasures for dedicated collectors.
Perhaps the most coveted and expensive card from the 1989 Bowman release is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie. Widely considered one of the most visually appealing and instantly recognizable rookie cards ever produced, Griffey’s star power and elite on-field performance drive values sky high for high-grade copies. PSA 10 Gem Mint Griffey rookie examples routinely break records, with auctions consistently topping $100,000. Even PSA 9 Near Mint copies often reach the $10,000-20,000 range. For the average collector on a budget, locating an ungraded Griffey rookie in EX-MT condition for a few hundred dollars would be a major find.
Another enormously valuable MLB rookie card from the 1989 Bowman set belongs to Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux. One of the greatest control pitchers and most consistent winners in baseball history, Maddux’s accolades translate to big money for high-end copies of his rookie. PSA 10 versions routinely cross the auction block in the $15,000-25,000 range. Like Griffey, PSA 9 copies still provide a significant return on investment, often selling in the $3,000-5,000 range. An ungraded Maddux rookie from a reliable dealer in EX-MT condition is a definite bargain under $500.
Given his longevity and postseason heroics for the Atlanta Braves, Tom Glavine’s 1989 Bowman rookie has also attained elite status. Though not fetching the same record sums as Griffey or Maddux, a PSA 10 Glavine rookie can still pull in $5,000-10,000 at auction. PSA 9’s typically sell in the $1,000-3,000 range. What sets Glavine’s rookie apart is availability – it’s easier to find high-quality graded examples compared to Griffey or Maddux. So for collectors seeking an affordable star rookie card from the peak of Glavine’s career, this is a great option.
While the headliner rookies dominate discussion, there are several other valuable cards throughout the 1989 Bowman set worth mentioning. Future Hall of Famer Craig Biggio, who enjoyed a long and productive career primarily with the Houston Astros, has a desirable rookie that performs well graded. PSA 10’s have sold for $2,000+, with PSA 9’s in the $300-500 range. Juan Gonzalez, who won back-to-back AL MVP Awards in 1996-97 with Texas, has a rookie that can return $200-300 for an NM-MT copy.
From a player collection standpoint, star performers like Barry Bonds, Frank Thomas, Mark McGwire, and Roberto Alomar all have useful rookie or early career cards in the 1989 Bowman set. And for teams, the multiple rookie cards of players like Sid Fernandez (Mets), Gregg Olson (Orioles), and Bret Saberhagen (Royals) make for attractive uniform set fillers. While no competitors to the premier headliners in value, these solid role players add diversity and options for collectors on various budgets.
The 1989 Bowman baseball card set remains a treasure trove for collectors thanks to the star power and sustained value of the marquee rookie cards. While only the ultra-wealthy can reasonably attain a PSA 10 Ken Griffey Jr., the set provides countless opportunities to acquire high-quality early careers of Hall of Fame caliber players across various price points. For sets featuring the next generation of MLB stars, 1989 Bowman is undoubtedly the crown jewel release from the late 1980s-early 90s era. Its coveted rookies ensure the product will hold relevance and desirability for enthusiasts of the hobby for decades to come.
