The 1989 Score baseball card set was released at the peak of the baseball card boom of the late 1980s. While not the most popular or widely produced set of that year, 1989 Score contained several rare and valuable rookie cards that have stood the test of time. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable cards collectors seek out from the 1989 Score set over 30 years later.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card: Widely considered the crown jewel of the 1989 Score set is the rookie card of future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. Griffey was already garnering attention and hype in the minors, and collectors knew his rookie card would be one to hang onto. In gem mint condition, Griffey’s 1989 Score rookie currently fetches upwards of $800-$1,000. Even well-centered near mint copies can sell for $300-500. The card features Griffey’s sweet swing and captures him at the beginning of what would become one of the greatest careers in baseball history. Griffey went on to smash 630 career home runs and win 10 Gold Gloves in center field.
Greg Maddux Rookie Card: Another Hall of Fame player, Greg Maddux had one of the most dominant pitching careers ever. His rookie card from the 1989 Score set in a PSA 10 gem mint grade can sell for around $500 today. Even in raw near mint to mint condition uncertified, quality Maddux rookies go for $150-250. At the time, Maddux was dazzling in the Atlanta Braves rotation but few could predict he’d go on to win 4 Cy Young awards and become arguably the best control pitcher of all-time. His rookie card remains highly collectible for Cubs, Braves, and baseball card investors alike.
Barry Larkin Rookie Card: Larkin collected over 2,400 hits and 19 seasons in the majors primarily with the Cincinnati Reds, where he won the 1995 NL MVP award. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012. Larkin’s 1989 Score rookie in a PSA 10 pops up occasionally online for $300-400. Uncertified near mint copies trade in the $100-200 range. Even though Larkin was not one of the superstar rookie shortstops of that year like Alex Rodriguez or Nomar Garciaparra, his HOF pedigree gives his rookie card lasting value.
Roberto Alomar Rookie Card: Arguably the best all-around second baseman of his generation, Roberto Alomar played from 1988-2004 and has a plaque in Cooperstown. His 1989 Score rookie is highly valued in top grades. A PSA 10 sells between $300-500 fairly regularly. Even in PSA 9 Excellent condition, Alomar’s rook fetches $150-250. With his Gold Glove defense and career .300 average, Alomar quickly became a fan favorite as one of the game’s most exciting players during the early ’90s Toronto Blue Jays dynasty years.
Tom Glavine Rookie Card: One half of the legendary Glavine-Maddux-Smoltz Braves rotation of the 1990s, Tom Glavine carved out a Hall of Fame career largely with the Braves including two Cy Young awards. Glavine’s 1989 Score rookie card in PSA 10 mint is around $150-250 in current sales. Near mint uncertified copies can be found for $50-100. Glavine established himself quickly as a crafty lefty and fans snapped up his rookie, likely not knowing he’d be such a pivotal piece of one of baseball’s greatest dynasties.
Kevin Maas Rookie Card: A unique entry on this list, Kevin Maas had a promising rookie campaign for the New York Yankees in 1990 that had collectors excited about his potential. He belted an amazing 21 home runs after being called up that September. However, Maas was never able to sustain that rookie success and flamed out of the league shortly after. Still, his 1989 Score RC remains popular among collectors seeking speculative longshots or Yankees cards. PSA 10 gem copies sell around $100.
Honorable Mentions: Other notable 1989 Score rookie cards that can still fetch $50-150 graded include Sandy Alomar Jr., Tom Gordon, Damon Berryhill, Jeff Bagwell, Carlos Baerga, Gary Sheffield, and Tim Belcher among others. Collectors also look to complete full rookie sets of star players like Frank Thomas, Larry Walker, David Justice, and Mo Vaughn whose cards are more common from 1989 Score but satisfy completionists.
The 1989 Score baseball card set remains an investment goldmine over 30 years later thanks to star rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Maddux, Larkin, Glavine, and Alomar capturing their early promise. High grades of these rookies as well as spec cards of Maas continue to sell briskly online. The 1989 Score set defines the late 80s rookie boom and these cards hold up extremely well even after three decades of appreciation.
