The 1989 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable sets from the modern baseball card era for several reasons. The 1989 Fleer set was notable as the year Ken Griffey Jr. was featured as a rookie after breaking into the majors the previous year with Seattle. Any card featuring Griffey from this set holds significant value due to his epic career and popularity as arguably the greatest player of the 1990s.
Griffey’s rookie card from the 1989 Fleer set in pristine, gem mint condition could be worth $2,500-3,000 or more. While most Griffey rookies in good condition sell for $300-500, very high-grade specimens approach five figures in value. Demand has always been incredibly strong for Griffey rookie cards and his popularity continues to this day. The 1989 Fleer set overall featured many other future Hall of Fame players early in their careers as well, which adds to the long-term collecting interest.
Beyond Griffey, some other valuable cards from the 1989 Fleer set include rookie cards for Barry Larkin, Randy Johnson, and Mark McGwire. A near-mint or better condition Larkin rookie could fetch $150-200. Larkin went on to have a stellar career mostly with the Cincinnati Reds and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2012. Randy Johnson rookie cards from the ’89 Fleer set in top-notch condition can sell for $75-125. Johnson would go on to win five Cy Young Awards and be considered one of the most intimidating pitchers ever.
Mark McGwire rookie cards from the 1989 Fleer set hold value as well, with gem mint versions appraising around $125. Of course, McGwire is best remembered for breaking Roger Maris’ single season home run record in 1998. While that season was tainted by McGwire’s later admission to steroid use, his rookie card still maintained value based on his prodigious home run feats prior to the steroids era coming to light.
Aside from star rookies, the 1989 Fleer set featured several established superstars who continued powering their respective franchises throughout the late 80s and 90s. Hall of Fame inductee Wade Boggs had an incredible run with the Boston Red Sox from 1982-1992. His featured card in the ’89 Fleer set has gained value in recent years, with near-mint copies selling between $25-40. Another star third baseman, Molitor, commanded the hot corner for Milwaukee and Toronto throughout this time. His ’89 Fleer card has found a $15-25 range.
Ozzie Smith was in his prime with the St. Louis Cardinals, manning shortstop with dazzling defense en route to Cooperstown. His sharp looking 1989 Fleer card regularly trades hands for $15-25. Another defensive wizard, Omar Vizquel, had one of the best rookie seasons by a shortstop in 1989. High-grade examples of his breakout rookie card have pushed north of $100. With 3,000 hits and 11 Gold Gloves to his name, Vizquel developed into a surefire Hall of Famer.
American League MVP Kirby Puckett continued wrecking havoc for the Minnesota Twins World Series titles in ’87 and ’91. Near-mint Puckett rookies pull in $8-12 steadily. The ace of the Oakland Athletics staff, Dave Stewart won 20 games and the 1989 World Series MVP. His featured card holds a $5-8 market value. Underrated star catcher Lance Parrish was a six-time All-Star for the Detroit Tigers. Pristine copies of his strong hitting card have pushed $10-12 recently.
The 1989 Fleer baseball card set also provided the rookie cards for other future stars who hadn’t fully blossomed yet. Future 500 home run club members Fred McGriff ($5-8), Mo Vaughn ($3-5), and Carlos Delgado ($4-6) all had promising starts to their careers captured in the ’89 Fleer set at affordable levels.
All in all, the 1989 Fleer baseball card set has proven to be one of the most valuable modern issues because it captured so many future all-time great players and Hall of Famers very early in their careers. High-grade examples of star rookies like Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Larkin will always demand top dollar. But the set also featured the biggest names of the late 80s/early 90s still performing at an elite level. For the above reasons, the 1989 Fleer set remains a staple for collectors to this day and should continue appreciating for many years to come.
