1989 Fleer Baseball Cards Price Guide

The 1989 Fleer baseball card set was the 23rd edition of Fleer’s annual baseball card release. It featured cards of players from the American and National Leagues and marked some notable milestones. The set size was 660 cards and included rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr., Greg Maddux, and Frank Thomas. While not the most valuable vintage baseball card set, 1989 Fleer cards provide affordable vintage options for collectors at various price points. Let’s take a deeper look at the key cards, variations, and estimated values from the 1989 Fleer baseball cards price guide.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Card #1)

Undoubtedly the crown jewel of the 1989 Fleer set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the most iconic rookie cards of all time, Griffey’s rookie card holds significant nostalgia and demand. In pristine near-mint to mint condition (NMR-MT), Griffey’s rookie commands prices of $300-500 raw. Higher grades such as PSA 10 can fetch over $1,000. While not as valuable as other vintage rookie cards, the Griffey maintains strong collector interest due to his legendary career and status as a fan favorite. Condition is critical, as well-worn copies can sell for under $50.

Greg Maddux Rookie Card (Card #138)

Another highly sought rookie is Greg Maddux’s 1989 Fleer issue. As a four-time Cy Young award winner, Maddux established himself as one of the greatest pitchers ever. His rookie card sells in the $50-100 range in top condition but can be acquired for under $20 in rougher shape. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $300. Unlike Griffey, Maddux’s rookie doesn’t hold the same “wow factor” but remains a key piece for team and player collectors.

Frank Thomas Rookie Card (Card #302)

“The Big Hurt” Frank Thomas debuted with the 1989 White Sox and went on to a Hall of Fame career. His rookie card is found about half as often as Griffey or Maddux’s and has increased in value accordingly. Near-mint Thomas rookies trade hands between $75-150, with gem mint copies reaching $250-300. Higher graded specimens above PSA 9 are difficult to find and command big premiums when they surface on the market.

Star Rosters and Short Prints

Outside the rookie trio, the 1989 Fleer set is dotted with other valuable short prints and star cards. The Mike Schmidt card (#23) featuring the Phillies star roster is one of the set’s biggest short prints and can fetch $50-100 in top condition. Other sought-after star roster cards include the Orioles (#33), Reds (#43), and Dodgers (#53) issues. The Nolan Ryan card (#99) is also a short print that has increased in desirability since his Hall of Fame induction. Expect to pay $20-40 for these cards in great shape.

Variations and Errors

No vintage card set is complete without anomalies, and 1989 Fleer had a few variations that intrigue collectors. The Ozzie Smith card (#121) is known for a printing plate error with an upside-down photo. High-grade examples trade for $50-100 raw. The Bo Jackson card (#235) has two known variations – a “football” photo swap and missing football stats on the back. These variations can double or triple the standard Jackson card value. Beyond these main variations, errors like missing signatures, inverted color patterns, and miscut cards pop up occasionally and excite collectors when discovered.

Base Set Completion and Team Sets

For collectors seeking to finish the full 660-card base set, expect to pay $300-500 depending on overall condition. Well-preserved sets in the PSA 8-9 range could command over $1,000. Team sets of players’ original clubs are also popular, with flagship franchises like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Dodgers bringing higher prices than smaller market clubs. Individual common cards from the base roster players can be acquired for $1-3 each.

In Closing

While not the most valuable vintage release, the 1989 Fleer set remains a fun and affordable collecting option. Key rookie cards of future Hall of Famers and fun anomalies give collectors plenty to chase. Condition is paramount, so be sure to assess eye appeal and centering closely before purchasing. With the hobby’s continued growth, prices for top 1989 Fleer cards will likely continue an upward trajectory. This set makes for an interesting snapshot of the players and teams from a pivotal time in baseball history.