The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s. The design featured bright colors and large photos of the players, making the cards really stand out from other brands at the time. While not the flashiest design ever, it captured the players and the era perfectly. Let’s take a look at some of the most noteworthy and valuable cards from the 1989 Topps set.
Ken Griffey Jr. (#1) – Widely considered the most desirable rookie card from the entire 1980s, Griffey’s rookie is the undisputed crown jewel of the ’89 Topps set. Even in low grades, it still fetches hundreds of dollars due to his popularity and Hall of Fame career. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $10,000, making it one of the most expensive modern baseball cards ever. Griffey was already showing signs of greatness as a 19-year old and this card perfectly captures the excitement around his rookie season.
Barry Bonds (#250) – Bonds was already establishing himself as an elite player by 1989, but nobody could predict he would become the home run king and one of the greatest to ever play. His sharp photo and future Hall of Fame pedigree make this an extremely desirable card. High grades can sell for well over $1,000 due to his notoriety and the card capturing him in his athletic prime before controversy and performance enhancing drugs came into the picture.
Greg Maddux (#454) – While not his true rookie card, Maddux’s first Topps issue is still highly sought after by collectors today. He would go on to win 4 Cy Young awards and establish himself as one of the best pitchers ever, but in ’89 he was just a promising young arm. PSA 10s have cracked $500 due to his elite career and this card capturing him at the beginning of it all.
Roberto Alomar (#561) – Alomar burst onto the scene in 1988 as a rookie sensation and Gold Glove second baseman. His ’89 Topps issue shows him in full action and really captures the excitement of his early career. He would go on to make it to Cooperstown and this card remains a key issue from the set in high grades due to his Hall of Fame career.
Ken Griffey Sr. (#572) – The father/son Griffey combo makes for an iconic cardboard moment. While Sr. had an excellent career in his own right, being paired with his son’s rookie in the same set takes on extra significance. Both of their cards have strong demand from collectors interested in their relationship and legacy in the game.
Nolan Ryan (#660) – Arguably the greatest power pitcher of all-time, Ryan was still in the midst of his legendary career with the Rangers in ’89. This issue shows him in a Rangers uniform, making it a key piece in sets chronicling his playing days. High grades command $100+ due to his status as a living legend and this capturing him during his Texas years.
Ozzie Smith (#673) – As one of the most beloved and charismatic players ever, “The Wizard’s” cards are always in high demand. This issue from his later Cardinals days is iconic for collectors. Graded gems can reach $500+ with his strong fanbase and this being one of the best defensive shortstops to ever play the game.
Rickey Henderson (#683) – Already a perennial All-Star and base stealing machine by ’89, Rickey was just getting started on his path to 3,000 hits and the stolen base record. This issue portrays him at the top of his game for the A’s and has gained value as his Hall of Fame career has cemented his legend status.
Don Mattingly (#698) – The smooth swinging Yankee first baseman was a fan favorite of the late 80s. By ’89 “Donnie Baseball” was in his prime and this card is iconic for any Yankees PC. High grades command $100+ due to his popularity and this capturing him during his peak seasons in pinstripes.
While there are certainly other valuable and desirable cards from the 1989 Topps set like Kirby Puckett, Wade Boggs, and Roger Clemens, the above provide a sampling of some true standouts. From rookie sensations like Griffey Jr. to living legends like Ryan, this set managed to capture iconic players and moments that have stood the test of time. The bright designs and photo quality make these cards perfect for displaying over 30 years later.
