The 1989 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the late 1980s. Produced during baseball’s steroid era, the ’89 Fleer set featured some true superstar players at the peak of their powers. While not the most sought after vintage set overall, it contained several highly coveted rookie cards and memorable inserts that continue to attract collectors decades later. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best and most valuable cards collectors can find from the 1989 Fleer baseball release.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card: Widely considered the crown jewel of the ’89 Fleer set, Griffey’s rookie is the most iconic card from the issue. Often called the “Griffey PSA 10,” high-grade versions regularly sell for thousands due to his Hall of Fame career and the card’s sharp, memorable design. Even low-grade copies still fetch hundreds. At the time, no one could have predicted Griffey would become arguably the best player of the 1990s, making his rookie among the most significant in the modern era.
Roberto Alomar Rookie Card: While not in the same stratosphere of value as Griffey, Alomar’s rookie is still a highly coveted card due to his outstanding career. A 12-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner, Alomar went on to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011. His rookie carries a premium for the combination of his accomplishments and the fact it was his first major league card issued. Higher graded versions can sell for well over $1000.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card: Like Griffey and Alomar, Thomas enjoyed a Hall of Fame career that spanned nearly two decades. His rookie card from the ’89 Fleer set is one of the more affordable from the true stars of that year’s issue, but it remains highly significant as documentation of the start of “The Big Hurt’s” amazing run in the majors. Even low-grade copies often sell for hundreds due to his legendary status.
Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. Back-to-Back: This unique father-son insert from ’89 Fleer became one of the set’s most memorable and sought after “short prints.” With Griffey Jr. already on his way to stardom and his father still active, the side-by-side pose captured the rarity of their achievement. High grades have sold for well over $1000 due to the cards’ subjective appeal and scarcity in pristine condition.
Nolan Ryan Express Postcard: As one of Fleer’s “Traded” postcard inserts, this colorful tribute to Ryan’s 100th career victory became a much-desired short print. Documenting a true milestone for the legendary hurler, even well-worn copies in traders’ folders still attract attention. In top grades, it can rival or surpass some of the set’s top rookie cards in value due to its scarcity.
Ozzie Smith Backflip: Like the Griffey back-to-back, this dramatic action shot of “The Wizard” captured in mid-backflip became a defining image from the ’89 Fleer set. It’s long been a fan favorite for collectors, even those who may not have followed Smith’s playing career. High grades with strong eye appeal can exceed $500 due to its scarcity and subjective collectibility among enthusiasts.
Ken Griffey Jr. UD Proof of Purchase: While not technically part of the base set, these promotional proof-of-purchase cards issued exclusively through Upper Deck gained notoriety all their own. Only distributed through specially marked packs that year, unredeemed versions have become highly valuable stubs documenting Griffey’s early stardom. Even low-numbered proofs still sell for hundreds or more.
While production numbers and general hobby interest were much lower in the late 1980s, Fleer’s 1989 baseball release gave collectors a glimpse at some of the game’s future all-time greats. Rookies like Griffey, Alomar, and Thomas established the set’s significance, while unique inserts like the Griffey back-to-back and Smith backflip action shot added subjective appeal. Even after three decades, strong examples from this classic set continue to attract attention from vintage enthusiasts.
