The 1989 Topps baseball card set was one of the most iconic issues of the late 1980s. While not quite as valuable as some previous years, the ’89 Topps set featured many talented players and memorable rookie cards. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best cards collectors sought after from the 1989 Topps set.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Card #1)
Arguably the most coveted card from the 1989 set was the rookie card of Ken Griffey Jr. Widely considered one of the greatest five-tool players of all time, Griffey was already showing superstar potential in his rookie season with the Seattle Mariners in 1989. His smooth left-handed swing and effortless defense in center field made him a fan favorite. While Griffey only hit .264 with 16 home runs and 47 RBI in his debut campaign, collectors recognized his incredible talent and future stardom. As a result, Griffey’s rookie card from 1989 Topps is one of the most valuable modern baseball cards, routinely fetching thousands of dollars in near-mint condition or higher grades.
Barry Bonds Rookie Card (Card #250)
Another highly sought after rookie card from the ’89 Topps set was that of Barry Bonds. Already displaying prodigious power in his first full season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Bonds blasted 25 home runs and drove in 76 runs while batting .283. He finished third in the NL Rookie of the Year voting. Bonds would go on to have one of the greatest careers in MLB history, smashing the all-time home run record. While not as valuable as Griffey’s rookie due to condition issues, high-grade copies of Bonds’ ’89 Topps RC still sell for hundreds to low thousands.
Greg Maddux (Card #500)
One of the best pitchers of his generation, Greg Maddux was already establishing himself as an ace during his early years with the Chicago Cubs. The 1989 season saw Maddux win 17 games while posting a stellar 2.45 ERA and 0.989 WHIP over 237.1 innings pitched. His card from the ’89 Topps set depicts Maddux in his classic three-quarters windup. Known for his pinpoint control and crafty changeup, Maddux would go on to win four Cy Young Awards and dominate hitters for over two decades. High-grade versions of his ’89 card can sell for $100 or more.
Nolan Ryan (Card #600)
By 1989, Nolan Ryan was already a living legend with over 4,000 career strikeouts. But at age 42, he was still dealing as the fireballer for the Texas Rangers. Ryan’s card from the ’89 Topps issue shows him mid-windup, hair blowing in the breeze. That season, Ryan struck out 232 batters over 232.1 innings while posting a solid 3.43 ERA. Always one of the most popular players, Ryan’s cards from the late stages of his career remain some of the most sought after by collectors. Near-mint copies of his ’89 Topps card can sell for $50-$75.
Ozzie Smith (Card #650)
Known as “The Wizard” for his acrobatic defense at shortstop, Ozzie Smith was a fan favorite on the St. Louis Cardinals throughout the 1980s. His card in the ’89 Topps set is one of the sharpest looking of the bunch, with Smith depicted making a backhanded play. That season, Smith continued his Gold Glove ways, committing only 11 errors at short while displaying incredible range. Offensively, he hit .258 with 49 RBI and 25 stolen bases. Highly collected for his defensive wizardry, Smith’s ’89 Topps card remains a popular pick for collectors on a budget.
Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (Card #660)
One of the finest second basemen of all time, Roberto Alomar broke into the big leagues with the San Diego Padres in 1988. His rookie card in the 1989 Topps set shows Alomar fielding a ground ball. That season, Alomar hit .234 with 4 home runs and 30 RBI in his first full campaign. He would go on to win 10 Gold Gloves and be named to 12 All-Star teams over his illustrious career. Alomar’s rookie card is one collectors look to add, with mint copies selling in the $50-100 range.
Willie Stargell (Card #700)
A Baseball Hall of Famer and iconic leader of the 1979 “We Are Family” Pittsburgh Pirates, Willie Stargell’s final card from the 1989 Topps set is a classic. At age 48, Stargell was in his final MLB season, appearing in only 8 games as a pinch hitter for the Oakland A’s. But “Pops” remained a fan favorite for his booming home runs and clubhouse presence in Pittsburgh. His ’89 card is a nostalgic reminder of Stargell in his later years. Highly collected by Pirates fans and vintage card enthusiasts, it can sell for $20-30.
Those were some of the most notable and valuable cards collectors sought after from the 1989 Topps baseball card set. Featuring young stars like Griffey, Bonds, and Alomar on their rookie cards as well as legends like Maddux, Ryan, Smith, and Stargell, the ’89 issue had something for everyone. Over 30 years later, it remains one of the defining baseball card sets of the late 1980s/early 90s era.
