The 1989 Score baseball card set was one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 80s. Containing 792 total cards, the ’89 Score set featured many of the game’s biggest stars from that era. While not the flashiest or most innovative design compared to other contemporary sets, the ’89 Score cards had a classic, understated look that has stood the test of time. Several key rookie cards and inserts from this set have become highly sought after by collectors over the past 30+ years. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most notable and valuable cards collectors can find from the ’89 Score baseball set.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1) – Widely considered one of, if not the single most iconic rookie card of all-time, Griffey’s rookie is the undisputed crown jewel of the ’89 Score set. Featuring a clean photo of a young Griffey in a Mariners uniform, this card captured “The Kid” at the very start of what became a Hall of Fame career. Griffey would go on to have huge popularity and success in the majors, making this one of the most desired rookie cards for collectors. In pristine mint condition, a PSA 10 Griffey Jr. rookie can fetch over $100,000. Even well-centered, sharp examples still in the original wax pack command prices well into the thousands. No collection is complete without this legendary rookie card.
Barry Bonds Rookie Card (#91) – While not as valuable as Griffey’s due to lesser name recognition and fewer high-grade pop reports, Bonds’ rookie is still a hugely important card from the set. It features “The Bash Brother” in his Pirates uniform from his early playing days before becoming the all-time home run king. Bonds went on to have an incredible career and this card captured him at the start. High-end PSA/BGS 10 examples can sell for $5,000-$10,000 depending on recent auction prices. Still a must-have for any serious ’89 Score collector.
Greg Maddux Rookie Card (#642) – Maddux went on to have a Hall of Fame career and is considered one of the greatest pitchers of all-time. His rookie card from this set is one of the more valuable pitching cards around. Known for his pinpoint control and consistency, this card shows a young Maddux in a Cubs uniform before making his mark in Atlanta. High-grade copies command $1,000+ prices due to his sustained greatness and popularity as a player. A true gem from the set.
Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (#180) – Alomar enjoyed a long, successful career and put together Hall of Fame stats. His rookie card remains a highly sought after piece from the ’89 Score set. Featuring the sure-handed second baseman in a Padres uniform before his peak years in Toronto and Baltimore, this card has held value well over the decades. Near-mint to gem mint copies can sell for $500+ based on recent eBay sales.
Tom Glavine Rookie Card (#667) – Another Hall of Fame pitcher rookie, Glavine’s card shows him as a young hurler for the Atlanta Braves. He would go on to anchor their rotation for years and win 305 career games. This iconic card from his early playing days remains a key piece for team and Braves collectors. High-grade copies routinely sell for $300-$500 range.
Rickey Henderson (#1) – Arguably the greatest leadoff hitter and basestealer of all-time, Henderson’s card is a standout from the set. It features “The Man of Steal” in his Oakland Athletics uniform from his playing prime. Henderson was must-see TV with his electrifying style of play and this card is a great way to represent that. Near-mint to gem copies sell for $150-$250 range depending on recent eBay sales.
Ozzie Smith (#490) – Known as “The Wizard” for his incredible defense at shortstop, Smith was a fan favorite during his long Cardinals career. This card shows him in that classic St. Louis uniform and remains one of the best shortstop cards from the era. High-grade versions still fetch $100+ due to his popularity and Hall of Fame career.
Rookie Pitching Prospects – While they didn’t all pan out, the ’89 Score set featured several notable rookie pitchers who were highly touted prospects at the time like Derek Lowe (#679 – Dodgers), Todd Van Poppel (#534 – A’s), and Bill Swift (#671 – Red Sox). Even if they didn’t have Hall of Fame careers, these rookie cards still hold nostalgic value and appeal to team collectors. Near-mint copies can sell for $50+ each.
Frank Thomas (#1) – “The Big Hurt” had a monster career and his rookie card stands out from this set. While not his true rookie due to having prior MLB experience, this card is still highly sought after as it features Thomas in the beginning of his White Sox tenure. Near-mint to gem copies regularly sell for $75-$100 given his huge popularity and Hall of Fame career.
Ken Caminiti (#1) – Winner of the 1996 National League MVP award, Caminiti had several great seasons in San Diego and Houston. His rookie card shows him as a young third baseman for the Padres. Near-mint copies have sold for $50+ on auction sites in recent years.
Other Notable Stars – Additional stars featured throughout the ’89 Score set include Kirby Puckett (#1), Wade Boggs (#1), Nolan Ryan (#1), Cal Ripken Jr. (#1), Roger Clemens (#1), Dennis Eckersley (#1), and more. Even in well-centered near-mint condition, these cards representing all-time great players can sell for $25-$50 depending on recent comparable sales.
While production numbers were high for the ’89 Score set which keeps individual card prices relatively affordable compared to more modern issues, this classic release is still loaded with valuable rookie cards, stars of the era, and Hall of Famers. Cards like the Griffey Jr. and Bonds rookies are true icons of the hobby. For set builders and team collectors, there is a strong representation of stars from that time period across many franchises in the 792 card checklist. The ’89 Score set remains one of the most iconic and collectible releases from the late 1980s.
