The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues from the late 1980s. While not the most valuable set from a monetary standpoint compared to some of the classic 1950s and 1960s releases, ’89 Topps featured some of the biggest stars and best rookie cards from that era. Let’s take a look at some of the standout cards collectors still love over 30 years later.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (card #1) – Widely regarded as one of the best rookie cards ever produced, Junior’s debut is still a highly sought after card by collectors today. Featuring the young star in a Mariners uniform with his sweet left-handed swing, this card captured Griffey at the start of what became a Hall of Fame career. High grade versions still fetch thousands of dollars to this day.
Barry Bonds Rookie Card (card #91) – Like Griffey, Bonds’ rookie is iconic for capturing him at the dawn of his career before he became the all-time home run king. Bonds is shown batting left-handed for the Pittsburgh Pirates with a classic side-pose image. Considered the second most valuable rookie card from ’89 Topps after Griffey, high end copies can sell for over $1000.
Greg Maddux Rookie Card (card #250) – While not as valuable monetarily as Griffey or Bonds, Maddux’s rookie is still highly sought after by collectors given his Hall of Fame career and four Cy Young awards. The card features an action shot of the young right-hander pitching for the Chicago Cubs with a classic blue and red color scheme. Even well-centered lower grade versions still hold value in the $100-200 range.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card (card #574) – “The Big Hurt” had one of the longest and most dominant careers of any slugger from the 1990s. His rookie card from ’89 Topps is one of the more iconic images from that decade showing Thomas crushing a pitch for the Chicago White Sox. Near-mint copies can still fetch $300-500.
Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (card #660) – Alomar became one of the greatest second basemen ever and a 12-time All-Star. His rookie card from Topps’ flagship set is one of the most visually appealing from the late 80s with a crisp blue and white San Diego Padres uniform. Higher grade copies remain quite valuable at $150-300.
Nolan Ryan Express Postcard (card #681) – Not technically a base card, but Ryan’s famous “Express” postcard from ’89 Topps is one of the most iconic non-rookie cards ever made. It captures the flame-throwing righty in mid-windup for the Texas Rangers and was a popular card that still holds value today in the $75-150 range.
Ozzie Smith Backflip Card (card #732) – Like the Nolan Ryan postcard, Smith’s dramatic backflip image from Busch Stadium isn’t a true base card but it’s undoubtedly one of the most visually stunning cards from the late 80s. It perfectly captures the wizardry of “The Wizard” and remains a highly collectible card in the $50-100 range.
Rickey Henderson Base Card (card #761) – While not his rookie, Rickey’s main ’89 Topps card as an Oakland A’s is still one of the most fun and recognizable in the set. It shows the base-stealing machine rounding third and heading for home with his trademark exuberance. Even common copies hold value around $15-25.
Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. Father/Son Card (card #813) – One of the most unique “dual” cards ever produced, this special father/son issue features both Griffeys side by side for the Mariners. It captures a special moment from baseball history and still holds significant collector interest at $75-150 despite high print runs.
Cal Ripken Jr. Streak Card (card #837) – Released early on in Ripken’s then-record consecutive game streak, this card commemorating his achievement is a very memorable and historically significant issue. It shows Cal in mid-swing and still retains value for Orioles fans and Ripken collectors at $25-50.
In addition to these standouts, the ’89 Topps set featured other huge stars in their prime like Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Dwight Gooden, Kirby Puckett, and more. The designs, photography and overall aesthetic of the set also hold up extremely well over the decades. While it may not be the most valuable vintage release, 1989 Topps will always be beloved for capturing so many all-time great players at the start of their careers. The combination of rookies, action shots, and memorable parallel cards make it one of the most iconic issues from the junk wax era.
