The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s. With 792 total cards, the ’89 Topps issue featured many of the game’s biggest stars and future Hall of Famers. While not the flashiest design compared to sets before and after, the ’89 Topps cards hold a special nostalgia for many collectors and fans of the era. Let’s take a look at some of the most noteworthy, valuable, and historically significant cards from the 1989 Topps baseball card collection.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#316) – Widely considered the crown jewel of the ’89 Topps set, Griffey’s rookie is one of the most iconic and valuable cards in the hobby. Still just a teenager in 1989, “The Kid” was already showing signs of greatness in his rookie season with the Seattle Mariners. His sweet left-handed swing and effortless athleticism made him an instant fan favorite. Griffey would go on to have one of the greatest careers in MLB history and is remembered as one of the game’s most exciting players. PSA 10 examples of his ’89 Topps rookie in mint condition have sold for over $100,000 in recent years, a true benchmark for any vintage card collection.
Greg Maddux Rookie Card (#493) – While not as flashy as Griffey’s, Maddux’s rookie is equally significant from a historical perspective. The bespectacled righty was just getting started in 1989 with the Chicago Cubs, but “Mad Dog” would evolve into one of the best pitchers who ever lived – winning 4 Cy Young Awards and 355 career games over 23 big league seasons. His pinpoint control and mastery of changing speeds made him a nightmare for hitters. PSA 10 examples of Maddux’s scarce rookie have sold in the $15,000 range in recent years.
Nolan Ryan (#1) – The “Ryan Express” was already a living legend by 1989 with over 4,500 career strikeouts, but remained one of the most intimidating hurlers in the game at age 42. His card leading off the ’89 Topps set is a true icon of the vintage era. While not his true rookie, Ryan’s #1 card from this late-career issue still carries tremendous nostalgia and value for any collection. High-grade versions can fetch $1,000+ due to his status as Mr. 300 Wins.
Rickey Henderson (#144) – “Rickey Being Rickey” was just getting warmed up as the game’s greatest leadoff hitter and basestealer in 1989. The speedy Oakland A’s star would smash the stolen base record and remain a dynamic offensive force for over two more decades. His electric playmaking ability and charismatic personality made him a fan favorite. PSA 10 examples of his ’89 Topps card have sold for over $500 in recent years.
Barry Bonds (#660) – While not yet in his prime, Bonds was already one of the game’s most complete players in 1989 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. His sweet left-handed swing, speed, and defensive prowess made him a five-tool star. Of course, Bonds would go on to smash the single-season and all-time home run records later in his career. High-grade versions of his ’89 Topps card can fetch $300-400 due to his legendary status, controversy aside.
Roger Clemens (#689) – The Rocket was dominating the American League with the Boston Red Sox in 1989, winning his second Cy Young Award. Clemens’ intimidating fastball-splitter combo made him one of the most feared hurlers of his generation. He appeared poised for a Hall of Fame career even this early on. PSA 10 examples of Clemens’ iconic ’89 Topps card have sold for over $200 in recent years.
Ozzie Smith (#720) – Already a six-time Gold Glove winner by 1989, “The Wizard” was in his prime as the greatest defensive shortstop who ever lived. Playing for Tony La Russa’s St. Louis Cardinals, Smith’s acrobatic plays and backflips made him a fan favorite on every highlight reel. His card from the ’89 Topps set remains a highly sought piece for any collection, often selling for $150-200 in top grades.
Frank Thomas (#762) – “The Big Hurt” was just getting started in 1989 with the Chicago White Sox, but was already showing signs of the prolific power hitter he would become. Thomas smashed 27 home runs as a rookie and looked poised for stardom. His rare rookie card from the ’89 Topps set can fetch $500-600 in PSA 10 condition today due to his Hall of Fame career.
In addition to star rookies and future Hall of Famers, the 1989 Topps set also featured many other huge names of the late 1980s like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Guillen, Kirby Puckett, Jose Canseco, and Dennis Eckersley. It remains one of the most iconic and collectible issues from the junk wax era. While print runs were enormous at the time, the nostalgia and historical significance of stars like Griffey, Maddux, Bonds, and more make ’89 Topps a true benchmark for any vintage baseball card collection.
