The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s. While not quite as sought after as the 1952 Topps or 1968 Topps sets, there are still several standout cards from the ’89 Topps collection that carry significant value and interest from collectors today. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable cards from this set.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Card #1)

Arguably the most famous and valuable card in the entire ’89 Topps set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the best rookie cards of all time, Griffey’s iconic smiling face and smooth left-handed swing made him an instant fan favorite. While Griffey had already broken into the big leagues in 1987 and 1988, this was considered his true rookie card as it was the first card featuring him in a Mariners uniform. In pristine mint condition, Griffey’s rookie now routinely fetches thousands of dollars and is widely sought after by collectors both casual and serious. The card captured Griffey at the very beginning of what would become a surefire Hall of Fame career.

Barry Bonds Rookie Card (Card #250)

Another hugely valuable rookie card from the ’89 Topps set belongs to Barry Bonds. Like Griffey, Bonds was already established in the big leagues by 1989 but this served as his first card in a Pirates uniform. Bonds would go on to have one of the greatest careers in MLB history and shatter the all-time home run record. High grade copies of his rookie are extremely scarce and can sell for well over $1000. The card is especially iconic considering it features one of the game’s true living legends at the start of his storied 24 year career.

Nolan Ryan Express Postcard

One of the most visually striking and instantly recognizable cards from the ’89 set is the Nolan Ryan Express postcard. Picturing “The Ryan Express” in the midst of his legendary 100 mph fastball windup, it stands out amongst the rest of the cards in the set. Only 5,000 of these postcards were produced, making high grade copies quite scarce. It’s one of the few cards from the set that regularly tops $100 even in lower grades. Any serious ’89 Topps collector considers this a must-have for their collection.

Ozzie Smith (Card #91)

While not a rookie card, the Ozzie Smith card from the ’89 Topps set is still one of the most iconic and visually appealing cards in the entire collection. It captures “The Wizard” making one of his trademark behind-the-back spins, demonstrating why he won a record 13 Gold Glove Awards at shortstop. High grade copies routinely sell for $50-75 due to Smith’s all-time great defensive play and popularity amongst collectors. He was also nearing the end of his career in 1989, adding to the nostalgia and retrospective value of this card.

Rickey Henderson (Card #126)

As one of the most prolific base stealers and leadoff hitters in baseball history, Rickey Henderson’s cards from the late 80s hold significant nostalgia and value. His ’89 Topps card is no exception, capturing the speedy outfielder in mid-swing for the A’s. Henderson would play until 2003, stealing over 1400 bases, but this card memorializes him at the peak of his Oakland years. Even in lower grades it sells for $15-25 due to Henderson’s Hall of Fame career and popularity as a collector item from this era.

Nolan Ryan (Card #151)

While not quite as iconic or valuable as his postcard from this set, any Nolan Ryan card from the late 80s holds significance. This regular issue card features Ryan in mid-windup for the Astros, his third team after the Mets and Angels. By 1989, Ryan was pushing 40 but was still one of the most intimidating and dominant pitchers in the game. High grade versions can fetch $50-75 based on Ryan’s all-time great status and the nostalgia of him closing out his career in Houston.

Kirby Puckett (Card #181)

Kirby Puckett burst onto the scene in 1984 and quickly became a fan favorite in Minnesota. By 1989, he was already a two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner. This card captures Puckett at the height of his powers with the Twins, going on to win two more Gold Gloves and lead Minnesota to World Series titles in 1987 and 1991. Tragically Puckett’s career and life were cut short, but this card remains a sentimental piece for Twins fans and Puckett collectors. Even well-centered common versions can sell for $10-15.

Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (Card #306)

While not quite as heralded as some other rookies in the set like Griffey and Bonds, Roberto Alomar’s rookie card still holds significant value for collectors today. Alomar enjoyed a long, successful career that saw him become one of the best second basemen ever with great defense and a career .300 average. High grade copies of his rookie routinely sell for $75-100 given Alomar’s Hall of Fame caliber career and the card’s status as a key rookie issue from the late 80s.

This covers some of the most notable, iconic and valuable individual cards collectors seek out from the 1989 Topps baseball card set. While not the most expensive vintage set overall, it captured so many all-time great players and future Hall of Famers at pivotal moments in their careers. For nostalgia and the chance to own affordable pieces of baseball history, the ’89 Topps set remains a highly regarded classic over 30 years later.