The 1989 baseball season produced some of the most valuable rookie cards in the modern era. Players like Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, and Frank Thomas debuted and went on to have Hall of Fame careers. Their rookie cards from 1989 Topps, Score, and other sets are highly sought after by collectors today. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top rookies from that year and what makes their cards so desirable over 30 years later.
Barry Bonds (1989 Topps, Score, Donruss): The five-time MVP and seven-time NL batting champion had one of the greatest careers in MLB history. His rookie cards showcased his incredible talent and were harbingers of the dominance to come. The 1989 Topps rookie is the most valuable at a PSA 10 grade, fetching over $30,000 in recent sales. Even low-grade copies sell for well over $100 due to his legendary status. At the time, no one could have predicted he would break the all-time home run record.
Greg Maddux (1989 Topps, Score, Donruss): Maddux is considered one of the best pitchers ever with 4 Cy Young Awards and an otherworldly career ERA of 3.16. His pinpoint control made him a wizard on the mound. The 1989 Topps rookie is highly coveted at a PSA 10 price of around $15,000. Like Bonds, even low-grade copies retain value due to his first-ballot Hall of Fame career. He was already an ace in the making as a rookie but far surpassed expectations over the next two decades.
Frank Thomas (1989 Bowman, Score, Donruss): The “Big Hurt” smashed 521 home runs with a .301 batting average during his Hall of Fame tenure. His rookie cards were a sign of the prolific power hitting to come. The 1989 Bowman paper rookie has reached over $10,000 in a PSA 10 gem mint state. He was an imposing physical presence who backed it up with MVP-caliber production for years.
Ken Griffey Jr. (1989 Upper Deck, Score, Donruss): While Griffey’s career was cut short by injuries, his early years established him as one of the most exciting players ever. His smooth left-handed swing produced 630 homers. The ultra-rare 1989 Upper Deck RC is the crown jewel at a value of $150,000+ in mint condition. Even low-grade copies sell for thousands. He was already a budding superstar in his debut season.
Randy Johnson (1989 Bowman, Score): The “Big Unit” stands tall as perhaps the most intimidating pitcher ever with his blazing fastball. He racked up 4,875 strikeouts, a record for left-handers. His rookie cards didn’t gain much traction at the time but have since climbed in value to around $1,000 PSA 10 due to five Cy Youngs on his resume. At 6’10”, he was a unique physical specimen who would dominate for years.
Sandy Alomar Jr. (1989 Topps, Score, Donruss): Alomar enjoyed a fine career as a catcher but is best remembered for his defensive prowess and two World Series rings. His rookie cards hold value around the $200-300 range PSA 10. While not in the same class as Bonds or Maddux, he was a solid contributor for over a decade in the bigs.
Tom Glavine (1989 Topps, Score, Donruss): The crafty left-hander won 305 games and two Cy Youngs over a storied career. His rookie cards can be acquired in the $100-200 range in top condition. He had found success right away but truly came into his own in the early 1990s for the Atlanta Braves dynasty.
Greg Harris (1989 Score): The former Expo reliever’s rookie card stands out more now for its rarity than his actual career. Only about 10 copies are known to exist in mint condition. As a true one-year wonder, it can sell for over $10,000 in pristine shape due to scarcity alone. He posted a 4.24 ERA as a rookie but was out of baseball after 1991.
The 1989 season launched the careers of some of the greatest players in MLB history. Their rookie cards remain highly sought after collectors over 30 years later due to the sustained success, records, and accolades achieved by Bonds, Maddux, Thomas, and others. Even relatively obscure rookies from that year hold value since so few high-grade copies survived to the modern day. The 1989 rookie class established a new standard of excellence that will not be matched.
