The 1989 Topps baseball card set was released at the tail end of the “junk wax” era of the late 1980s. While not as valuable as sets from the 1950s and 1960s, the ’89 Topps set featured some of the biggest stars and rookie cards of that time period. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best and most noteworthy cards from the 1989 Topps set.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Card #1) – Widely considered one of the most iconic rookie cards of all time, the Ken Griffey Jr. RC from 1989 Topps is a true gem. Griffey was already one of the game’s brightest young stars in just his first full season with the Mariners in ’89. His sweet left-handed swing and effortless athleticism in center field made him a fan favorite. While production variations keep the Griffey Jr. rookie from being the most valuable modern card, it remains hugely popular with collectors due to Griffey’s Hall of Fame career and staying power as one of baseball’s all-time greats.
Greg Maddux (Card #18) – Mad Dog’s first Topps card captured him in the early stages of a career that would see him rack up 355 wins, 4 Cy Young Awards, and a plaque in Cooperstown. The 23-year-old Braves hurler was already showing glimpses of the pinpoint control and mastery of location that would make him one of the best pitchers ever. This classic Maddux rookie card from ’89 is an important one to have in any collection.
Rickey Henderson (Card #45) – Arguably the greatest leadoff hitter and baserunner in MLB history, Rickey’s speed and basepath exploits made him a must-see player throughout the late 1980s. His ’89 Topps card with the A’s highlights just how electrifying a talent he was in his prime, with Henderson’s signature mixture of swagger and skill on full display. Card #45 is a cornerstone for any Rickey Henderson collection.
Barry Bonds (Card #63) – Already in his sixth big league season, Bonds was in the early stages of his Hall of Fame career with the Pirates in 1989. His sweet left-handed swing and five-tool talents were beginning to come into full bloom. While Bonds would go on to even greater heights with the Giants later, his ’89 Topps card stands as an important piece of his Pirates tenure and the transition into baseball’s premier slugger.
Nolan Ryan (Card #99) – At age 42 in 1989, many thought the “Ryan Express” had seen his last days as a dominant starter. But not so fast, as evidenced by this iconic Topps card. Still with the Astros, Ryan proved he had plenty left in the tank by tossing his record-setting seventh career no-hitter that year. Card #99 captured one of the game’s fiercest competitors refusing to slow down, even in the twilight of a legendary career.
Ozzie Smith (Card #126) – A true magician with the glove at shortstop, Ozzie the Wizard dazzled Cardinals fans throughout the 1980s. His smooth defense and acrobatic plays made him a fan favorite, highlighted perfectly on this ’89 Topps issue. While he wasn’t a big hitter, Smith’s slick fielding prowess and highlight-reel plays made him one of the most entertaining players to watch, as this classic card illustrates.
Willie Stargell (Card #174) – In his final season in the majors at age 40, Stargell remained a veteran leader for the 1989 Pirates. Nicknamed “Pops” by his teammates, Stargell was still a big bat in the middle of the order and provided invaluable guidance in the clubhouse. This Topps card captured the final season for one of the game’s true goodwill ambassadors before his untimely passing in 2001.
Roberto Alomar (Card #196) – One of the finest second basemen of all time, Rookie Alomar was already making his mark in only his second big league season with the Padres in ’89. His slick glovework, speed, and developing bat made him a rising star. This early Topps issue highlights Alomar’s prodigious talents that would serve him well over a Hall of Fame career.
Ken Griffey Sr. (Card #280) – While overshadowed by his son’s rookie card in the same set, Griffey Sr. was still a productive veteran outfielder for the Reds in 1989. Playing alongside his son that season must have been truly special, highlighted on this later card in the ’89 Topps checklist. A unique father-son baseball story captured perfectly in card form.
While not the most valuable vintage set overall, the 1989 Topps baseball cards featured some true icons of the game like Griffey Jr., Maddux, Henderson, Bonds, and Ryan. RCs, late career highlights, and budding young stars made for a fun and memorable checklist. The combination of big names, rookie gems, and nostalgia factor make many of the top cards from the ’89 Topps set worthwhile additions to any collection.
