The year 1989 saw some extremely valuable baseball cards produced that have grown exponentially in value over the past 30+ years. Several factors contributed to the high prices these cards command today, from the players featured to the limited print runs. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most expensive 1989 baseball cards on the hobby’s secondary market.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Upper Deck) – Griffey was already establishing himself as a generational talent and fan favorite by 1989, his first full season in the majors. Upper Deck secured the MLB license that year and produced what is widely considered the best and most coveted baseball card set ever. Naturally, Griffey’s rookie card in this set is the crown jewel. With its clean design showing Griffey in his Mariners uniform and “The Natural” nickname, it has become the best-selling modern-era baseball card. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples now sell for $10,000+ due to Griffey’s iconic status and the card’s limited original print run.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card (Bowman) – Like Griffey, Thomas announced his arrival as a superstar with his 1990 rookie season. But collectors could get his card a year early in 1989 Bowman, one of the last true “rookie card” sets before the players’ union cracked down. This card stands out for its simple yet classy design and Thomas’ intimidating glare. In top PSA 10 condition, it has reached $4,000+ at auction given Thomas’ Hall of Fame career and the card’s scarcity in pristine condition after 30 years.
Barry Bonds Rookie Card (Topps Traded) – Bonds was already a two-time All-Star and Gold Glover by 1989, but Topps Traded that year featured his true “rookie” card despite his 1986 debut. The card stands out not just for Bonds’ huge upside but also its unique design within the set. While most cards used a vertical photo, Bonds’ placed his image at an angle across the entire front. Combined with his all-time great career, this card has topped $3,000 in PSA 10 Gem Mint.
Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (Donruss) – Alomar broke in strongly with the Padres in 1988 but is best remembered for his Hall of Fame career primarily with the Blue Jays. Donruss captured his early promise with a clean design that let Alomar’s athleticism shine. Graded PSA 10 examples now sell for $2,500+ due to Alomar’s elite performance and Gold Gloves at second base. The card remains highly coveted by Jays fans in particular.
Greg Maddux Rookie Card (Donruss) – Maddux had just finished his first full season with the Cubs, going 16-15 with a solid 3.18 ERA and finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting. Donruss chose a great action shot for his rookie that highlighted Maddux’s control and poise on the mound even as a youngster. Now considered one of the best pitchers ever, a PSA 10 of this iconic rookie commands $2,000+.
Roberto Clemente Final Card (Topps) – Tragically, Clemente died in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. Topps honored the Pirates legend on their final card in the 1973 set, which showed Clemente batting left-handed with a quote about helping others in need. The powerful tribute, combined with Clemente’s status as one of baseball’s greatest ambassadors, makes PSA 10 examples highly coveted at $1,500+.
Sandy Koufax Final Card (Topps) – Like Clemente, Koufax left the game prematurely due to injury issues at age 30 after winning three Cy Youngs and one MVP in a row. Topps fittingly chose to depict Koufax’s famous windup on his final card in the 1966 set. In pristine PSA 10 condition with his No. 32 Dodgers jersey, it sells for $1,200+ as a fitting memorial to one of history’s most dominant left-handed pitchers.
Nolan Ryan Record Breaker (Topps) – Ryan’s express train to the all-time strikeout record was in full steam by 1989. Topps captured No. 5,000 with this card from that year’s set depicting Ryan mid-windup. Now the all-time strikeout king by over 1,000, even a PSA 8 brings $800. The card is a must-have for any Ryan PC due to its subject matter and historic significance.
In summary, 1989 produced some of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards of all time due to the legendary players featured and the cards’ uniqueness within their respective sets. While print runs were larger than in the pre-war era, these select 1989 cards have proven to be wise long-term investments for savvy collectors. With the featured players’ status only growing stronger over 30+ years, their cards’ values should remain steady or continue appreciating.
