The Fleer 1989 baseball card set was unique for its time and has developed quite a cult following among collectors in the decades since. With its innovative design choices and capturing iconic players at a pivotal moment in the sport’s history, the ’89 Fleer set remains one of the most memorable and collectible of its era. While not the highest valued or most sought after vintage set overall, certain individual cards from 1989 Fleer command impressive prices when in top condition. Let’s take a closer look at the background of this set and explore what collectors are paying today for some of its key cards.

Released in the spring of 1989 as competition was heating up against industry leaders Topps, Fleer took several risks with the design and production of their baseball cards that year. Gone was the traditional vertical format, replaced instead by a boxier horizontal layout with larger photos. Color was also emphasized more prominently versus previous Fleer releases. These aesthetic changes were both praised and criticized upon the set’s debut. More substantively, Fleer also obtained licenses for the first time to include active players’ names on the front of cards, something Topps had monopolized for decades.

This new licensing agreement allowed Fleer to feature many of the game’s biggest stars who were entering their primes in 1989 like Ken Griffey Jr., Mark McGwire, and Barry Bonds. Capturing these future Hall of Famers so early in their careers added immense appeal for collectors, especially considering many went on to break numerous career records in the following years. The ’89 Fleer set is also notable for including rookie cards for other all-time greats like Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and Frank Thomas. With 660 total cards and variations, it became Fleer’s highest count baseball issue up to that point.

Nearly 35 years later, while the entire ’89 Fleer set can still be acquired in complete form for a few hundred dollars if in average condition, select key rookie and star player cards have increased tremendously in value. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most expensive individual ’89 Fleer cards today:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie: Considered one of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards ever printed, Griffey’s rookie from the ’89 Fleer set regularly sells for thousands in high grade. Near mint copies in PSA/BGS 9-10 condition have reached over $10,000 at auction. Even well-centered examples in PSA 8 can fetch $2,000-$3,000.

Barry Bonds Rookie: As one of the rare pre-rookie cards issued for Bonds while he was still with the Pittsburgh Pirates, his ’89 Fleer is highly sought after. PSA/BGS 9s have sold for $4,000-$6,000, while a 10 could potentially bring six figures down the road. PSA 8s trade in the $1,500-$2,500 range.

Mark McGwire Rookie: Big Mac’s breakout 1987 Topps rookie overshadows his ’89 Fleer issue, but it remains a key Cardinals card. PSA 9s have sold for $2,000-$3,500. PSA 8s go for $800-$1,200.

Greg Maddux Rookie: One of the most successful pitchers of all-time, Maddux’s rookie is steady performer. PSA 9s have reached $1,500, while PSA 8s go for $500-$800.

Tom Glavine Rookie: The 300-game winner’s first card maintains value as well. PSA 9s have sold for $1,000, PSA 8s around $400.

Frank Thomas Rookie: The Big Hurt’s rookie debuted here before his legendary career took off. PSA 9s have sold for $800, PSA 8s around $300.

Ken Griffey Sr. #660 Error Card: Considered the key error/variation from the set. This uncut sheet style card was never meant for packs but shows up. PSA 9s have reached $3,000, PSA 8s around $1,000.

As you can see, while the 1989 Fleer set as a whole remains affordable to complete even today, choice high-grade examples of the rookie cards and stars featured have grown tremendously in demand and secondary market value. For collectors, it represents an accessible yet rewarding vintage issue to pursue, especially for fans of the players who defined the 1990s in Major League Baseball. The innovative design also ensures it maintains a memorable place in card history. With iconic talents featured and the cult following it has attained, 1989 Fleer looks poised to stay a relevant and collectible release for decades more.