The 1989 Topps baseball card set marked a turning point in the baseball card hobby. While sets from the late 1980s are generally not as desirable or valuable as those from the early 1970s, several high-profile rookies and stars made their cardboard debuts in 1989 that would go on to become extremely sought after and valuable. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most expensive 1989 Topps baseball cards that have exchanged hands over the years.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (1989 Topps #366) – Widely considered one of if not the single most iconic rookie card of all-time, Griffey’s sophomore season Topps issue is the undisputed cream of the 1989 crop. Often cited as the perfect player collectors look for in a rookie – young, talented, and went on to have a Hall of Fame career – PSA 10 examples of Griffey’s rookie routinely fetch well into the five figures when they surface on the secondary market. In October 2021, a PSA 10 sold for an astounding $480,000, setting a new record and underscoring Griffey’s status as perhaps the most desirable rookie in the history of the hobby.

Frank Thomas Rookie Card (1989 Topps #1) – While Thomas emerged slowly and wouldn’t win his first MVP award until 1990, by the time he retired he cemented his status as one of the greatest right-handed hitters ever. His rookie is the true #1 card in the set and usually considered the second most valuable from 1989 behind only Griffey. Pristine PSA 10 examples routinely sell for $15,000-$30,000 depending on demand levels at auction.

Greg Maddux Rookie Card (1989 Topps #404) – Maddux established himself as one of the greatest pitchers who ever lived and the slick southpaw’s rookie reflects that dominance and prestige. It is one of the most iconic and handsomely-designed rookies from the junk wax era. PSA 10s generally sell for $6,000-$12,000, peaking north of $15,000 during the pandemic boom.

Randy Johnson Rookie Card (1989 Topps #388) – “The Big Unit” came into his own a bit later in his career but his dominance in the late 1990s solidified his Hall of Fame induction. His quirky rookie design featuring glasses-wearing Johnson makes for an eye-catching and very identifiable card. PSA 10s can often crack $4,000 when available.

Barry Bonds Rookie Card (1989 Topps #99) – Already displaying prodigious power in just his second season, Bonds would go on to smash the all-time home run record. As one of the most notorious (and talented) players in baseball history, his rookie remains a must-have for collectors even carrying some controversy. PSA 10s have crossed $3,000.

Chipper Jones Rookie Card (1989 Topps #672) – A much more modern career than the others above him, Jones officially retired in 2012 after a stellar career entirely spent with the Atlanta Braves. His rookie is highly sought after by Braves fans and collectors. PSA 10 examples have achieved $2,500.

Tom Glavine Rookie Card (1989 Topps #630) – One of two pitchers from the dominant Atlanta Braves rotation of the 1990s, Glavine emerged as a crafty lefty and won 305 games over a Hall of Fame career. His rookie isn’t in the Griffey/Thomas/Maddux echelon but still very desirable for Braves/Glavine collectors. PSA 10s have sold for $1,500.

Sandy Alomar Jr. Rookie Card (1989 Topps #81) – A stellar career catching behind the plate and 6x All-Star, Alomar’s rookie has benefitted from the rise of Cleveland Indians cards in recent years paralleling the franchise’s success. PSA 10s have crossed $1,000.

While the junk wax era of the late 1980s is generally not as collectible as the pre-1976 era, the emergence of future Hall of Famers and stars has made select 1989 Topps rookies and early career cards notable modern exceptions. Led by the immense value and popularity of Ken Griffey Jr’s rookie, this set stands out as one containing some of the most iconic and expensive late 1980s/early 1990s cardboard in the entire hobby. Condition-sensitive, these upper-echelon 1989 Topps cards continue achieving new record prices at auction.