The 1989 Fleer Update baseball card set was the second series release of cards by Fleer that year, originally hitting store shelves in August 1989. While most of the cards in the set hold relatively modest value today, there are a select few that have appreciated significantly due to various factors such as the players’ iconic status, statistical milestones reached, or scarce production runs. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable and desirable 1989 Fleer Update baseball cards from the set.
Ken Griffey Jr. – Griffey’s rookie card from the main 1989 Fleer set is one of the most iconic and sought-after modern rookie cards ever made. Naturally, his Fleer Update card from the same rookie season holds significant value as well. Graded mint condition PSA 10 examples of Griffey’s Update card have sold for over $1,000. Even lower graded copies still command prices well over $100. What makes Griffey’s rookie cards so desirable is that he went on to have a Hall of Fame career and was a fan favorite known for his smooth left-handed swing.
Nolan Ryan – Legendarily, Nolan Ryan’s Update card shows him wearing a Texas Rangers uniform for the first time after having previously played for the Astros, Angels, and Mets. At age 42 during the 1989 season depicted, Ryan was still overpowering hitters and went on to notch his 5,000th career strikeout that year. PSA 10 examples of his Update card have sold for upwards of $600 due to Ryan’s iconic status as perhaps the greatest strikeout pitcher ever.
Ryne Sandberg – Sandberg made his lone appearance on the cover of a baseball card set with the 1989 Fleer Update, depicting him in mid-swing wearing a Chicago Cubs uniform. In 1989, Sandberg put together one of the finest offensive seasons for a second baseman in winning the NL MVP award. Graded mint copies regularly sell for $150-$250 given Sandberg’s Hall of Fame career and the cover status of his Update card.
Orel Hershiser – Hershiser’s dominant playoff performance in 1988 that led the LA Dodgers to a World Series title is cemented in baseball history. His Update card highlights his success and fame from that season by showing him in a Dodgers uniform. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $400 due to Hershiser’s renown and his one-year wonder status that was the peak of his career.
Don Mattingly – As one of the game’s premier hitters of the 1980s, Donnie Baseball’s 1989 Fleer Update card portrays him in a New York Yankees uniform near the tail end of his prolific career. Mattingly’s Update holds steady value at $75-$150 even in lower grades considering his six All-Star nods and nine Gold Gloves won as a first baseman.
Greg Maddux – Maddux had begun to emerge as one of baseball’s best pitchers by 1989, as portrayed by his Fleer Update card at age 23 for the Chicago Cubs. What makes his rookie season Update cards more scarce and valuable is that Maddux would achieve superstar status over the following decade plus by racking up 355 career wins and 4 Cy Young Awards between the Cubs and Braves. PSA 10 copies frequently sell for $400-$500 due to Maddux’s elite Hall of Fame pitching career.
While production numbers for the 1989 Fleer Update set were high overall, demand has increased the prices considerably for the select standout rookie and star player cards over the ensuing decades. For vintage cardboard investments and collectors pursuing complete Fleer sets from the late 1980s and early 90s, high grade copies of stars like Griffey, Ryan, Sandberg, Hershiser, Mattingly and especially Maddux provide the most stable long term value and collectibility in the 1989 Update set.
