The 1989 Donruss baseball set featured some of the greatest stars of that era. While not the flashiest or most desired set compared to Topps or Fleer, many key rookie cards and stars of the day had durable cardboard representations in the Donruss set. As the 1980s drew to a close, baseball card values were soaring across the board. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable and desired 1989 Donruss issues that can fetch strong prices for collectors today.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card – Widely considered one of the all-time great rookie cards in any sport, the Ken Griffey Jr. Donruss issue from 1989 is arguably the most coveted single card from the entire set. Griffey was already showing signs of future stardom in his inaugural big league season with the Seattle Mariners in ’89. But nobody could predict he would become a nearly unanimous Hall of Famer and one of the most talented all-around players of his generation. In high grade, the Griffey rookie can exceed $1000 raw and reaches the $2000-3000 range graded gem mint. Even well-worn low-grade copies still sell for $100-200 based on nostalgia and history alone. This iconic cardboard piece of Griffey’s rise has enduring value.
Chipper Jones Rookie Card – Another future Hall of Famer and one of the best third basemen ever, Atlanta Braves great Chipper Jones had his first baseball card issue in 1989 Donruss. Like Griffey, Jones showed early promise with a strong showing in his rookie campaign shared between two teams. The Donruss Chipper rookie isn’t in the same stratosphere as value as the Griffey, but graded mint copies can still earn $400-600. Most raw versions sell in the $75-150 range depending on condition. Jones’ career accomplishments and what he meant to Atlanta sports history keep this an eagerly sought rookie on the market.
Barry Larkin Rookie Card – In an era of tremendous shortstop talent, Cincinnati Reds all-time great Barry Larkin more than held his own. His stellar 21-year big league career culminated with his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Larkin’s rookie card in ’89 Donruss reflects the promise he flashed in his first full MLB season. High-grade Larkin rookies have reached $300-400 prices in graded gems. Even well-worn raw versions regularly pull in $50-100 figures from hardcore collectors wanting a piece of this Reds immortal’s early years.
Greg Maddux Rookie Card – Future Hall of Famer and arguably the greatest control pitcher ever, Greg Maddux had his rookie card issued in 1989 Donruss as well. By this point, Maddux was already showing the incredible command and control that would define his legendary career. While not quite as popular as Griffey, Larkin or Jones, a graded mint Maddux rookie can earn $200-300. Most raw copies in average condition still command $50-80 based solely on his incredible success as one of baseball’s all-time greats.
Nolan Ryan Record Breakers Card – Paying homage to Nolan Ryan breaking the all-time strikeout record in that year, Donruss issued a special “Record Breakers” card for the Texas Rangers legend that has become quite collectible in its own right. Ryan was already a living legend by 1989 but still pitching effectively at an advanced age. This unique cardboard recognition of his unparalleled longevity and prolific strikeout prowess grades out at the $75-150 range in top condition. Well-preserved raw versions usually earn $30-60 figures from advanced Rangers and Ryan collectors.
Ken Griffey Sr. Futures Star Card – An interesting footnote card showing promise for the father of the iconic Griffey Jr., this Futures Star issue featuring Seattle Mariners outfielder Ken Griffey Sr. has developed a small but loyal collector following of its own over the decades. Graded mint examples can reach the $75-125 price range based more on sentimentality than stats. But for Mariners diehards and fans wanting a piece of history connected to the Griffey dynasty, raw copies still sell reasonably well from $20-40.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card – Another superb all-around player who would go on to have a Hall of Fame career, Chicago White Sox slugger Frank Thomas debuted in the 1989 Donruss set as well. While his cardboard wasn’t quite as heralded as the headliners above at the time, graded pristine Thomas rookies have surpassed the $200 benchmarks in recent years. Most raw copies in average shape still change hands for $30-60 depending on demand levels for the “Big Hurt.”
Ozzie Smith Turn Back The Clock Card – One of the true magician defenders in MLB history and a fan favorite for over two decades in St. Louis, Ozzie Smith was still going strong for the 1989 Donruss project. A popular “Turn Back The Clock” insert pays tribute to Smith’s defensive prowess by recreating one of his signature backhanded plays from 1985. Higher-grade versions of this insert have brought $75-125 figures. Well-kept raw copies commonly earn $25-50 for collectors wanting to add a unique Smith piece.
Nolan Ryan Record Watch Card – Similar to the base Nolan Ryan Record Breakers card above but showing a statistics checklist tracking Ryan’s chase of the all-time strikeout record, this parallel “Record Watch” insert remains a favorite of Nolan Ryan patrons. Better preserved versions with the checklist fully intact have topped $60-100 price points. Most average condition raw copies sell within the $20-40 range.
Scott Erickson Rookie Card – Minnesota Twins ace Scott Erickson enjoyed several productive MLB seasons and his first cardboard appearance is the 1989 Donruss rookie. While he didn’t achieve the superstar status of others in this set, graded mint Erickson rookies have exceeded $75 values. Average raw versions trade in the $15-30 neighborhood depending on demand.
This covers some of the most recognizable, desirable and valuable vintage 1989 Donruss baseball cards to be on the lookout for. While not all players featured panned out as true future stars, they captured incredible raw talent and potential at the time. Combined with historical performances and career accomplishments after the fact, these cards retain nostalgic appeal and strong secondary market collectible value even decades later. Serious baseball card investors would be wise to hold examples of these foundational 1980s rookies and key veterans in their portfolios.
