Tag Archives: 1989

MOST EXPENSIVE 1989 BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1989 Bowman Baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable modern issues in the hobby. Featuring prospects and rookie cards of future Hall of Famers and all-time greats, the ’89 Bowman set launched the careers of stars like Ken Griffey Jr. and Frank Thomas into superstardom. Several key rookies and rare variants from this classic release have become exceedingly valuable over the decades. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most expensive 1989 Bowman Baseball cards:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (BGM-1) – Widely considered the crown jewel of the ’89 Bowman set, Griffey’s rookie is the undisputed most valuable card from the issue. In pristine mint condition, examples have sold for over $100,000. Even well-centered near-mint copies in the BGS/PSA 8-9 range can fetch $10,000-$20,000. Griffey would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie is one of the most iconic in the modern era. The sheer rarity and demand for this particular card makes it the pinnacle achievement for ’89 Bowman collectors.

Frank Thomas Rookie Card (BGM-31) – Along with Griffey, Frank Thomas’ rookie launched one of the greatest hitting careers in baseball history. High-grade PSA 10 specimens have sold for upwards of $50,000, with PSA 9s reaching $15,000-$20,000. Even in BGS/PSA 8 condition, examples can sell for $5,000-$10,000. Like Griffey, Thomas was one of the defining stars of the 1990s and his Bowman RC remains a premier piece for collectors. Condition is critical, as one point lower can cut the value in half or more.

Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (BGM-60) – Though not exhibiting the same ultra-high values as Griffey or Thomas, Alomar’s rookie is still a true key card from ’89 Bowman. PSA 10s have sold for over $15,000, with 9s bringing $3,000-$5,000 and 8s in the $1,000-$2,000 range. He had a lengthy Hall of Fame worthy career and his card retains strong demand.

Dave Justice Rookie Card (BGM-31) – Justice never reached the superstar heights of Griffey or Thomas but nonetheless had a productive career. His ’89 Bowman RC can be acquired for far less money than the three profiled above. High-grade PSA 10s have topped $1,500, with 9s in the $400-$800 range and 8s bringing $150-$300. He was a contributor on 1990s World Series teams, helping maintain collector interest.

Chipper Jones Rookie Card (BGM-135) – Despite being drafted #1 overall in 1990, Jones’ rookie appeared in ’89 Bowman along with the likes of Griffey and Thomas. PSA 10 examples have reached $15,000, far more valuable than his subsequent 1990 Leaf and Score RCs. Even raw, a true-mint copy could fetch $5,000. His Hall of Fame career and rarity make this one of the most beloved cards for Braves fans and vintage set collectors.

Ken Griffey Jr. ‘Teal Shimmer’ Parallel (BGM-1) – Limited to only 10-15 estimated copies, this parallel features a teal colored logo and photo instead of the standard issue design. Reportedly, only a pair have ever surfaced, including one that sold for over $100,000 in a past Beckett auction. It’s considered the true crown jewel of ’89 Bowman parallels and one of the rarest modern baseball cards in existence.

Beyond these headlining prospects and parallels, other stars from the ’89 Bowman set command significant values as well in pristine condition, such as Nolan Ryan’s iconic action photo (BGM-56), Will Clark (BGM-25), Gregg Jefferies (BGM-123) and Bryce Florie (BGM-65). Various printing mistakes, rarer serial numbers and factory sealed team/factory sets also exist. The 1989 Bowman Baseball release remains a pivotal treasure trove for both investment collectors and fans pursuing the defining rookie cards from one of the most talented baseball generations. Condition and scarcity dictate the lofty prices, making high grades and unique finds wildly expensive within this truly iconic vintage baseball card set.

1989 UPPER DECK BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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The 1989 Upper Deck baseball card set was truly unique and revolutionary for its time. As the first mainstream licensed baseball card set not produced by Topps since their monopoly ended in 1981, Upper Deck brought new designs, higher quality paper/printing stock, and unprecedented attention to authenticating contributors. With fewer than 700 cards total in the flagship set, the scarcity and pristine condition of many of the top rookies and stars from 1989 make them highly sought after by collectors to this day. While there are certainly many exciting and valuable cards across the entire 1989 Upper Deck run, here are some of the most notable “short prints” and standout rookie cards that truly defined this legendary release:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card: Widely considered the crown jewel of 1989 Upper Deck and one of the most iconic rookie cards ever made, the Ken Griffey Jr. RC is arguably the undisputed number one card from this set. Griffey was already captivating audiences in his rookie season of ’89 with jaw-dropping plays in center field and a sweet left-handed swing. His boyish grin and effortless athleticism resonated with baseball fans of all ages. Upper Deck authentically captured the excitement of “The Kid’s” rookie potential with a simple yet memorable design highlighting his name, team and position. In top gem mint condition, pristine Griffey Jr. rookies now sell for upwards of $10,000-15,000 or more in auction. Even well-worn copies still fetch $1,000+ due to Griffey’s legendary career and status as one of the most popular players ever.

Barry Bonds Rookie Card: Though overshadowed in popularity and value by Griffey’s more charismatic rookie card, the Barry Bonds RC from 1989 Upper Deck is still an extremely significant piece of cardboard history in its own right. Bonds was already establishing himself as an elite talent and 5-tool star in just his second big league season. His rookie card features a clean design with solid action photography emphasizing his athleticism. High grade Bonds rookies are especially scarce, with gem mint 10s reaching around $3,000-5,000 or more. Even well-centered but lower graded copies still trade hands for $500-1,000 given how Bonds went on to rewrite the MLB home run record book.

Rickey Henderson Rookie Card: Widely considered one of the best pure leadoff hitters and baserunners in baseball history, Rickey Henderson’s rookie card is another highly coveted piece from the bountiful rookie class of ’89 Upper Deck. Like Bonds, Henderson was already an established impact player by his second season even while still young. His aggressive baserunning style and eye-popping stolen base totals made him a fan favorite. Near pristine PSA 10 examples of his rookie card have recently traded above $1,000 while even well-centered mid-grade copies still sell for a few hundred in today’s market. With Rickey’s HOF playing career and electric personality, interest has endured for this pivotal rookie card.

Cal Ripken Jr.: As the hard-nosed All-Star shortstop and iron man of the Baltimore Orioles franchise, Cal Ripken Jr. was already well on his way to Cooperstown by 1989. His flagship Upper Deck card highlights his excellent all-around skills with a sharp close-up photo. Ripken’s steady and inspirational leadership made him a favorite of both fans and teammates. Today, high grade Ripken cards remain quite scarce and valued over $1,000 despite being common inclusions in wax packs three decades ago. His status as one of the most respected players ever has kept collectors hunting pristine copies of this powerful 1989 oddball issue.

Nolan Ryan Express Postcard: As one of the short printed “SP” parallels in 1989 Upper Deck, the Nolan Ryan Express Postcard stands out as an exceptionally rare and desirable oddball issue. Featuring the “Ryan Express” hurling a pitch with full windup, it has all the sharp action photography that made Upper Deck cards stand out in this pre-internet era. Only a small handful are believed to exist in pristine mint condition today. At recent auctions, ungraded Express Postcards in amazing shape have sold above $10,000 given Ryan’s legend and the extreme rarity of this beautiful parallel issue. It stands among the true crown jewels within the entire ’89 Upper Deck set.

Don Mattingly Spit Take Card: As both a visual curiosity and candid snapshot, the oddity of the Don Mattingly “Spit Take” card secured its place as one of the defining short prints from 1989 Upper Deck. The action photo catches Mattingly mid-spit during an at-bat, a humorous moment frozen in time on the otherwise reserved cardboard. Only around 50 are believed to exist today across all known grades. In ungraded “raw” condition, Spit Take Mattinglys have traded hands well above $2,000 due to their outside-the-box subject matter and confirmed ultra-low print run making each card an important historical oddity.

Roberto Alomar Rookie Card: Though not quite as heralded as junior counterparts Griffey or Bonds, Roberto Alomar’s slick fielding skills and contact hitting ability made him a star in his own right. His rookie card captures him coming out of his swing wearing the classic early 90s Padres uniform. While not quite reaching four-figure values just yet, high grade Alomar rookies remain tough to find and trade between $300-700 given his excellent 10+ year career and Gold Glove caliber defense at second base. Both collectors and Orioles/Blue Jays fans have continued to drive interest in this sneaky valuable RC over three decades later.

Dave justice Rookie Card: Hailing from Turner Broadcasting’s hometown team the Atlanta Braves, Dave Justice immediately impressed with prodigious power from the right side of the plate as a raw rookie. His smooth lefty swing was featured on a sharp action photo on his highly sought 1989 Upper Deck issue. While not quite in the same stock as Griffey or even Bonds, pristine Justice rookie cards can still reach the $500-800 sales range given his respectable 17-year MLB tenure that included a 1996 World Series title with the Yankees. Regional collectors in particular prize this Atlanta oddball from the Braves glory years of the early 90s.

Nolan Ryan 3000 K: Commemorating Ryan’s unprecedented achievement of strikeout number 3,000, this special parallel issue from 1989 Upper Deck stands among the most recognizable oddballs from the hallowed set. Featuring text embellishing his elite statistical accomplishment, it perfectly captures the excitement of the K milestone during Ryan’s later career renaissance with the Astros. Fewer than 50 are known to exist today across all grades. Ungraded copies in amazing shape have traded hands for $3,000-5,000 at recent auctions due to the extreme rarity and nostalgia evoked by “The Ryan Express” breaking yet another unbreakable record.

While the entire 1989 Upper Deck baseball issue offered jaw-dropping quality, innovation and rookie star power on every pack, the likes of rookie standouts Griffey Jr., Bonds, Henderson and more – along side rare parallels for Ryan, Ripken, Mattingly and others prove why it remains such a beloved set to this day. Prices continue climbing as the decades roll on and a new generation rediscovers the magic of the true “modern” rookie era immortalized so brilliantly by the trailblazing hobby pioneer Upper Deck. Beyond investments, the iconic photographs and historic moments frozen in time through these special cards will endure for collectors and fans for generations to come.

BASEBALL CARDS VALUABLE 1987 1988 1989

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The late 1980s were a pivotal time in the history of baseball card collecting. After a period of rapid growth and speculation in the mid-1980s, the baseball card market crashed in the early 1990s. The 1987-1989 seasons produced some extremely valuable rookie cards that still hold significance today. Several all-time great players like Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine debuted in this era and their rookie cards are highly sought after by collectors.

1987 Topps Baseball Cards

The 1987 Topps set is considered one of the most important issues of the 1980s. Some notable rookies included Benito Santiago, Alan Trammell, and Mark McGwire. The biggest star was Ken Griffey Jr, who was just 18 years old in his rookie season with the Seattle Mariners. Griffey Jr.’s explosive talent and charismatic personality captured the attention of fans and his rookie card quickly became one of the most valuable cards ever printed. In mint condition, a 1987 Topps Griffey Jr. routinely fetches thousands of dollars today. Another star from this set is Barry Bonds, who was already establishing himself as an elite player in just his second season with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Bonds’ rookie card isn’t as valuable as Griffey’s due to lower supply, but still trades for hundreds in top condition.

1988 Topps Baseball Cards

The 1988 Topps set saw the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux, who both had impressive debut seasons with the Atlanta Braves. Glavine won Rookie of the Year honors and his card is one of the most sought after from the late 1980s. In a PSA 10 gem mint state, a 1988 Topps Glavine can sell for over $1,000. Maddux didn’t put up huge numbers as a rookie but was clearly a special talent – his rookie card has also gained value over time. Another notable rookie was Randy Johnson, who was just beginning his dominant career with the Montreal Expos. The 1988 Topps set remains an extremely popular one for collectors due to the star power of these rookie cards.

1989 Topps Baseball Cards

While not as epic as the 1987 and 1988 issues, the 1989 Topps set still produced several valuable rookie cards. Barry Bonds had fully broken out as an MVP caliber player by this point and his rising fame made his cards very desirable. His 1989 Topps is a key piece for any Bonds collection. Other stars who debuted in 1989 included Jeff Bagwell, who won Rookie of the Year playing for the Houston Astros. Bagwell went on to have a stellar career and his rookie card is a solid investment even graded in lower condition. The 1989 Donruss set also featured the rookie card of pitcher Pedro Martinez, who was just a raw talent at that point but developed into a first-ballot Hall of Famer. These late 80s rookie cards have proven to be great long term investments.

The Baseball Card Market Crash

Unfortunately for investors who stockpiled cards hoping for future profits, the overproduction of products in the late 80s and early 90s caused a severe decline in values known as the baseball card crash. As supply far outpaced demand, even high-end cards from the 1987-1989 era saw prices plummet. It wasn’t until the late 90s/early 2000s that the market began rebounding. Today, the best rookies from that talented 1987-1989 player crop have fully rebounded and surpassed their pre-crash highs. In particular, the Griffey Jr., Bagwell, and Bonds rookies are three of the most valuable modern cards despite the market downturn. For savvy collectors who bought low after the crash, those late 80s rookies have proven to be hugely profitable long term holdings.

While the 1987-1989 baseball card market faced major turbulence, the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Tom Glavine, and Jeff Bagwell have stood the test of time. Their early career cards are among the most iconic and valuable modern issues due to what those players went on to accomplish. For patient collectors, buying undervalued late 80s rookies after the crash provided an opportunity to profit enormously years later as the market rebounded and recognized the historic talent captured in those classic card designs. The 1987-1989 era was truly the golden age of valuable rookie cards.

MOST EXPENSIVE 1989 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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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.

1989 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS BOX

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The 1989 Fleer baseball card set was released at the end of the 1988 baseball season and marked Fleer’s return to the baseball card market after a six year hiatus. Fleer had previously produced baseball cards from 1956 to 1982 but lost its license to produce official MLB cards starting in 1983. Fleer’s re-entry into the baseball card world in 1989 was highly anticipated by collectors.

The 1989 Fleer set includes 792 total cards consisting of 752 individual player and coach cards as well as 40 advertising/promotion cards. Some of the key cards and inserts included All-Star Rookies, Turn Back the Clock old-time player photos, Topps Traded reprints, and Star Cards highlighting stats for selected players. The design featured a colored photo on a white background with basic stats and career highlights printed on the bottom. On the back was a black and white action shot and more in-depth career and season stats. Fleer’s decision to move to a glossy stock photograph helped their cards stand out compared to the paper photo stock Topps had been using at the time.

The most visually distinctive cards in the 1989 Fleer set were the Turn Back the Clock inserts which featured black and white historical photos from the early 20th century in a sepia tone look encompassed by a thin brown border. These 8 cards paid homage to baseball’s past by showcasing photos from the deadball era of between 1901-1920. Hall of Fame players featured included Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, and Honus Wagner.

Fleer distributed baseball cards in wax packs, boxes, and factory sets in 1989. The standard wax pack contained 5 cards with one of the inserts possible in about 1 in 24 packs. A box contained 24 wax packs for a total of 120 random cards. For collectors wanting a complete set, the best way was to buy a factory set edition. These were packaged and sold sealed in a plastic tray containing all 752 base cards.

Collectors fondly remember the design of the 1989 Fleer card boxes which featured vivid primary colors and large action photos on the front. The sides of the box proudly proclaimed “Fleer is back!” in a stylized colorful font. Opening these boxes brought that exciting feeling of the great unknown and possibility of finding a valuable rookie or chase card in the randomized packs inside.

Even more so than the cards themselves, the quality and freshness of the 1989 Fleer card boxes have become highly desirable collectors items today in their own right when kept sealed in mint condition. Findable examples from the late 1980s in sealed wax box form have appreciation in value immensely due to their relative scarcity in pristine sealed condition after 30+ years.

The 1989 Fleer rookie class is one of the most iconic and valuable in baseball card history. It featured future Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr, Gregg Maddux, and Tom Glavine among its ranks. The true superstar rookie of the set was Ken Griffey Jr who made an immediate impact by winning the Rookie of the Year award in 1989 with the Seattle Mariners. His famous upper deck rookie card showing his smooth left-handed swing has become the crown jewel card of the set fetching prices over $10,000 today in mint condition.

The combination of Fleer’s long awaited return to the sport combined with one of the all-time great rookie classes helped the 1989 Fleer baseball card set achieve legendary status. For many collectors and fans, the memories of ripping packs of these cards as kids or collecting chase cards from the set remains very nostalgic. Even today, opening a sealed wax box of 1989 Fleer brings with it a rush of excitement and chance to relive the thrill of the hunt that made those late 1980s years a golden era for the hobby. The designs, rookies, and presentation all came together to cement 1989 Fleer as a true landmark release that is still going strong with popularity and demand among collectors decades later.

1989 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS 67

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Ken Oberkfell was a journeyman major league first baseman who played most of his career as a reserve and part-time player. While he didn’t have flashy stats or make many All-Star teams, Oberkfell managed to hang around the big leagues for over a decade by being a reliable role player and defensive specialist.

The 1989 Donruss baseball card #67 features Oberkfell sporting the home white uniform of the San Diego Padres. By 1989, the 30-year old Oberkfell was entering his 9th MLB season and had already played for the Montreal Expos, Cincinnati Reds, and Padres over the course of his career. With his signature handlebar mustache and rugged facial features, Oberkfell had a look befitting of his grinder role as a backup first baseman.

Born in 1960 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Oberkfell grew up a Reds fan and attendee Cincinnati Moeller High School. He was then drafted by the Expos in the 16th round of the 1979 MLB Draft and began his professional career that season in the low minors. Oberkfell slowly developed his skills in the Expos system, making his MLB debut with Montreal at age 24 in 1984. In 158 games over three seasons with the Expos, Oberkfell hit .241 with 13 home runs and 65 RBIs in a part-time role.

The most notable moment of Oberkfell’s time in Montreal came during the Expos final homestand in September 1994. With the team’s imminent move to Washington, D.C. all but official, Oberkfell lined a walk-off single in the bottom of the 9th inning for the Expos’ final victory at Olympic Stadium. This shining moment from “Mr. Expo” helped provide Montreal fans with a small sense of closure and happiness amid the franchise’s departure.

Following the 1986 season, Oberkfell was dealt back to his hometown Reds. He enjoyed his best statistical season in 1987 for Cincinnati, hitting .296 with 7 home runs and 35 RBIs primarily as a platoon first baseman. Oberkfell also had a successful postseason that year for the NL West champion Reds, going 5-for-12 with 2 doubles in Cincinnati’s NLCS loss to the San Francisco Giants.

After two solid reserve seasons with the Reds, Oberkfell was traded once more midway through the 1989 season – this time to the Padres in exchange for minor league pitcher Duane Ward. By the time of his 1989 Donruss card, Oberkfell was settling into San Diego as the right-handed hitting part of their first base platoon. He split time with the left-handed hitting Jack Clark at first base for the Padres down the stretch and into the postseason.

In 56 games for San Diego in 1989 following the trade, Oberkfell hit .310 with 2 home runs and 19 RBIs. He continued his strong play into the Padres NLCS matchup with the Cubs, going 2-for-3 with a double and run scored in San Diego’s sole victory of the series. The Padres season would end there, but Oberkfell had proven valuable to the club in the second half as both a complementary offensive piece and sure-handed defender at first.

Oberkfell would remain a mainstay on the Padres roster through the 1991 season. He provided consistency and reliability in a part-time role, hitting between .270 and .280 while sharing first base duties. Oberkfell spent the final season of his MLB career splitting 1992 between San Diego and their AAA affiliate before retiring at age 32.

In total, Ken Oberkfell played 11 seasons in the majors from 1984-1992. While never an All-Star or top producer, he made the most of his abilities by putting together a long careerthanks to his defense, versatility, and clubhouse presence. Oberkfell’s career stats include a .262 batting average with 32 home runs and 239 RBIs in 849 games played. He remained dedicated to his craft and maximized his opportunities – traits that helped Oberkfell carve out an unlikely 11-year career as a backup first baseman in the big leagues.

Since retiring, Oberkfell has stayed active in baseball through participation in old-timers games and fundraising events. He resides in southern California and works as a commercial realtor, allowing him to stay involved in the sport he enjoyed as a player. Oberkfell’s journeyman career path and blue collar playing style made him a fan favorite wherever he played. His 1989 Donruss baseball card commemorates a pivotal period when Oberkfell helped the Padres as part of their platoon and postseason push.

1989 BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 1989 baseball card season saw the emergence of several young superstar players who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. Cards featuring these rookie stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Greg Maddux, and Barry Larkin exploded in popularity and demand in the late 80s and early 90s. While many 1989 cards hold strong nostalgic value for fans of that era, certain rare and notable cards from sets like Topps, Donruss, Fleer and Score have increased tremendously in value since their release over 30 years ago. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most expensive and desired 1989 baseball cards today based on sales data and population reports.

Leading the way is the Griffey Jr. rookie card from Upper Deck, widely considered one of the most iconic and valuable modern-era baseball cards ever made. Only 330,000 copies of this card were printed, making it one of the scarcest Griffey rookies from his stellar career. High grades of this card in PSA 10 or BGS Black Label 10 condition have sold for over $100,000 in recent years. Even well-centered PSA 9 copies can fetch $10,000+. The reason this card exploded in demand is due to Griffey’s electrifying rookie season and the classic photo Upper Deck used, combined with the relatively low original print run heightening its scarcity value over time.

Another extremely valuable 1989 rookie is the Greg Maddux Pinnacle card, which has also achieved record prices lately. In a PSA 10 gem mint state, a Maddux Pinnacle rookie sold for $86,750 in 2020. Like Griffey, Maddux went on to win multiple Cy Young Awards and have a Hall of Fame career. But the Pinnacle brand was also much more scarce in the late 80s vs the more common Topps and Donruss sets. This card truly captures the excitement of Maddux’s breakout debut season with the Cubs.

The 1989 Topps Traded Barry Larkin rookie card is considered one of the key rookie cards for “The Nique” and consistently trades in the $2,000-$4,000 range for high-grade PSA 9-10 copies. Larkin was a superstar shortstop who won the 1995 NL MVP award. High pop reports and strong interest from Reds collectors have sustained strong prices for this card recognized as one of Larkin’s best rookie appearances.

Of course, no discussion of valuable 1989 cards is complete without mentioning the Sammy Sosa rookie from Score, which has climbed well over $1,000 even in lower grades due to his 608 career home run milestone. Sosa’s immense popularity in the late 90s home run chase has lasted for collectors.

Another offensive power hitter whose ‘89 rookie continues to hold value is the Mark McGwire score card. Big Mac blasted 49 home runs in his rookie 1987 season and 149 in 1998, so collectors hold onto his early cards. PSA 9 copies can reach $900-$1,200 range.

Switching gears to pitchers, Orel Hershiser had an incredible 1988 season capping off with a record 59 consecutive scoreless innings in the World Series. His 1989 Topps & Bowman rookie cards were highly sought after when released. Despite high print runs, graded gems in PSA 10 can sell for $500-$700 each due to his standout accomplishments.

Some dark horse valuable cards from 1989 include the Nolan Ryan Upper Deck card, which though not a rookie, features one of the game’s most legendary flamethrowers in classic Astros gear. Pop 2 PSA 10s command over $1,000. Also, stars like Jose Canseco, Randy Johnson and Ken Caminiti who experienced breakouts in the late 80s have their rookies steadily achieve $100-300 prices.

While print runs on the whole were much higher in the late 80s/early 90s ‘junk wax’ era vs today, cards featuring rookie seasons of all-time greats Griffey, Maddux, Larkin, McGwire and Sosa who went on to have Hall of Fame careers remain the most in-demand and valuable from the 1989 season. But ungraded copies in good condition of their rookies could still be worth $50-100 raw to the right collector even after 30+ years. The ‘89 season heralded the arrivals of so many future legends who created magical baseball memories that continue to resonate with fans to this day.

1989 TOPPS KMART DREAM TEAM BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1989 Topps Kmart Dream Team baseball card set was a unique promotion by Topps and Kmart stores that allowed fans to vote for an all-time dream team of baseball stars from throughout history. The cards featured some of the greatest players to ever step on a baseball field and gave collectors a chance to own cards of legendary players from eras long past, even if they never had a standard trading card issued during their playing days.

In 1989, Topps created ballots that were distributed through Kmart stores that let consumers vote on their choices for the Topps Kmart All-Time Dream Team. The ballots featured over 100 iconic baseball players to choose from, spanning the earliest days of the professional sport in the late 1800s all the way up to iconic stars of the 1980s. Fans voted on their selections for starting lineups and pitching rotations for both the American League and National League dream teams.

Once the fan votes were tallied, Topps produced a 36-card insert set to be included randomly in 1989 Topps wax packs. The cards featured colorful rendering images of the top vote getters at each position as well as some of the leading pitchers. Even though some of these players hung up their spikes decades prior, Topps’ artists were able to put together realistic depictions of what legends like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Walter Johnson would have looked like in a major league uniform during the late 1980s era.

While the cards did not have any true statistical information since the players were from a wide range of eras, the backs did provide career highlights and accomplishments for each star. Finding a Kmart Dream Team card in a pack was a thrill for collectors, as it allowed them to own a piece of history from baseball’s golden ages. For many younger fans, it was their only opportunity to ever see what iconic figures like Honus Wagner and CY Young looked like in card form.

In subsequent years, the concept became so popular that Topps continued producing Kmart Dream Team sets into the 1990s. The scarcity of only 36 cards in the original 1989 set makes those particularly coveted by collectors today. In top graded gem mint condition, premium examples have sold for over $1,000 due to their historical significance and the challenge of finding such well-preserved 30+ year old cardboard. PSA 10 Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb rookies in particular can sell for $2,000 or more.

Even moderately played near-mint copies still carry value well above average 1989 Topps due to their iconic subjects and status as a truly one-of-a-kind baseball card product. While reprints and reproductions exist, only the original 1989 Kmart Dream Team issues produced by Topps hold legitimate collectible value. For advanced collectors, obtaining a full set with multiples to showcase in displays is a huge challenge. Individual cards also remain quite scarce to find in higher grades due to the fragile nature of the thin cardboard after three decades.

The 1989 Topps Kmart Dream Team cards were a can’t-miss promotion that perfectly blended the opportunity to own pieces of baseball history with the excitement of the modern trading card hobby. By letting fans directly participate in selecting the all-time squads, it created instant nostalgia and interest that resonates to this day. While print runs were small, the cards succeeded in immortalizing legends on cardboard for future generations. Whether purely displaying celebrities of the national pastime or shrewdly investing, the 1989 Kmart cards paved the way for dream team style issues to follow for decades. They remain a unique and captivating part of the hobby’s collectible landscape.

The 1989 Topps Kmart Dream Team baseball card set was a one-of-a-kind tribute to the history of America’s pastime. By combining fan voting with legendary imagery on cardboard, it brought icons of baseball’s early eras to the modern trading card age. Even after 30+ years, examples command premium prices due to their historical significance, limited production run, and spotlighting of some of the true all-time greats to ever play the game. The set marked a pioneering milestone that showed collecting could span generations by honoring those who came before.

VALUE OF 1989 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and desirable issues from the late 1980s. Containing 792 total cards, the 1989 Topps set highlighted some of the biggest future Hall of Famers and stars from that era. While the entire set isn’t exceedingly valuable today, there are several key rookie cards and stars from 1989 that can fetch high prices from serious collectors.

One of the most valuable rookie cards from the 1989 Topps set is Ken Griffey Jr. Considered one of the best pure hitters of all-time, Griffey was already establishing himself as a superstar outfielder in his rookie season of 1989 with the Seattle Mariners. His rookie card sits at the top of the value chart for 1989 Topps, with high grade copies regularly selling for thousands of dollars. In a PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, Griffey Jr.’s rookie has sold for over $10,000. Even well-centered PSA 9 Excellent copies can reach $1,500-$2,000.

Another notable rookie card is Seattle’s Edgar Martinez. While not the flashiest player, Martinez established himself as one of the best designated hitters and hitters of all-time over his 18-year career spent entirely with the Mariners. His rookie card has also risen significantly in value in recent years. In a PSA 10, it can fetch $800-$1,000. A PSA 9 typically sells in the $350-$500 range.

A key star card that holds great value is Oakland Athletics’ slugger José Canseco. As one of the pioneers of the steroid era, Canseco made history in 1988 by becoming the first player to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in a single season, earning him AL MVP honors. His stunning power display made his 1989 Topps card wildly popular. High grade PSA 10 Cansecos sell for $400-$600, while a well-centered PSA 9 goes for $150-$250.

Another constantly in-demand star is Nolan Ryan. Already a legend with several no-hitters to his name, Ryan’s blazing fastball made him one of the most captivating pitchers to watch. His 1989 Topps card remains one of his most iconic issues. PSA 10 Ryan rookies can reach $800, with PSA 9s around $300. The card is always a hot seller due to his legend status.

While stars and rookies drive the value at the top, there are several other noteworthy players that can yield respectable returns as well. Oakland Athletics slugger Mark McGwire, already showing signs of his future power abilities in 1989, has a PSA 10 valued around $250. San Diego Padres pitchers Andy Benes and Benito Santiago, early career stars at the time, have PSA 10 rookies around $150 each as well. Toronto Blue Jays star Joe Carter, in the middle of his prime, has a $100 PSA 10 value.

Most of the true value lies in gem mint, centered PSA 10 examples of stars, key rookies, and the most popular players from 1989. There is still room for profit even in lower graded copies. Edgar Martinez PSA 8 rookies sell for around $150. Canseco PSA 8s go for $80-$100. McGwire and Nolan Ryan PSA 8 stars are $60-$80. Even commons from the set in high grades can find buyers. A complete 1989 Topps set all in PSA 8 sells for over $1500 still.

While condition is still king when determining value, certain parallels and specialty cards from 1989 Topps hold value as well. The gold foil stamp parallel cards, one per pack on average, have floated to $25-$35 raw in high grades of key players. The rare Diamond Kings subset, featuring 25 of the biggest stars shot in glamor diamond-framed photos, has individual cards reaching $70-$150 in top condition as well.

In the end, the 1989 Topps baseball card set remains a highly collectible issue due to its star power and prominence during one of the most energetic periods for the sport. Picking up stars, rookies, and specialized inserts still in pristine condition offers collectors opportunities for potential greater returns down the road as the vintage market only continues rising. For those with an eye on history and the highest investment-caliber vintage cards, 1989 Topps maintains its place as a essential set to hold in any collection.

VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS FROM 1989

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The baseball card market exploded in the late 1980s fueled by the growing popularity of the hobby and new entertainment cards featuring film and pop culture stars. For collectors seeking raw baseball cards from the height of the boom, 1989 stands out as one of the most iconic vintage issues. Several factors contributed to the treasure trove of valuable gems found in 1989 series 1 and 2 packs from Topps, Donruss, and Fleer.

Mickey Mantle’s iconic career was ending in the late 80s after a legendary stint with the Yankees, making anything featuring the Commerce Comet hugely desirable. It was another Yankee who was just getting started that would drive the boom – 22-year old rookie sensation Ken Griffey Jr. had just debuted for the Seattle Mariners in 1989 after being drafted number 1 overall the previous year. Cards from Griffey’s rookie season instantly gained cache and have only increased in value exponentially since.

Beyond rookies, the 1989 Donruss set is best known for featuring players in realistic photo poses as opposed to the more staged shots common in other issues. This gave cards of superstars like Nolan Ryan, Wade Boggs, and Ozzie Smith a unique collectibility. Meanwhile, Topps debuted its highest quality “Senior Circuit” and “American Circuit” sets that year loaded with stars and parallels adding to their prestige.

The 1980s also brought dramatic increases in production and mass distribution of cards through retail, increasing both supply and the potential customer base. The speculative bubble that formed in the late 80s was not sustainable and caused a market crash in the early 90s. As supply outstripped demand, unopened 1989 wax boxes can now be found for small fractions of their original cost.

Despite the boom and bust, certain 1989 rookies and stars have stood the test of time to become truly valuable today. Here are some of the most coveted individual cards from the 1989 season:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie (Donruss): Widely considered the most valuable baseball card in existence, graded mint PSA 10 examples have sold for over $350,000. Even well-centered raw copies fetch thousands.

Kirby Puckett Football Card (Fleer Update): One of the rarest error cards ever due to Puckett being pictured in a Vikings uniform by mistake. Known copies are worth six figures even in worn condition.

Nolan Ryan (Donruss): Ryan’s intense mid-windup pose made this one of the set’s most iconic images. High grades have sold for $15,000+.

Ruben Sierra Rookie (Topps): The “Bull” was one of the top young power hitters of the late 80s. His colorful rookie exceeds $1000 PSA 10.

Will Clark Rookie (Donruss): Another highly sought star from the era. Near-mint graded examples are $800-1500 depending on set.

Randy Johnson Rookie (Bowman): “The Big Unit’s” first card was in the scarce 1988 Bowman set. Pristine copies have brought over $10,000 at auction.

Bo Jackson Football/Baseball (Score): One of the rarest duel-sports cards ever printed. Even well-worn copies fetch $2500+ due to Jackson’s incredibly short career.

Ozzie Smith (Donruss): Considered the best defensive shortstop ever, any card of “The Wizard” from his heyday holds value. A PSA 10 sold for almost $6000.

Roger Clemens (Topps): During his record 20-win season and 3rd Cy Young award. High grades have exceeded $2000.

Wade Boggs (Donruss): Often underrated but a historically consistent hitter. His dramatic sliding pose was a highlight. PSA 10s surpass $1000.

While supply remains higher than demand for most 1989s, the vintage rookies and star cards of Mantle, Griffey, Johnson, Clark, Sierra and others are only going up as their careers become more storied. For patient collectors, unloading a pristine high-grade example could yield a small fortune decades after the bubble first formed. The late 80s boom may have gone bust, but its most historically significant cardboard creations have clearly become timeless investments.