Tag Archives: 1989

ARE BASEBALL CARDS FROM 1989 WORTH ANYTHING

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The value of baseball cards from 1989 can vary significantly depending on several factors, but in many cases cards from that year do hold value and could be worth collecting or investing in. 1989 was a milestone year for baseball as the sport was locking out the players during a labor dispute that eventually led to a delayed start to the regular season. This lockout created scarcity and interest in cards from that year which can positively influence values today.

One of the most important things that determines the value of any vintage baseball card is the condition or grade of the specific card. The two main grading services, PSA and BGS, rate cards on a 1-10 scale with 10 being pristine mint condition. For 1989 cards to have meaningful value, they would generally need to grade at least a PSA 7 or BGS 7. Anything lower and the condition issues would overcome any other desirable traits of the card. Cards that grade gem mint PSA 10 or BGS Black Label 10 can be exceptionally valuable, but cards in that condition from 30+ years ago are quite rare.

Along with condition, the specific player and any accomplishments they achieved also factor heavily into a card’s potential value. Hall of Fame players, MVP winners, Cy Young award winners and players with strong playing careers spanning many years tend to have the most valuable rookie or common cards from particular seasons. In 1989, some top rookies that could hold value include Ken Griffey Jr, Gregg Olson, Jeff Bagwell, Larry Walker, and Sandy Alomar Jr. Veterans entering their primes like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith and Nolan Ryan also have collector appeal.

Rookie cards in particular see increased interest so cards of future stars like Griffey Jr. and Bagwell from their debut season have a good chance of retaining value long term. Even star players can have quite affordable common cards from early in their careers before they achieved success if the cards are not in top condition. Many other useful role players from the era have cards that hold only nominal value today unless they grade extremely well.

Beyond specific players, variations, errors, oddball subsets and rare serially numbered parallels can take otherwise ordinary cards and make them much more valuable. Things like glossy/matte variations, rare retired numbers parallels, oddball manufacturers like Mother’s Cookies or Kool Aid, and serially numbered chase cards underneath 1/1000 can spike the value of otherwise mundane cards exponentially if graded and preserved well. Without true key traits, most common 1989 cards likely hold value under $10 even in top grades.

When considering which 1989 cards to collect or invest in, it’s important to do research on population reports from the grading services. This gives an idea of both demand and availability of high graded examples. Scarcities in the upper reaches of the population pyramid are a good sign of long term collectibility and potential for price appreciation over decades as populations continue getting “slabbed” and removed from the active collecting marketplace. Some of the lowest population 1989 rookie cards like Griffey Jr. PSA 10 may be out of reach investment wise today but could appreciate well over the long haul.

In recent years, the vintage card market has boomed with renewed collector interest and demand outpacing new supplies. Prices on key rookies, HOFers and rare variations have jumped notably. This bodes quite well long term for holding onto pristine graded examples of stars and desirable subsets from 1989 and earlier. While price dips will happen periodically, top condition vintage from the junk wax era seems an increasingly solid long term collectible when selected carefully.

Whether a 1989 baseball card holds value depends greatly on condition, player, scarcity and other niche traits. Commons are unlikely to be worth much raw but key rookies or stars that grade extremely well could realize significant returns. With skyrocketing auction prices on top cards and low populations retaining sets, the vintage boom seems far from over. By selectively collecting pristine 1989 standouts now before they become more recognized and scarce, savvy collectors may find undervalued gems that appreciate nicely over the coming decades as new collectors get nostalgic for the late 80s and early 90s era of the pastime.

WHAT 1989 BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH MONEY

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One of the most valuable and sought after 1989 baseball cards is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was one of the biggest young stars in baseball at the time and his rookie card has only increased in value and demand over the decades. In near mint to mint condition, Griffey’s rookie now sells for thousands of dollars. Mint condition examples in a PSA or BGS slab have sold at auction for over $10,000. Even well-centered copies in excellent condition without grading can sell for $1,000 or more. Griffey’s rookie established him as a future star and one of the most talented young players baseball had seen.

Another extremely valuable 1989 card is the Frank Thomas rookie card. Like Griffey, Thomas went on to have a Hall of Fame caliber career and his rookie card saw a huge spike in demand and value in recent years. High-grade Thomas rookies in BGS or PSA slabs have crossed the $5,000 sales threshold at auction. Even raw copies in stellar near-mint or better condition can sell in the $1,000s. Thomas was already showing his incredible power and hitting skills as a rookie, making his debut card quite sought after for anyone collecting the 1990s Chicago White Sox star.

Continuing with rookie card valuations, the Dennis Martinez 1989 card also holds significant value, even though he was not as big of a name as Griffey or Thomas. Still, Martinez had a very solid career and his rookie remains quite scarce in high-grade. BGS/PSA examples have sold for $2,000+, showing the demand for the cards of established major leaguers even if they weren’t true superstars. Mark Grace also has a valuable rookie from this set, with top-graded copies selling for $1,000-1500. Both Martinez and Grace developed loyal followings that drive the strength in their rookie cards.

Moving beyond rookies, perhaps the single most iconic and widely recognized 1989 card is the Nolan Ryan Upper Deck card, featuring his fiery fastball graphic. This Ryan card is one of the most iconic in the history of the hobby. In pristine condition it can sell for over $10,000. Even well-centered near-mint copies still demand $1,000+ due to the extreme first year pop u arity of Upper Deck and Ryan’s legendary status. The card captured Lightning Bolt Ryan in his peak years and remains one of the true classic images of baseball cards.

Other star players with valuable 1989 cards include Roger Clemens, whose rookie year was 1986 but remained hugely popular in the late 80s. High-grade Clemens can reach $600-700. Will Clark had an incredible rookie Pop in ’86 and followed up with a nice career, making PSA 9 examples of his ’89 issue sell around $400-500 currently. Andres Galarraga rookie cards are a nice pick-up, with Mint status ones selling for ~$300; he was with Montreal in 1989 before being traded and having huge seasons in the 1990s. Ozzie Smith, the greatest defensive wizard, can sell for $200-300 in top shape as 1989 marked his first season with the Cardinals.

In terms of set value overall, some key things to note are that the more iconic and complete the set, generally the more valuable it is. The flagship Topps set leads the way, but 1989 also saw the debut of Score and Upper Deck – two hugely important brands. The complete base Upper Deck set in high grade could sell for $2,000-3000 or more. Each brand also had coveted parallels, inserts, and variations that increase rarity and value for collectors. Even common 1989 cards still hold decent collector value due to the vintage, star power of included players, and boom in interest that era of the sport has seen in recent times.

The 1989 baseball card season was one of the true iconic years that helped push the entire hobby to new heights thanks to brands like Score and Upper Deck entering the scene. Flagship issues as well as stunning rookie cards like Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and Dennis Martinez remain highly sought after and valuable for collectors even decades later. Key veterans from the era like Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, and Roger Clemens continue to gain new admirers as well. For these reasons, 1989 remains a benchmark year for finding hidden gems and establishing a strong vintage collection foundation due to the star power, competitiveness of brands during the boom, and lasting nostalgia from that era in MLB.

WHAT 1989 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS ARE VALUABLE

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One of the most valuable and sought after rookie cards from the 1989 Donruss set is the Ken Griffey Jr. card. Griffey Jr. went on to have a legendary Hall of Fame career and is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. His lively swing and highlight reel catches made him hugely popular with fans. In near mint to mint condition, Griffey’s rookie card can fetch thousands of dollars today. A PSA 10 graded Griffey Jr. rookie recently sold for over $25,000, showing just how desirable this card remains among collectors.

Another extremely valuable rookie card from the 1989 Donruss set is the Frank Thomas card. Thomas enjoyed a dominant, 19-year career largely spent with the Chicago White Sox. He won two MVP awards and racked up over 500 home runs and 1900 RBIs in his career. Thomas was one of the purest hitters of his generation with prodigious power to all fields. His rookie card remains one of the key rookie cards from the late 1980s/early 1990s. A PSA 9 Thomas rookie sold for over $11,000 in 2022, while a PSA 10 grade copy could likely sell for $20,000 or more given its rarity and Thomas’ Hall of Fame profile.

Beyond rookie cards, players with impressive careers and championships under their belt also yield desirable cards from 1989 Donruss. For example, the Kirby Puckett card has value given his 12 accomplished seasons patrolling centerfield for the Minnesota Twins. Puckett led the Twins to World Series victories in 1987 and 1991 and was known for his elite defense, clutch hitting and winning demeanor. A PSA 9 Puckett from 1989 Donruss recently sold for over $6,500 showing there is strong demand for cards featuring impactful star players even after they’ve had their rookie seasons.

Another established star card with high value is the Jose Canseco issue from 1989 Donruss. Canseco broke into the majors in 1985 and was already a two-time All-Star and home run champion by 1989 following his stellar rookie campaign the prior year. He went on to win the MVP that season and help spark the late 1980s/early 1990s power surge in Major League Baseball thanks to his prodigious pull power. While Canseco’s career and reputation have been controversial, his on-field heroics mean his 1989 Donruss still garners over $500 PSA graded.

Beyond the obvious star rookies and veterans, there are also valuable short prints from the 1989 Donruss set that collectors target. These include cards like the Dwight Gooden SP which features an action photo and hits over $100 PSA graded despite Gooden already being an established star by 1989. Other tough-to-find short prints like Will Clark, Bo Jackson and Ozzie Smith typically sell for $50-$150 per card depending on grade and condition from PSA or BGS. Even lesser known players who happen to have scarce short prints can pique collector interest like Bill Gullickson’s 1989 Donruss SP which sold for around $80 graded recently.

Lastly, autographed and memorabilia cards from 1989 Donruss hold immense value given how long ago the set was issued. For example, a Ken Griffey Jr. autographed rookie card recently sold for nearly $11,000. A Frank Thomas autographed rookie exceeded $2,000. Even autographs of role players have value, such as a Rickey Henderson autograph that fetched over $500. Memorabilia cards are especially prized, like a Jose Canseco dual bat/jersey relic that sold for $850. With inserts, parallels and oddball parallel short prints included, there remains no shortage of valuable1989 Donruss collectors chase at shows, on eBay and through other platforms in the thriving vintage collecting scene today. The 1989 Donruss set released at the peak of the junk wax era still has plenty of jewels that retain or gain value decades later.

WHICH 1989 BASEBALL CARDS ARE THE MOST VALUED

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The 1989 baseball card season featured several rookies and players who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. While no single card from the set is as valuable as iconic cards from the late 1980s like the 1985 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie, there are a handful that regularly fetch high prices due to their subject and condition. Learning about the most valuable from the year provides insight into what traits and players carried long-term appeal for collectors.

Ken Griffey Jr. was arguably the biggest rookie star of 1989 and his Upper Deck rookie card is often cited as the most sought after from the set. Fresh off being the No. 1 pick in the 1987 draft and debuting in 1989 at just 19 years old, “Junior” was a phenom with prodigious power and skills in center field. His smile and smooth swing made him a fan favorite. In pristine Mint condition, his rookie typically sells in the range of $800-1,500 due to his iconic status in the sport and relative scarcity in top grades. Even well-worn copies still sell for $100-200 showing his lasting popularity.

At the time, he was seen as the game’s next big star and his card was one of the most pulled from packs. The Upper Deck company only produced cards that year, so supplies never reached the level of comparable Topps/Donruss issues. Plus, his rare 10 or Gem Mint presentations hold cachet as some of the finest certified Griffey cards in existence. For these reasons, his rookie maintains significance and value 30+ years later.

Another Ken Griffey Jr. card, this one from Donruss, also shines among the most valuable from 1989. Pictured tipping his cap while batting left-handed, the airbrushed design is eye-catching. In perfect condition it can demand $500-800. Although less scarce because it was issued by the major Donruss brand, its slick image and subject matter lift it above the sea of other comparable rookies from the same players that year.

Nolan Ryan, even in his age 42 season, anchored the set as one of its biggest stars. His skills were waning but popularity was still stratospheric as he embarked on what would become his record-setting seventh and final season with 300 strikeouts. His 1989 Topps Traded card showing him dealing is enormously sought-after in mint condition, where it can sell for $1,000-1,500 in auctions.

As a career achievement piece featuring baseball’s all-time strikeouts king, it holds immense appeal for both Ryan collectors and those completing a high-end vintage set. Lower grades in the $300-500 range are more commonly seen due to its scarcity in the most pristine surfaces available after three decades. The card’s iconography of Ryan glaring in on a batter as he fires a fastball further elevates its staying power.

Ripping cards in the 1980s and finding a rookie of Hall of Famer Barry Larkin was not as big a thrill compared to other debut issues like Ken Griffey Jr. Time has proven his excellence and his emergence as a star shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds led to his Topps Traded card appreciating tremendously. Graded Mint specimens have reached $700-1,000 with 7.5 or 8 condition copies still moving for $150-300. Arguably, it held value due to his contributions to a beloved Reds club and winning the 1995 NL MVP award.

Roberto Alomar was wrapping up his first full year in the league after debuting late in 1988. His offensive and defensive skills were already apparent with the San Diego Padres, making his rookie cards significant. Among the prominent issues, his 1989 Upper Deck stands out. Pristine copies in the 9-10 grade realm command $400-600 through the rarity of finding nearly flawless examples of a card printed during the company’s inaugural set. Lesser condition still carries weight at $100-200 given Alomar’s Gold Glove caliber second base work and career batting average of .300. He clearly had superstar traits evident as early as his initial campaign.

Ron Gant smashed 25 home runs and stole 30 bases for the Atlanta Braves in his breakout sophomore 1989 season at age 23. That dual threat performance is what made his Topps Traded and Tiffany cards so auspicious – they captured Gant in his sudden peak form before injuries hampered his future. Mint condition Topps Tradeds reach $750-1,000 in today’s market thanks to their novelty within the set. Even very nice copies in the 8-8.5 range still allure buyers enough to spend $250-350. Whereas a pristine Tiffany print as part of that parallel issue series demands over $1,000 due to the scarcity of the insert. Though short-lived, Gant’s 1989 success left an impact worthwhile over 25 years later.

1980s stars like Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, and Roger Clemens had some handsomely valued cards too from the fun and memorable 1989 season. The Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan, Barry Larkin, Roberto Alomar and Ron Gant standouts highlighted here proved to retain long-term relevance due to depicting either prime seasons, milestones, or rookie exposures of these players’ immense talents. Their pictures, conditions relative scarcity and significances to baseball attractively converged to consistently place them among the most valuable issues found in the expansive 1989 card set through today.

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS IN 1989 ARE WORTH MONEY

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The 1989 baseball card season was a transitional year in the hobby. The junk wax era of the late 1980s had saturated the market with mass-produced cards and driven down the value of common cards. Several high-profile rookies from this season would go on to have exceptional careers and their rookie cards are now highly sought after by collectors.

One of the most valuable 1989 cards is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was one of the most exciting young players to enter the league in decades and was poised for superstardom from the beginning. His upper deck rookie card is the most coveted and can sell for thousands of dollars in near-mint condition to gem mint. The standard Griffey rookie from Donruss and Fleer are also very valuable, ranging from several hundred to over $1000 depending on grade. Griffey would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie is a staple in virtually all vintage baseball card collections.

Another monster rookie from 1989 was Barry Larkin of the Cincinnati Reds. Larkin was a superb all-around shortstop who brought excitement and defense to the position. He collected over 1900 hits and won an MVP during his career. The Larkin rookie card available in packs that year was produced by Topps and Donruss. High grade versions can sell for $300-600. Like Griffey, Larkin had a long and productive career that helped his rookie card retain value over decades.

While Griffey and Larkin had the highest profile rookie cards, there were other young talents that year that hold significance for collectors. The Derek Jeter rookie from Topps is highly sought after for the longtime Yankee shortstop. Chad Mottola’s rookie reveals he was a can’t-miss prospect who didn’t pan out as expected. Tom Glavine rookie cards hint he would become a premier left-handed pitcher. And the Chipper Jones rookie reveals his potential as a switch hitting third baseman for the Atlanta Braves. Each of these players had Hall of Fame caliber careers and their rookie cards can still demand $100-300 depending on condition.

In terms of star veterans, the most valuable 1989 cards tend to revolve around all-time greats in pristine condition. A near-mint T206 Honus Wagner can sell for over $1 million. A gem mint NNOF Jackie Robinson from 1948 traded hands recently for $480,000. Even late-career legends from 1989 have retained value. A PSA 10 graded Ken Griffey Sr. card sold at auction for over $1000. A flawless Nolan Ryan sold for around $2000 given his statistical milestones that year. At the time, these veterans didn’t seem exceptionally rare, but years of appreciation and pop culture significance have boosted their prices.

Outside of the headliners, there are also 1989 cards that hold value due to unusual variations, limited print runs, or because they depict championship moments. The Frank Thomas Rookie Award Card is valued around $100-300 because it was inserted randomly instead of in packs. The NNOF 1989 Blockbuster Kirby Puckett is prized around $500 since it commemorated his World Series heroics. And the illusory Narron Chace Purple Refractor with an print run under 100 copies frequently auctions above $1000.

While much of the 1989 offerings were considered “junk wax” by later standards, savvy collectors understood even then that rookie cards of future legends like Griffey and Larkin would retain long term value. Coupled with the inherent scarcity of select parallels, inserts or stars in pristine condition, today the 1989 season offers vintage collectors plenty of intriguing options at various price points to invest in the origins of some all-time great careers. The combination of high-quality young talent with established veterans makes it one of the most balanced rookie classes in the modern era.

WHAT 1989 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH MONEY

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The 1989 Upper Deck baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the modern era of baseball cards. The Upper Deck company revolutionized the hobby when they debuted in 1989 by using higher quality cardboard stock and emphasizing photography over illustrations. This set contains some major rookie cards and young star cards that have increased tremendously in value over the past 30+ years. Here are some of the key 1989 Upper Deck cards that are worth significant money today:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card: Widely considered the most valuable card in the set, Griffey’s rookie is in extremely high demand from collectors. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples have sold for well over $100,000. Even lower graded copies in PSA 8 or BGS 9 condition can fetch thousands. Griffey went on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie is arguably the most iconic of the modern era.

Frank Thomas Rookie Card: Like Griffey, Frank Thomas’s rookie established him as a future star and HOFer. High-grade PSA 10 rookies have sold for tens of thousands. More affordable PSA 8 copies still sell for several thousand dollars. Thomas’s powerful career only adds to the value of this historic rookie card.

Randy Johnson Rookie Card: Although he didn’t debut until late in the 1989 season, Randy Johnson’s rookie established him as a dominant force. High-end PSA 10 examples have reached over $15,000. His Hall of Fame status and legendary career make this a very valuable card long-term.

Greg Maddux Rookie Card: As one of the best pitchers ever, Greg Maddux rookie cards hold great value, even though he was already an established star in 1989. High-grade PSA 10 Maddux rookies have reached five figures. More common PSA 8 copies still sell for thousands.

Barry Bonds Rookie Card: Despite criticisms of his personal life and performance enhancing drug use, Barry Bonds established himself as the greatest power hitter of all time. As such, his rookie card carries tremendous significance. High-end PSA 10 Bonds rookies have reached well over $10,000.

Mark McGwire Rookie Card: McGwire burst onto the scene in 1987 and became the face of the home run boom in the late 1990s. At the time, his upper-deck rookie established him as a rising superstar. PSA 10 examples have exceeded $5,000. Even lower graded versions maintain strong valuations due to his nostalgic appeal.

Ken Griffey Sr. Card: Griffey Sr. was already a well-known veteran by 1989, but this card became very popular and valuable once his son Ken Jr. established himself as a superstar. PSA 10 copies have reached $3,000-$5,000 due to rarity, condition, and association to Ken Griffey Jr.

Nolan Ryan Card: By 1989, Ryan was already a living legend but this serves as one of his final flagship cards as an active player. PSA 10 examples have exceeded $2,000. Any high-grade version holds value due to Ryan’s iconic career and status as perhaps the greatest power pitcher ever.

Rickey Henderson Card: By 1989, Henderson had already put together a Hall of Fame career. Clean PSA 10 versions of his ’89 UD card hold value near $1,000-$2,000 due to his massive base of collectors as perhaps the greatest leadoff hitter and base stealer ever.

Ozzie Smith Card: The Wizard was a massive fan favorite and his slick fielding made him one of the best shortstops in history. High-grade PSA 10 versions of his ’89 UD card have climbed near $1,000. Even lower graded copies still sell for $200+.

In addition to star rookie and veteran cards, there are also a handful of highly sought after autographed and memorabilia cards from the 1989 Upper Deck set that command exceptional prices. For example, any autographed versions of Ken Griffey Jr, Frank Thomas, or Barry Bonds rookies can sell for $5,000 on up depending on the signing and condition. There are also several scarce photo and bat cards that attract serious collectors. The 1989 UD set launched the modern baseball card boom and established crucial cards for so many all-time great players that today’s market rewards those investments tremendously. For collectors, locating high-grade versions of the top names from this iconic set can yield profits appreciated over decades in the collecting world.

The 1989 Upper Deck baseball card set revolutionized the hobby and featured rookie cards and images of legendary players that have enduring nostalgia and significance decades later. Keyscards like Ken Griffey Jr, Frank Thomas, Randy Johnson, Greg Maddux, Barry Bonds and others defined entire eras and careers – making their flagship cards from that year hugely influential and financially valuable in the secondary market today if preserved in pristine condition. The combination of elite talents, innovative design, and passage of time have secured this set as one of the most collectible and noteworthy in the modern era of sports cards.

WHAT ARE THE MOST VALUABLE 1989 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1989 baseball card season is considered one of the most iconic years for collectors. Several star players had legendary seasons and careers in 1989 that made their rookie cards highly sought after by collectors. The most valuable 1989 baseball cards are typically those of star players who went on to have Hall of Fame careers. Some of the top cards from the class of ’89 include:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card: Widely considered the crown jewel of 1989 cards, Griffey’s rookie is the undisputed most valuable from the set. Griffey went on to have a legendary 22-year career and be elected to the Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 2016. His sweet lefty swing and effortless athleticism made him a fan favorite. In pristine gem mint condition, his upper deck rookie card can fetch six figures. Even well-worn near mint copies trade hands for thousands.

Greg Maddux Rookie Card: Another obvious choice is Greg Maddux’s rookie from 1989 Donruss. Maddux had one of the best pitching careers in MLB history, winning 355 games with impeccable control and placement. He’s also a first-ballot Hall of Famer. High grade Maddux rookies can sell for over $10,000, showing his card’s strong pedigree despite more rookie cards printed compared to Griffey.

Barry Bonds Rookie Card: 1989 marked Barry Bonds’ true rookie season after playing sparingly in 1986 and 1987. Bonds went on to shatter the all-time home run record and win a record seven NL MVP awards. There’s debate over the validity of some of his later career stats, but his athletic talent and peak performance is undeniable. Top condition examples of his 1989 Upper Deck rookie have been known to sell for over $5,000 in auction.

Tom Glavine Rookie Card: Another decorated 300-game winner and Hall of Famer, Tom Glavine’s rookie is highly valuable from the famous 1989 Fleer set. Clean near mint or better copies can fetch $1,000-2,000 depending on exact condition and recent comps. Glavine’s smooth lefty style made him a model of consistency throughout his dominant career.

Bobby Thigpen Rookie Card: A bit of a deeper sleeper from ’89 compared to the other names, Bobby Thigpen had a monster season in 1990 that made him a household name. He set the then single-season record for saves with 57 playing for the Chicago White Sox. Higher grade versions of his 1989 Fleer Update rookie card have sold for $500-1,000 at times showing collectors’ interest in his breakout rookie season.

Those are usually considered the five most valuable baseball cards from 1989 in terms of longevity, career achievements, and sustained strong collector demand. Of course, other star rookies like Chipper Jones also hold value, but their vintage cardboard hasn’t appreciated quite to the level of Griffey, Maddux, Bonds, Glavine, and Thigpen over the decades. Condition is absolutely critical for high-end value with these elite ’89 rookies, many of which can bring five figures or more for pristine mint examples protected all these years in plastic.

1989 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET EBAY

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The 1989 Topps baseball card set was issued during an iconic year in baseball history. In 1989, Barry Bonds won the National League MVP award for the first time. Nolan Ryan threw his record sixth career no-hitter at age 42. And the World Series was won by the Oakland Athletics over the San Francisco Giants. From a collectible standpoint, the 1989 Topps set is highly sought after by collectors thanks to the talent featured and its connection to a memorable baseball season.

The 1989 Topps set contains 792 total cards comprising 760 base cards and 32 rookie/star cards. Some of the biggest star players featured in the set in their baseball primes include Roger Clemens, Rickey Henderson, Wade Boggs, Tom Glavine, Tony Gwynn, Greg Maddux, and Kirby Puckett. The rookie class was also very strong, headlined by Sandy Alomar Jr., Kenny Lofton, and Mo Vaughn. As such, obtaining a complete set with all cards in good condition can be quite challenging and valuable for enthusiasts.

Many collectors seek to acquire the 1989 Topps set in its entirety on auction websites like eBay. There, you can frequently find sellers offering various 1989 Topps card lots in the hope of finding a buyer for their complete collection. Factors like the condition, organization, and degree of completion all impact the projected auction values. A common threshold for a valuable 1989 Topps set on eBay is if it contains at least 95% of the base cards in Near Mint to Mint condition. Sets falling below that standard are usually broken apart and sold piecemeal.

When browsing completed auctions, you’ll see that pristine 1989 Topps sets in factory-sealed wax packs or boxes in “Gem Mint” condition often sell in the $1,000+ range or higher depending on demand. Loose but complete Near Mint/Mint sets usually go for $300-700. Incomplete but extensive Near Mint collections containing 700+ cards may end around $200. Well-organized sets kept in binder pages typically yield higher prices than loose piles due to their preservation. Less valuable are worn sets lacking 100+ cards or with several heavily played condition cards.

An important aspect to consider is the organization and presentation of cards within the eBay listing photos. Top-graded vendors will have the cards perfectly arranged in numerical order inside professional-grade holder pages protected by cardboard binders. This inspires much more confidence in the condition claims versus incomplete or disheveled lots. Prominent disclosure of any missing cards, duplicates, or condition issues upfront builds trusting for potential buyers.

Logistically, shipping a several-pound 1989 Topps baseball card collection safely calls for adequate packing materials to prevent damage or loss during transit. Reputable sellers take the time to wrap individual pages, box the binder(s), and add ample cushioning inside a sturdy shipping box. Insurance is also recommended given the significant monetary value that can be involved in a complete high-end set transaction.

The 1989 Topps baseball card set endures as a coveted collector’s item over 30 years later. For dedicated fans and investors, finding a pristine exemplar for sale on eBay offers the chance to obtain an authentic piece of sports card and baseball nostalgia from a truly memorable season in the game. Condition, organization, pricing accuracy, and safe delivery are chief factors when considering seven-figure 1989 Topps collection auctions online. With diligent searching, the right full set could emerge to enhance any vintage card collection.

1989 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS TCDB

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The 1989 Donruss baseball card set was released at the start of another memorable Major League Baseball season. Following Donruss’ successful re-entry into the baseball card market in 1985 after a decade away, the company established itself as a leader with creative designs and focused photography. Their 1989 offering would be no exception, capturing the stars and stories of an exciting time in baseball history.

The 1989 set encompasses 782 total cards and included all players from the American and National Leagues along with managers, coaches, and some top prospects. The design featured individual headshots of each player along with their team logo and uniform color in the background. Statistics from the previous season were included on the bottom along with the player’s height, weight, and batting handedness. What set Donruss apart from rivals like Topps was their vivid color palette and attention to detail in each photograph. Fans could really see the personalities and styles of their favorite athletes shine through in these memorable portraits.

Some of the biggest stars and brands in the game at the time like Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Kirby Puckett graced the covers of wax packs. Clemens had just finished his first 20-win season with the Red Sox while Boggs was coming off a .325 average and league MVP campaign for the World Champs. The Cardinals’ Smith continued establishing himself as the best defensive shortstop in history and Puckett was in his prime as the leader of those exciting Twins teams. These were faces that helped push the popularity of baseball to new heights.

Rookies and young stars on the rise like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, and Greg Maddux received valuable exposure in their first Donruss issues as well. Griffey’s rookie card in particular has become one of the most iconic and valuable in the hobby due to his legendary career. Bonds was in his early days with the Pirates and already showing signs of being a superstar while Maddux broke out with a dominant season for the Cubs. It’s fun to look back and see these future Hall of Famers so early in their careers.

The design also highlighted several key storylines from 1988. The Dodgers’ Kirk Gibson received top billing after his legendary home run in the World Series, still celebrating with teammates. The A’s dominant “Bash Brothers” duo of Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco posed together. Nolan Ryan, nearing the end of his career but still throwing heat for the Astros, was a must-have. Even bench players and role players received photos that captured meaningful moments to give collectors glimpses into an era.

In total, the 1989 Donruss set featured over 40 future Hall of Famers including Tom Glavine, Craig Biggio, Cal Ripken Jr., and more. Checklists, checklists variations, and oddball short prints added to the challenge of completion. While not quite as valuable in mint condition as some of the flagship sets from the time, these photos offer a special window into one of the classic times in baseball that’s fun to revisit whether for nostalgia or research purposes. The quality and care put into each card set Donruss above the competition and helped them earn their place alongside Topps as kings of the sport in the late 80s and early 90s boom.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1989 O-PEE-CHEE

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The 1989 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set was the last year that O-Pee-Chee produced cards before losing the license to produce cards in Canada. As such, the 1989 set holds nostalgia and significance for collectors of vintage cards from the late 1980s. Let’s take a deeper look at the set and provide a price guide for some of the top rookies and stars featured in the 1989 O-Pee-Chee set.

The 1989 O-Pee-Chee set consisted of 514 total cards and had the same design and photography as the flagship Topps set released in the United States that same year. Like most 1980s sets, the cards featured white borders around colorful team logo designs on the fronts. Player stats and brief bios were featured on the backs. Some of the biggest stars of the day like Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, and Ozzie Smith were highly featured in the set.

Rookies were also a big part of the 1989 O-Pee-Chee set. Future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr got his first card in the set as one of the top rookies. Other top rookies included Gary Sheffield, Gregg Olson, and Bobby Thigpen. The Griffey Jr. rookie has become one of the most iconic and valuable cards ever produced and in top gem mint condition can sell for over $10,000. In a PSA 10 grade, the Griffey Jr. rookie would easily bring in over $50,000.

In terms of other stars, the Roger Clemens card has maintained strong value over the years. In PSA 10 condition, the Clemens card has recently sold for $800-1,000. The Wade Boggs card, Ozzie Smith card, and Nolan Ryan card have also done well at the $100-300 price range in top condition. Young superstars like Barry Bonds have also seen their rookie cards from the 1989 set increase in value, with a PSA 10 recently selling for over $3,000.

Some other notable rookies and their current prices include (in PSA 10 condition):

Gary Sheffield rookie: $500-800
Gregg Olson rookie: $300-500
Bobby Thigpen rookie: $200-400
Tom Glavine rookie: $150-250
David Wells rookie: $100-200

In terms of the set as a whole, complete near-mint to mint sets in slabs have sold recently for $500-800. Loose near-complete sets have sold for $200-400 depending on the included stars. The 1989 O-Pee-Chee set is a nostalgic piece of cardboard history since it was the final year of production for O-Pee-Chee in Canada. While it doesn’t have quite the same cachet as flagship Topps sets from the same era, the inclusion of future Hall of Famers like Griffey Jr. and stars of the day like Clemens give it relevance and lasting value to collectors.

For investors, the Griffey Jr. rookie remains one of the best long-term holdings in the hobby. Other stars like Clemens, Boggs, and Smith can also be seen as safe bets. Meanwhile, overlooked rookie gems like Sheffield, Olson, and Thigpen that have appreciation potential if those players get closer looks from Hall of Fame voters. For Canadians and those looking for a piece of baseball card history beyond just Topps, the 1989 O-Pee-Chee set deserves consideration from both collectors and investors given its significance as the final year of the brand. Condition is critical, so be sure to focus on high graded examples to maximize returns down the road.

The 1989 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set provides an interesting historical snapshot of the late 1980s game. Anchored by stars, the set also introduced several future all-stars as rookies. While the Griffey Jr. rookie takes the spotlight, solid value can also be found across the set in high grades. For collectors and investors, the 1989 O-Pee-Chee cards represent both nostalgia and potential appreciation for those holding pieces of the final year of the iconic Canadian brand.