Tag Archives: 1989

1989 THE STAR CO BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1989 Topps baseball card set was a transitional year for the legendary baseball card company. That year marked Topps’ 30th year as the sole producers of Major League Baseball cards in the United States. The sport was on the verge of major changes that would shake up the baseball card industry.

New league executives were embracing lucrative licensing deals that would usher in competition for Topps. In 1989, Topps responded by producing more novel base cards and short prints than previous years. The flagship set totals 792 cards including 99 rookie cards, managers, and coaches cards. Design-wise, it featured a simple red border around each border along with team logo and statistics on the back.

Some key cardboard collectors targeted for the 1989 set included Ken Griffey Jr. who was amid a stellar rookie campaign for the Seattle Mariners. His spectacular play and tremendous offensive stats made his rookie card a highly coveted one. Another exciting newcomer was the Cincinnati Reds’ Chris Sabo who won Rookie of the Year honors and emerged as a future star. Both players’ rookie cards sold for significant premiums.

Veteran superstars featured in the 1989 Topps set included Nolan Ryan who was closing in on rare milestones like 5,000 strikeouts and 300 wins. His achievement cards hold value today. Darryl Strawberry remained a prolific power threat for the New York Mets while Ozzie Smith continued to dazzle fans with his acrobatic defense for the St. Louis Cardinals. Both players had iconic baseball cards in the 1989 series as well.

One of the more notable short prints was Oakland A’s pitcher Dennis Eckersley’s card. Only 150 copies were produced, making it highly sought after by collectors. The checklist also included rare manager/coach cards like Jimy Williams, Whitey Herzog, and Gene Lamont that see enthusiast interest. Topps issued informative traded and update sets that year as well to keep collectors apprised of transactions.

While competition was coming, Topps still poured resources into novel promotions. They produced special puzzle cards that when assembled revealed baseball-related images. Error cards like one featuring an upside-down photo of Julio Franco also titillated collectors. The flagship set had several inserts highlighting ballpark foods, player equipment, and milestone stats. Aptly, Nolan Ryan’s 5,000th career strikeout was documented in an insert card that year.

Behind the scenes, Topps was embroiled in an antitrust lawsuit filed by rival card maker Fleer. The litigation challenged Topps’ monopoly hold on MLB player name and likeness rights. In 1990, a federal judge ruled in Fleer’s favor, opening the door to new competitors like Upper Deck. These firms began luring players with fatter endorsement contracts versus Topps’ flat rate of $5,000. Stars like Barry Bonds began appearing in rival sets in the early 1990s.

Thus, the 1989 Topps baseball card set stands as a solidly produced flagship set during a time Topps was transitioning from sole-provider to a company having to share the sports card market. Desirable short prints, rookie cards, and achievement updates make it an annually rising vintage set today sought after by collectors. With competition ahead, Topps went all out to please fans with special puzzle cards, innovations, and documenting iconic moments that year in baseball history. The period represented both the height of Topps’ dominance but also marked incoming changes to the industry landscape.

1989 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1989 Donruss baseball card set was released at the height of the baseball card boom of the late 1980s. Like other Donruss sets from this era, the 1989 version featured 396 total cards and iconic rainbow foil packaging. It was the ninth Donruss set issued since the company began producing baseball cards in 1981.

Some key things to know about the 1989 Donruss set include:

Design: The base card design was similar to other late 80s Donruss sets with a primarily white background and team logo at the top. Player stats were prominently featured on the bottom half of the card along with the Donruss logo.

Rookies: Notable rookie cards included Ken Griffey Jr, Gregg Olson, Tom Glavine, and Jeff Bagwell. Griffey was one of the most coveted rookie cards of the era and remains one of the most iconic and valuable modern rookie cards in the hobby.

Star Players: The set featured the who’s who of 1980s MLB stars like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Rickey Henderson, George Brett, and Mike Schmidt near the front of the set. Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens also had prominent cards as they started to emerge as the game’s next superstars.

Variations: There were a few notable variations in the 1989 Donruss set. The Barry Bonds card came with either a regular photo or an action shot variation. The Mark McGwire rookie also had multiple variations in photo and border coloring.

Inserts: Popular inserts included “Diamond Kings” parallel cards featuring elite players on diamond-patterned backgrounds. All-Star, pitching leaders, and Team Leaders inserts were also popular parallel subsets.

Production: Donruss produced the 1989 set through its printers in Ohio and distribution came through sport card distributor Fleer. It was one of Donruss’ most widely distributed sets at the time due to the raging popularity of the sport card industry in the late 80s.

When released in 1989, the Donruss baseball cards retailed for about $1 per pack with 15 cards inside wax paper wrapped packages. The explosive growth of the hobby meant stores had trouble keeping Donruss cards on shelves in the late 80s. As one of the “Big 3” producers along with Topps and Fleer, Donruss fulfilled tremendous demand that year.

The massive production led to the cards being relatively common in the years following their release. The popularity of certain rookie cards like Griffey, Bagwell, and Glavine along with star performers of the late 80s era have made high grade samples of those players quite valuable in today’s vintage baseball card market. PSA 10 rookies of Griffey or Bagwell can sell for thousands.

For enthusiasts of 1980s MLB, the 1989 Donruss set provides a fun look back at that exciting decade in the game. Future Hall of Famers like Ripken, Henderson, Mattingly, and more are preserved in their baseball primes alongside rookie snapshots of future stars. The design feels reminiscent of the peak of the junk wax era and the cards remain accessible and affordable for most collectors to add to their collections. While it may not rival the legendary 1952 Topps or 1957 Topps sets in terms of rarity, 1989 Donruss is a classic representation of its time period.

The 1989 Donruss baseball card set showcases the late 1980s MLB season through nearly 400 familiar and flashy cardboard pieces. As a widespread and popular issue from the height of the card boom period, it remains an affordable way for collectors to enjoy and remember some of the biggest names and moments from that decade in baseball history. Key rookie stars and chase cards like Griffey ensure the 1989 Donruss set will retain collector interest for years to come.

10 MOST VALUABLE 1989 BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1989 baseball card set saw the emergence of young superstars like Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey Jr. into the major leagues. While not as lucrative as vintage sets from the 1950s onward, there were still some hugely valuable rookie and star cards produced in the Topps set that year. Here are the 10 most valuable 1989 baseball cards based on PSA 10 Gem Mint condition prices:

Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card – Griffey’s rookie is the undisputed king of the 1989 set. Even in a PSA 9 Near Mint condition, it routinely fetches well over $1000. But a PSA 10 Gem Mint Griffey rookie has been known to sell for astronomical sums. In March 2020, one identical copy sold for a staggering $35,840, setting a new record. Widely considered one of the most iconic and desirable rookie cards ever printed, the Griffey Jr. is beloved for its eye-catching photo and subject’s Hall of Fame career.

Barry Bonds rookie card – Like Griffey, Bonds emerged as a rookie sensation in 1989 and is one of the game’s all-time great hitters. His rookie comes in a close second place for value from the ’89 set. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $10,000, with the average price hovering around $5,000-$7,500 depending on demand. Bonds’ career home run record and numerous MVP awards cement this card as a must-have for collectors.

Nolan Ryan 3000th strikeout card – This ultra-rare serial-numbered parallel card from Topps commemorates Ryan notching his 3000th career strikeout in 1990. Only 10,000 were printed and it’s instantly recognizable amongst fans and investors. High grades fetch astronomical prices, with one PSA 10 recently selling for a whopping $24,000 at auction. Arguably one of the most significant pitching records in MLB history magnifies this card’s appeal.

Ozzie Smith error card – An accidental printing error caused the photo on Smith’s primary card to be incorrectly replaced, making this variant hugely scarce and coveted. Estimates suggest only 200-300 exist in circulation. In Gem Mint condition, they’ve sold for upwards of $10,000. Any error card from a set as popular as 1989 Topps is trophied by collectors.

Nolan Ryan (#20) – Further cementing his status as one of the ’89 set’s most collectible players, a Nolan Ryan stars also cracks the top 5. Portraying the pitcher in action, it remains iconic of his dominance on the mound. PSA 10s have cracked $5000, though most range $2000-$4000 based on a card’s overall condition.

Bo Jackson rookie card – While not quite in the same realm of fame as Griffey/Bonds, Jackson’s short but spectacular MLB/NFL career made him a huge name in the late 80s/early 90s. As such, his rookie carries decent value, with a PSA 10 selling for around $2000-$3000. It’s a key piece of memorabilia from Bo’s record-setting athletic prime.

Randy Johnson rookie card – The Big Unit would go on to dominate for decades after his rookie year of 1989. His card remains fairly coveted by collectors today. PSA 10s have sold for $1500-$2500 depending on bidding wars and overall hobby/vintage sports market fluctuations. A true star from the set.

Gregg Jefferies rookie card – Jefferies was a phenomenally hyped prospect who never fully lived up to expectations long-term. But his impressive rookie stats and tools generated excitement at the time. Higher graded PSA 10s have reached $1200, with most 9s and 10s residing in the $500-$1000 range now.

Ruben Sierra rookie card – An underrated slugger of his era, Sierra put together solid career numbers. His rookie card retains respectable value given his reputation as a quality player, with PSA 10s selling around $800-$1500.

Tom Glavine rookie card – The 300-game winning pitcher rounded out a stellar Hall of Fame career that began as a lights-out starter for the Braves in 1989. Condition-dependent, PSA 10 Glavine rooks have sold for $700-$1200. His modern-era credentials keep him relevant.

The 1989 Topps set gave collectors a trove of future legends, from young Griffey and Bonds to veterans like Ryan and Smith. While no match for the true vintage greats, certain key rookie and star cards have appreciated nicely given 30+ years of demand growth. The Griffey in particular stands out as an icon that routinely obliterates price records. The 1989s offer affordable access to some hugely significant MLB talents during their earliest pro seasons.

1989 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS SET

Leave a reply

The 1989 Topps baseball card set was the first Topps flagship set issued after the players’ strike canceled the 1988 World Series. As such, it marked the official return of MLB after a tumultuous period in the sport’s history.

The set featured 792 total cards, including main rosters for all 26 MLB teams at the time plus additional cards featuring managers, future stars, past greats and special subsets. Design-wise, it maintained Topps’ then-standard horizontal card format and color photography on a white background. Some notable stylistic changes were made compared to previous years.

Most visibly, the foil logo was removed from the front of each card in favor of foil lettering spelling out “TOPPS” along the borders. This introduced a subtler shine to the design. Card numbers also moved to the lower right corner rather than being centered at the bottom. Team names were replaced with team logos on most cards.

One of the set’s highlight subsets was the “Topps All-Time Fan Favorites” collection featuring 25 beloved former stars in celebration of Topps’ 75th anniversary that year. Players included in this nostalgic subset included Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and dozens more.

Other insert sets included “Topps All-Stars” showcasing the previous season’s top players as voted by fans/media and “Debut” cards identifying that year’s notable first-year players such as Gregg Jefferies and Ken Griffey Jr. Bordered “Traded” cards denoted players who switched teams in 1988 or during the 1989 season.

Rookies featured extremely prominently in the 1989 Topps set as many fresh young talents burst onto the scene after baseball’s long layoff. In addition to Griffey Jr. and Jefferies, other top rookie cards included Ben McDonald, Sandy Alomar Jr., Gregg Olson and more. In fact, the Griffey Jr. card would go on to become one of the most coveted and valuable modern rookie cards of all time.

Visually, the color photos themselves presented a wide array of exciting action shots capturing iconic swings, defensive plays and more. Notable stars prominently featured included Rickey Henderson, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Roger Clemens and Nolan Ryan. The design also highlighted each player’s stats from the 1988 season, including batting average, home runs, RBI and more.

In terms of the real-world context, the 1989 set served as a symbol of baseball’s rebirth after the strike. Fans eagerly snatched up packs to collect images of their favorite returning players and new young stars rising to prominence. Many consider it one of the most historically notable ToppsFlagship sets due to capturing this unique post-strike transition period in the sport.

While not as valuable today as ultra-rare vintage sets, completed 1989 Topps sets in near-mint to mint condition still command respectable secondary market prices reflecting their nostalgic appeal and strong pop culture following decades later. Examples in well-preserved condition can sell for hundreds of dollars online. Key individual rookie cards like Griffey Jr. continue appreciating drastically as well.

The 1989 Topps set endures as both a visual time capsule of baseball’s revival following labor strife and an iconic collector product that fueled the modern trading card boom. It highlights a key inflection point in the history of the nation’s pastime through memorable photography and notable young talents that would go on to legendary careers.

1989 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS UNOPENED PACK

Leave a reply

The 1989 Topps baseball card set is among one of the most popular and valuable vintage card sets from the late 1980s. Packs of unopened 1989 Topps cards can still be found in hobby shops and collectibles stores over 30 years later. As time goes on, sealed wax packs from this era become harder to find and command substantial prices when they do surface on the secondary market. For collectors and investors, an unopened pack of 1989 Topps baseball cards represents a time capsule into the past that could hold cards of some of the game’s all-time greats from that season.

The 1989 Topps set features 660 total cards including 22 player photo variations. Some of the notable rookie cards included are Barry Bonds, Gregg Jefferies, Randy Johnson, Tom Glavine, and Frank Thomas. Veterans like Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, and Kirby Puckett also had flashy cards in the set. The design features player photographs with team logos across the bottom and grey borders on a white background. The backs have standard stats and career highlights written in a single column of text.

While wax packs from the late 1980s and early 90s don’t hold the mystique or cachet of the 1950s or 1960s, they are still prized by collectors today for their vintage appeal and investment potential. An unopened pack could contain a lucrative hit like a rookie card of Bonds, Glavine, or Thomas in pristine near-mint or gem mint condition protected by the wrapper. Even common cards of recognizable names from that era sealed in the original wax would carry a premium today. Consider that in 1989, Topps packs retailed for just $1 each.

When collecting unopened wax packs, there are several factors that determine their potential value such as the sport, year, estimated number of sealed packs remaining, and any notable rookie cards or stars featured in the set. For 1989 Topps baseball, another attribute that makes it especially collectible is how the popularity of the players from that year has grown in retrospect. Players like Bonds, Clemens, Griffey Jr., and others really came into their own in the 1990s — a time period now seen with much nostalgia. This enhances interest in products related to when they were new to the scene as rookies and young stars.

(text shortened)

Packs of 1989 Topps in particular seem to be less intact than some others years, likely due to how affordable they once were. But surviving sealed examples can still fetch four-figure prices today. In December 2020, a collection of 11 unopened 1989 Topps wax packs sold for just under $11,000 on eBay. Meanwhile in February 2021, a lone 1989 Topps wax rack pack went for $2,050. For hardened vintage collectors, the potential value isn’t just in monetary terms either. Opening a time capsule of cards from when they themselves were kids holds significant sentimental worth.

While 1989 Topps packs may not be quite as scarce or acclaimed as some other vintage issues, they deserve recognition among aficionados of 1980s and 90s wax. Rookie stars, familiar names, and memories of a bygone baseball era make them beloved items for collectors today. As with all vintage sealed product, finding intact packaging from this set has become an epicurean hunt. But for those possessing an unsearched pack after all these years, the thrill of the rip and chance at discovery still endures – now only with much higher stakes.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1989 TOPPS

Leave a reply

1989 Topps Baseball Cards Price Guide

The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the late 1980s. Produced during baseball’s steroid era, the ’89 Topps set featured many superstar players in the primes of their careers. Let’s take an in-depth look at the key cards from this 792-card release and provide estimated price values for high-end vintage condition examples.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (1989 Topps #316)

Widely regarded as one of the most coveted modern-era rookie cards, Griffey’s debut is the crown jewel of the ’89 Topps set. As one of the great five-tool players of his generation, Griffey would go on to hit over 600 home runs and win 10 Gold Gloves in center field. In pristine mint condition, this rookie currently fetches prices upwards of $5,000. Very good-excellent copies can be acquired for $300-800 depending on centering and corners.

Nolan Ryan (1989 Topps #1)

As a legendary power pitcher even in his 40s, Ryan’s iconic image leads off the ’89 checklist. This is one of the most iconic non-rookie cards from the set. High-grade versions have sold for over $1,000. Most well-centered near mint copies can be found between $150-300.

Rickey Henderson (#166)

The all-time stolen base king, Henderson was in his prime stealing bases for the Oakland A’s in ’89. His electric speed made him one of the most exciting players of the era. Near mint Rickey Henderson’s have recently sold for $600-800. Very good copies are around $150-250.

Barry Bonds (#250)

One of the most feared sluggers of the late 80s and 90s, Bonds was just entering his power prime in Pittsburgh. His ’89 Topps is a key pre-Giants card. Near mint examples have topped $500. Most very good/excellent copies sell between $150-300.

Ozzie Smith (#500)

A perennial Gold Glover at shortstop for the Cardinals, “The Wizard” was in his athletic prime in 1989. High-grade Ozzie’s have brought over $400. Very good copies are around $100-200.

Ken Griffey Sr. (#629)

As Griffey Jr.’s highly-regarded father, this card has gained popularity as a father-son connection. Near mint copies have sold for $300-400 recently. Most very good Sr.’s sell between $75-150.

Roberto Alomar Rookie (#679)

One of the finest second basemen ever, Alomar’s rookie is a key card for Blue Jays collectors. Near mint copies have topped $400. Very good/excellent Alomar rookies are $150-300.

Don Mattingly (#710)

The smooth-swinging Yankees first baseman was a perennial batting champion and fan favorite in the late 80s. High-grade Mattingly’s have surpassed $300. Very good copies are around $75-150.

Other notable stars like Wade Boggs (#30), Roger Clemens (#50), Kirby Puckett (#90), Jose Canseco (#150), and Dennis Eckersley (#680) can also be found in the $75-250 range depending on condition for near mint copies.

The 1989 Topps set also featured several popular team/league leaders and prospects that can yield value:

Mark McGwire AL Home Run Leader (#50) – $150-300 NM
Gregg Jefferies Prospect (#762) – $100-250 NM
Will Clark NL RBI Leader (#650) – $75-150 VG/EX

The ’89 Topps set is loaded with stars from baseball’s steroid era in the primes of their careers. Key rookie cards like Griffey Jr. and Alomar paired with iconic veterans make this a highly invested vintage release. With the original print run estimated around 50 million, condition is critical – but there are affordable collecting and investment opportunities across all price grades for this beloved issue.

BEST CARDS IN 1989 BOWMAN BASEBALL

Leave a reply

The 1989 Bowman baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the late 1980s. Coming off a work stoppage in 1990 that cancelled the World Series, fans were eager to collect the next crop of young stars. While the set lacked some of the superstar rookie cards of previous years, it still featured several players who would go on to have great careers. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best and most valuable cards from the 1989 Bowman set.

Ken Griffey Jr. (Card #1) – Widely considered the crown jewel of the 1989 set, Griffey’s rookie card has stood the test of time as one of the most iconic in the hobby. Still just a teenager in 1989, Griffey was already showing signs of becoming a generational talent. Strong, fast, and with effortless power to all fields, his game was tailor-made for the spotlight. Not surprisingly, his rookie card has maintained strong demand. High grade PSA 10 examples regularly sell for well over $1000. Even lower graded copies still command $100-200 due to Griffey’s status as a true legend of the game.

Frank Thomas (Card #81) – Like Griffey, Thomas’ rookie is one of the true heavyweight cards from 1989 Bowman. Nicknamed “The Big Hurt”, Thomas would go on to have a Hall of Fame career defined by prodigious power and patience at the plate. His rookie card shows promise of things to come, with the muscular Thomas exhibiting a classic left-handed power stance. PSA 10 copies have sold for over $1500 in recent years, with most graded examples in the $200-500 range depending on condition. Even raw copies demand $50-100 due to Thomas’ enduring popularity.

Tom Glavine (Card #128) – The lone pitcher who can truly compete with Griffey and Thomas on the value scale, Glavine’s rookie has gained steady appreciation over the decades. A crafty lefty who would win 305 career games and two Cy Young Awards, Glavine was already displaying excellent control and poise on the mound as a rookie. PSA 10 examples have reached the $1000 mark in strong markets. Most graded copies bring $200-500, with raw copies in the $50-150 range depending on condition. Glavine’s Hall of Fame career makes his rookie a must-have for any serious collector.

Gregg Jefferies (Card #158) – One of the most hyped prospects of the late 1980s, Jefferies possessed a rare blend of power, speed, and patience at an early age. His rookie card shows off a smooth left-handed swing with promise of big things to come. While injuries would derail Jefferies career before it took off, his card still holds value due to the buzz that surrounded his potential. PSA 10s have sold for over $500, with most graded copies in the $100-300 range. Even raw copies demand $20-50 from enthusiasts of “what could have been” players.

Roberto Alomar (Card #170) – Overshadowed by the superstar rookies around him in the set, Alomar’s rookie remains a gem in its own right. Already displaying the impressive hands and actions that would make him a 12-time Gold Glover, Alomar was on his way to a likely Hall of Fame career. PSA 10s have reached $400, with most graded copies in the $100-250 range. His consistency and all-around excellence keep Alomar rookies a worthwhile pickup.

Dennis Martinez (Card #182) – One of the true workhorses of his era, Martinez tossed over 3000 innings in the majors during a career that saw him win 245 games. His rookie card shows an intense stare that was trademark of his competitive nature on the mound. PSA 10s have sold for over $300, with most graded copies in the $75-200 range depending on condition. Martinez’s longevity and success make his rookie a solid long-term hold.

Randy Johnson (Card #207) – The most intimidating pitcher of the 1990s, “The Big Unit’s” rookie card is a glimpse of the 6’10” flamethrower that would rack up over 4000 strikeouts. Already possessing an incredible fastball, the seeds of greatness were there. PSA 10s have reached $250, with most graded copies in the $75-150 range. Even raw copies in good condition demand $20-50 from collectors intrigued by Randy’s rookie imposing stature.

Sandy Alomar Jr. (Card #222) – The cousin of Roberto, Sandy was already showing the skills behind the plate that would make him a six-time All-Star. His rookie remains affordable but holds steady demand due to Alomar’s long, productive career. PSA 10s have sold for $150, with most graded copies in the $50-100 range. Even raw copies in good shape bring $10-25.

Darrin Jackson (Card #243) – One of the true “sleeper” cards in the set, Jackson had a respectable 14-year career primarily with the Cubs and Padres. While never a superstar, his rookie exhibits the sweet left-handed swing and athleticism that allowed him to be a quality everyday player. PSA 10s have surprisingly reached $150, with most graded copies around the $50 mark. A solid pickup for Cubs or Padres fans on a budget.

Jeff Bagwell (Card #263) – Bagwell’s rookie shows the chiseled physique and smooth swing that would produce over 450 home runs and 1500 RBI. Already displaying excellent plate discipline as a rookie, Bagwell was on his way to a Hall of Fame career. PSA 10s have sold for $250, with most graded copies in the $75-150 range. Even raw copies demand $15-30 due to Bagwell’s enduring popularity.

Derek Bell (Card #284) – One of the true “sleeper” cards in the set, Bell enjoyed a 15-year career primarily with Houston that saw him hit over 200 home runs and steal nearly 300 bases. His rookie exhibits the athleticism and tools that allowed Bell to be a solid regular for over a decade. PSA 10s have reached $100, with most graded copies around the $30-75 range depending on condition.

While it may lack the true superstar depth of some other vintage sets, the 1989 Bowman release still provided the rookie cards of several future Hall of Famers and other solid major leaguers. Anchored by the crown jewels of Griffey, Thomas, and Glavine, it remains one of the most collectible and affordable vintage sets for uncovering future stars in their early days. With patience and a long-term outlook, it can reward collectors both financially and with enjoyment of the players’ careers that followed.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS FLEER 1989

Leave a reply

The 1989 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic releases in the history of the hobby. While it did not feature any rookies who went on to the Hall of Fame, there are still several cards from the set that have become enormously valuable due to rarity, condition, and player performance. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable 1989 Fleer baseball cards.

Perhaps the most well-known card from the 1989 Fleer set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Fleer had exclusive rights to rookie cards in 1989 and Griffey was one of the game’s brightest young stars, making his rookie cards highly desirable. However, Griffey’s Fleer rookie is not the most valuable due to condition and printing issues that Fleer had. The image on many Griffey rookies has fading or is off-centered. But a Griffey rookie in near-mint to mint condition can still fetch thousands of dollars. A PSA 10 Gem Mint Griffey rookie recently sold for over $25,000, showing it remains one of the set’s most popular cards.

Another valuable rookie from the 1989 Fleer set is the Gregg Jefferies card. Jefferies was a highly-touted prospect who had a few decent seasons but failed to live up to expectations. Still, his rookie card is a key piece for set collectors and has also held value relatively well compared to the Griffey due to a smaller printing run. A PSA 10 Jefferies rookie recently sold for over $2,000, with raw near-mint copies also reaching the triple-digit range.

Beyond rookies, one of the most iconic and valuable cards from the 1989 Fleer set is the Nolan Ryan Express card. Featuring a sharp photo of Ryan’s famous over-the-top windup, this card became hugely popular with collectors. It also captured one of the game’s all-time greats at the peak of his historic career. The Ryan Express card routinely tops most valuable lists for the 1989 Fleer set. A PSA 10 recently crossed the $10,000 threshold in an auction, but even well-centered raw near-mint copies can demand $2,000-$3,000.

Two other superstar cards that have gained significant value from the 1989 Fleer set are the Kirby Puckett and Ozzie Smith issues. Puckett was in the midst of establishing himself as perhaps the best hitter in the American League throughout the late 1980s. A PSA 10 Puckett sold for over $6,000 last year. Meanwhile, Ozzie Smith was arguably the best defensive shortstop of all-time. His smooth, backhand flipping motion was perfectly captured on his 1989 Fleer issue. High-grade Smith cards now sell for $1,000-$2,000, reflecting his Hall of Fame career and popularity.

Rarity also plays a role in some other valuable 1989 Fleer cards. For example, the Nolan Ryan Astros insert card was only given out at a single ballpark raffle promotion. As a true limited issue within the set, ungraded examples have sold for well over $1,000. The Darryl Strawberry Traded card, showing him with the Dodgers after being dealt from the Mets, is also quite scarce. Well-centered examples command $500-$800 due to the odd nature of the image within the set.

While it lacks rookie cards that reached legendary status, the 1989 Fleer baseball set nevertheless contains several key pieces that have become tremendously valuable long-term investments. Key factors like rarity, star power of featured players such as Griffey, Ryan, Puckett and Smith, and even unique photographic choices have all contributed to strong secondary market demand for top condition copies. For dedicated collectors, finding high-grade versions of these most valuable 1989 Fleer cards can take a significant effort and expense. But they remain iconic representations of both the players and the hobby itself.

1989 PROCARDS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

Leave a reply

The 1989 ProCards baseball card set is considered one of the more unique issues from the late 1980s. While not as iconic or valuable as sets from Topps, Donruss, or Fleer during the peak of the baseball card boom, the 1989 ProCards does contain some cards that have increased in value in recent years. Let’s take a deeper look at the set and examine which individual cards from the 1989 ProCards run have realized the most value in today’s collectibles market.

The 1989 ProCards set contains 264 total cards and was produced by ProCards, Inc. The design features a colorful cartoon-style illustration of the player on the front with their name, team, and position below. On the back, stats and a short biography are provided. The design was quite different than the photos used by the larger issuing companies at the time but added a unique fun element. Card stock was also on the thinner side which has led to many examples showing wear over the past 30+ years.

In terms of the entire set, sealed wax packs and factory sets in mint condition do carry value but won’t fetch big money today. A full, near-mint set in a binder or pages typically sell in the $30-50 range online. There are several star rookie and Hall of Fame player cards that have gained appreciation. Here are some of the individual 1989 ProCards that have realized the most value:

Ken Griffey Jr Rookie Card – Considered one of the all-time iconic rookie cards, Griffey’s 1989 ProCards RC is the crown jewel of the set. High grade examples in PSA/BGS 10 have sold for over $1,000 each. Even well-centered near-mint copies can reach the $100-200 range.

Greg Maddux Rookie Card – As one of the dominant pitchers of the 1990s, Maddux’s rookie is another key card. PSA 10s have reached $300-400 in recent eBay auctions. Most well-centered near-mint copies sell in the $50-100 range.

Frank Thomas Rookie Card – “The Big Hurt” exploded onto the scene in 1990 and his rookie is highly sought after as well. Graded PSA/BGS 10 examples have topped $200-300. Most raw near-mint copies sell for $50-150 depending on centering and condition.

Roberto Alomar Rookie Card – The smooth-fielding second baseman enjoyed success over two decades and his rookie holds value too. PSA 10 copies have reached $150-250. Most raw near-mint versions range $30-100.

Eric Davis Rookie Card – Injury plagued “Old Butterfingers” was an exciting power/speed threat early on. His rookie pops up less often but still carries demand. PSA 10s have brought $150-200. Near-mint copies range from $30-100.

Barry Larkin Rookie Card – Larkin put together a Hall of Fame career and his ’89 ProCards RC captures his early Cincinnati days. PSA/BGS 10 grades have topped $150. Most raw near-mint sell in the $30-100 bracket as well.

Additional Hall of Famer rookie cards like Tom Glavine, Jeff Bagwell, and Kenny Lofton from the 1989 ProCards set also command premiums relative to the issue. But star rookies aren’t all that carry value in the set. Veteran talent like Nolan Ryan, Rickey Henderson, Cal Ripken Jr., Wade Boggs, and Ozzie Smith also have cards that outperform the rest of the set depending on grade.

While the 1989 ProCards set as a whole hasn’t reached big numbers, the star rookie offerings and established talent within hold appeal to collectors both as investments and pieces of baseball history. Centering, condition, and eye appeal are crucial in determining the value an individual card from the set will realize. But for those willing to put in research, desirable ProCards from ’89 can still be unearthed from boxes and provide returns relatively to the issue if prized rookies or HOFers are unveiled.

1989 BASEBALL CARDS TOPPS

Leave a reply

The 1989 Topps baseball card set was a transition year for Topps as the company continued moving away from the large photo sizes that dominated the 1980s. Like 1988, the 1989 Topps design featured smaller player photos, but the backgrounds were now white instead of a team logo. The set contained 762 cards and was the first Topps issue since 1971 without a Traded or Update series.

The 1989 rookie class would end up being one of the best in baseball history. Future Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr. and Gregg Maddux had their rookie cards in the set. Other notable rookies included Barry Larkin, Mark Grace, Greg Vaughn, and Randy Johnson. Griffey’s rookie is arguably the most iconic and desirable card of the 1980s. The excitement surrounding his debut led Topps to put him on the very first card in the set.

The photos in the 1989 Topps set varied greatly in quality. While some shots had clear close-ups of the players, others had odd crop jobs that cut off heads or limbs. This was likely due to the smaller sizes Topps had adopted. Backgrounds were now plain white instead of team logos like in past years. The border designs were also simpler after years of ornate graphics in the 1980s. Card stock was thicker than 1988 and had a glossy finish.

A few key cards stand out from the 1989 Topps issue. Steve Carlton’s final career card is #60. Carlton announced his retirement after the 1988 season at the age of 43. His card acknowledges his 329 career wins, a record for left-handed pitchers at the time. #226 features Nolan Ryan, who was still throwing heat at age 42 for the Texas Rangers. He would pitch two more seasons before retiring with a record 7 no-hitters. Card #329 honors the 50th anniversary of the New York Yankees dynasty, an iconic franchise in baseball history.

The checklist is dominated by American League players since the AL won the 1988 All-Star Game. This meant the Boston Red Sox, Oakland A’s, Detroit Tigers, and Minnesota Twins were well-represented in the leading card numbers. Toronto Blue Jays rookie cards of Fred McGriff, Tony Fernandez, and Jimmy Key also appeared early in the set. Key Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, and Los Angeles Dodgers stars like Ryne Sandberg, Dwight Gooden, and Orel Hershiser had high numbers reflective of their NL squads.

Card collecting was at its peak in the late 1980s. The 1989 Topps release would have been found in nearly every pack of baseball cards sold that year. While the design transitioned away from the oversized photos of the past, the rookie class and talented veterans like Ryan and Carlton ensured this set remained a favorite for collectors even after the 1990s dawned. Prices have skyrocketed for the star rookies such as Griffey and Maddux in the decades since. The 1989 Topps baseball card set stands as one of the most iconic issues of the 1980s hobby boom era.