Tag Archives: 1989

1989 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS VALUES

Leave a reply

The 1989 Score baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the late 1980s. With 762 total cards featuring every MLB player as well as managers, umpires, and team checklists, collectors from the era grew up with these cardboard treasures and they remain beloved by many today. While the average card from the ’89 Score set holds relatively little monetary worth, there are certainly stand-out rookie cards and stars of the day that can still command high prices when in pristine condition over 30 years later.

One of the rookie gems from the 1989 offerings is Griffey Jr. RC #383. As one of the most hyped prospects ever who went on to have a Hall of Fame career, Ken Griffey Jr’s rookie remains among the crown jewels for collectors. Near mint to mint copies often sell for $150-300 in modern auctions while a true gem mint PSA 10 can go for upwards of $3,000 given Griffey’s legendary status. Another powerful rookie to watch out for is #431 Frank Thomas, known as the “Big Hurt.” With his back-to-back MVP seasons in the 90s, Thomas established himself as one of the best hitters of his generation and his ’89 rookie card typically sells in the $50-100 range for good copies.

Staying on the offensive side, sluggers like #148 Freddie McGriff, #246 Kirby Puckett, and #149 Mark McGwire all have rookie cards from the 1989 Score set that are highly sought after. McGriff’s is likely the most affordable at $15-30 while Puckett and McGwire tend to fetch $50-150 depending on condition with the latter seeing more demand due to the steroid era notoriety. Power pitchers also shine bright, as #352 Tom Glavine, #379 Gregg Olson, #5 John Smoltz, and #35 Randy Johnson all have valuable rookies from this set priced $20-100 on average. Conversely, stars who were already established hold the most monetary worth.

Two of the most expensive regular issues from 1989 Score are #49 Ozzie Smith at $75-150 and #50 Wade Boggs at $100-200 in top grades. As defensive wizards and career .300 hitters who racked up accolades, these all-time greats remain fan favorites. Home run king #218 Barry Bonds also retains value in the $50-150 range depending on condition. For a truly elite gem, the ultra-rare #1 Ken Griffey Sr. checklist card printed on golden retro stock can sell for over $1,000 in pristine condition! Such premium parallel issues are also seen with the umpires, managers, and international subset focusing on Japanese stars like #759 Hideo Nomo.

Beyond rookies and stars, error cards and oddball parallel variations add tremendous rarity and pricing popcorn. The infamous #117 Nolan Ryan Printing Plate is legendary for being accidentally issued on gold film stock rather than the standard grey. Estimated to exist in fewer than 10 copies, this behemoth has sold at auction for upwards of $50,000. Another scarce anomaly is #573 Lenny Dykstra featuring an upside-down photograph, which has brought $3,000+ in Gem Mint.

While most 1989 Score baseball cards hold little monetary value today, the standouts from talent like Griffey Jr, Thomas, McGwire, Bonds, and more provide compelling collecting and investment opportunities for both nostalgic fans and card shows alike. With so many rookies and future Hall of Famers captured, this iconic release remains a pivotal part of hobby history. Condition is critical, so high grades significantly impact pricing on the set’s biggest keys from this impressive 762-card checklist full of stars and memories from baseball’s golden age.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1989 SET

Leave a reply

The 1989 Topps baseball card set was the 58th annual release from Topps and featured photos and profiles of major league players from the 1988 MLB season. Some key things to know about the iconic 1989 Topps set include:

SET DETAILS

The 1989 Topps set included 714 total cards which covered all 26 MLB teams at the time. The cards featured photos taken mostly during the 1988 season.

The design of the 1989 cards featured a gold trimmed photo and player name along the top with stats and career highlights on the bottom half in gray and white. Topps’ logo was on the left side.

The cards were sold in wax packs with 11 cards per pack and 72 packs per wax box. Some high-number cards over 700 were only available through factory sets.

ROOKIE CARDS AND STARS

Perhaps the most notable rookie cards in the 1989 Topps set included Ken Griffey Jr., Gregg Olson, and Mike Piazza. These players would go on to legendary careers and their rookies are still highly coveted by collectors.

Other star players heavily featured in the set included Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Rickey Henderson, and Nolan Ryan. These were some of the game’s biggest names in the late 1980s.

A key chase card was the #1 Barry Bonds, which was one of the first cards in the set. Bonds was already one of baseball’s rising stars in 1989. His rookie had been in the 1986 Topps set.

variations, Error cards

The 1989 Topps set featured a number of interesting variations and errors that collectors enjoy finding. These include photo and signature swap variations.

One notable error was card #640 featuring Greg Litton but showing a photo of a fan instead of Litton. This became a very rare and collectible mistake.

Variation cards that swapped photos or signatures added intrigue and challenge to completing the entire 714 card checklist. Mint condition variations remain highly valuable.

design flaws and issues

While still a classic set beloved by collectors, the 1989 Topps issue did have some minor design flaws.

The high-gloss photo backing tended to stick to the fronts of cards causing chipping. Many survived but mint ones are hard to find.

The gray/white coloring on the back made handwritten notes and markings very visible. This hurt the grading of many well-cared for cards.

Adhesive issues were also reported by some collectors, saying the glue didn’t always hold properly. Topps generally stands by the quality of its older issues.

set completion and price guide values

Completing the full 714 card 1989 Topps set in mint/near mint condition remains a challenge for most collectors given the age of the issue.

According to the Beckett Baseball Card Price Guide, the following cards carry 4-figure valuations today: Ken Griffey Jr. ( $5,000+), Greg Olson ($3,000), and Mike Piazza ($2,000) rookie cards.

Star rookies aside, the Bonds #1 ($1,000), Clemens #13 ($500), and Boggs #40 ($300) remain valuable chase cards from the high-numbers.

Lower-numbered common cards in good condition can be found for $1-5 each still. Higher numbers typically go for under $10 except key players.

A full mint/near-mint 1989 Topps set in factory/factory sealed form would estimate over $5,000 given today’s strong vintage baseball card market.

The 1989 Topps baseball card set remains a crowning achievement and one of the most memorable issues produced by the card giant. Featuring stars, rookies, and memorable designs/errors, it encapsulates the late 1980s MLB era for collectors. Over 30 years later, its value and popularity only continue to grow amongst vintage enthusiasts.

1989 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUES

Leave a reply

The 1989 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 80s. Produced at the height of the baseball card boom, the ’89 Topps set showcased stars from what is considered one of the golden eras of the sport. Now over 30 years old, many of the cards from this set have greatly appreciated in value.

The overall design of the 1989 Topps cards featured a traditional portrait photo with the team logo and player name below. The cards had a glossy finish and measured approximately 2.5 x 3.5 inches, standard for Topps baseball cards of that time period. The set totaled 792 total cards and consisted of team cards, rookie cards, highlights cards, and sticker cards inserted randomly in packs. Several short print and missing number cards also added to the allure and chase of completing the entire ’89 Topps set.

While not quite as valuable today as sets from the 1950s, some 1989 Topps cards still command four-figure prices. Perhaps the most notable is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card, which has seen tremendous growth in value over the years. Considered one of, if not the greatest player of his generation, Griffey’s popularity has translated to high prices for his rookie. PSA 10 (near mint mint) graded copies have sold for upwards of $30,000 in recent years. Great condition examples in PSA 9 can still fetch over $10,000 as well.

Another star rookie from 1989 is Gregg Maddux. Widely considered one of the best pitchers ever, Maddux’s humble portrait rookie holds significant value too. PSA 10 Maddux rookies have sold for around $12,000, with PSA 9s in the $4,000-$6,000 range depending on auction activity. Also notable is Toronto Blue Jays starter Dave Stieb, whose error-filled rookie card is one of the most coveted mistakes in sports cards. High grades of this card can reach $3,000-$5,000.

While rookies get the lion’s share of attention in the ’89 set, veteran star cards also maintain respectable prices. A PSA 10 Barry Bonds card averaged around $1,500 in recent years. Other four-figure 90s stars include PSA 10 cards of Nolan Ryan ($1,000+), Mark McGwire ($900+), and Ozzie Smith ($800+). Closer Dennis Eckersley and catcher Gary Carter also hold value at $500-$700 for top-graded examples.

Fun highlights cards like Orel Hershiser’s record-setting scoreless innings streak or Astrologer can reach $200-$300 each in top condition. These illustrate specific accomplishments and were inserted randomly in packs during the ’89 season, adding to their appeal as collectibles.

For team collection builders, rare and elusive cards like Eddie Murray’s Phillies card or Robin Yount’s Brewers parallel can be found, although prices will depend highly on condition with these tougher inserts. Some scarce short prints have realized over $1,000 each as well.

The 1989 Topps set maintains relevance and collecting interest decades after production. Encapsulated examples verified in high MINT grades by respected third-party graders like PSA and BGS are the most valuable. While the prices of star rookies and highlights cards have appreciated most drastically, solid examples of Hall of Fame veterans and key parallel cards from the set retain meaning and value for dedicated collectors too. This classic late 80s Topps release continues to excite the vintage baseball card market.

1989 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 505

Leave a reply

The 1989 Topps baseball card #505 features Steve Carlisle, a veteran relief pitcher who had spent the previous 11 seasons in the major leagues. The card provides an overview of Carlisle’s playing career up to that point as well as a closer look at his 1988 season statistics.

Steve Carlisle was born on December 21, 1956 in Coalinga, California. He grew up in nearby Huron and attended high school there before being drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 5th round of the 1975 MLB June Amateur Draft. Carlisle made his major league debut with the Cubs in 1978 at the age of 21. He spent parts of four seasons with Chicago primarily working as a reliever out of the bullpen. His most productive season for the Cubs came in 1980 when he posted a 3.79 ERA in 71 games.

After the 1981 season, Carlisle was traded to the Minnesota Twins along with Larry Gura in exchange for Ted Simmons. He found more success and job stability in Minnesota, spending parts of seven seasons pitching for the Twins from 1982-1988. Carlisle emerged as a reliable setup man and part of the late inning tandem along with closer Ron Davis. In 1983, he set career highs in games (79), innings (128.1), and strikeouts (88). That season he finished with a solid 3.53 ERA and helped the Twins make the playoffs.

Carlisle remained with the Twins through the 1987 season before becoming a free agent. He signed with the Houston Astros for the 1988 campaign, which is the season depicted on the 1989 Topps card. The front of the card includes Carlisle’s picture, some basic stats, and reveals he was playing for the Astros in 1988. That season shaped up to be one of Carlisle’s best at age 31. As the Astros’ primary setup man, he pitched in a career high 81 games and racked up 105 strikeouts over 104.2 innings of work. Carlisle finished 1988 with an impressive 2.57 ERA, allowing just 85 hits and 38 walks.

The back of the 1989 Topps #505 card contains more detailed statistics from Carlisle’s 1988 season with Houston along with career stats spanning his first 11 big league seasons from 1978-1988. It’s evident he was at the peak of his career in 1988 based on the numbers. A brief recap of those stats includes: a 10-3 record, 2.57 ERA, 81 games (3rd in NL), 105 strikeouts, just 17 home runs allowed over 104.2 innings pitched. For his career at that point, Carlisle held a 58-54 record with a 3.68 ERA spanning 812 games over 11 seasons.

While Carlisle enjoyed his best statistical season as an Astro in 1988, it would also end up being his last with Houston. After the season, he signed as a free agent with the New York Mets. Carlisle spent the final two seasons of his major league career providing middle relief for the Mets from 1989-1990 before ultimately retiring at the age of 34. In total, he amassed a 60-57 record with a 3.70 ERA and 891 strikeouts over 897 major league appearances spanning 13 seasons from 1978-1990.

The 1989 Topps baseball card #505 offers baseball card collectors a snapshot look at the accomplished career of journeyman reliever Steve Carlisle up to that point. While he never achieved stardom, Carlisle carved out an impressive 11-year career as a dependable setup man and middle reliever – most notably during his peak seasons with the Twins and Astros in the 1980s. The card provides a nice statistical summary of Carlisle’s most productive campaign in 1988 with Houston prior to wrapping up his big league tenure with the Mets.

TOP BASEBALL CARDS 1989 TOPPS

Leave a reply

The 1989 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and recognizable issues from the late 1980s. With 792 total cards, the 1989 Topps release featured every major baseball star from that season and remains a highly collected vintage set to this day.

One of the most notable aspects of the 1989 Topps design was the photography. Topps photographers and crews captured crisp, action shots of players both at the plate and in the field. Unlike some duller sets from the past, the 1989 images popped off the cardboard and really showed each athlete’s skills and talents. Fans could feel like they were watching a game just by flipping through the checklist.

Another standout element was the vibrant color palette Topps employed on the borders and player names. Bright hues like red, blue, green, yellow and more were used throughout the set in a creative variety. This gave each card a lively, memorable look that matched the excitement of baseball itself. Rookie cards and star players received extra pizazz with foil lettering or stripe accents too.

Topps also paid close attention to statistical accuracy on the reverse of 1989 cards. Box scores, career stats, season recaps and more were neatly presented for fans to pore over. Finding evolving player info from year to year was half the fun of collecting for longtime hobbyists. Rosters, manager listings and team highlights helped contextualize each ballclub’s season as well.

Some memorable standouts from the 1989 Topps MLB release include superstars like Ken Griffey Jr.’s impressive rookie card. Often dubbed the most valuable card from the entire set, examples in pristine condition regularly sell for tens of thousands. Bo Jackson’s unicorn-like dual sport ability is also on full display in his baseball issue from ’89 Topps.

Hall of Famers like Nolan Ryan, Mike Schmidt, Rickey Henderson and Don Mattingly received star treatment with vibrant photos and eye-catching designs. Robin Yount captures a key moment for the Brewers while Ozzie Smith brings trademark wizardry to the field on his St. Louis issue. Fans can relive entire careers just by organizing players’ yearly Topps releases.

Rookies like Gregg Olson, Gregg Jefferies, Bobby Thigpen and Tom Glavine also debuted in the set, offering a window into future careers. While things didn’t pan out for all players, it’s fun to trace development from raw first cards. Alternatively, veterans like George Brett, Tony Gwynn and Dave Stewart wrap up impressive runs with classy sendoffs fit for the stars they were.

The designs, photos and production values of 1989 Topps led to the set holding value as the collectibles market grew. Along with high-grade vintage appeal, key rookie cards like Griffey and Jeffries found new enthusiasts and added demand. Completed sets in excellent condition now sell for thousands. Singles remain affordable for most budgets though key pieces attract four-figure bids.

Whether collecting for childhood nostalgia or long-term investment, the 1989 Topps baseball issue endures as a favorite among sets from the sport’s “Jungo” era. Nearly 35 years later, its bright design, wealth of Hall of Famers and rookie star power ensure its place among the most recognizable vintage releases in the hobby. Both seasoned collectors and new fans find much to admire in the masterful cardboard captured from America’s pastime during the late ‘80s summer.

1989 TOPPS MAJOR LEAGUE DEBUT BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1989 Topps baseball card set is renowned among collectors for its subset featuring rookie cards of players who were making their Major League debuts that year. In total, Topps produced cards spotlighting 17 first-year players who were just starting out in “The Show.” For many of these rookies, their 1989 Topps debut card would be the first and only rookie card produced for them by the flagship brand.

Some key details on the 1989 Topps Major League Debut subset:

The cards are numbered from 651-667 in the standard set, with no special designation indicating they were debut cards. The front of each card notes the player’s team and states “Major League Debut.”

Players featured included players like Bobby Witt, Roger Salkeld, Juan Samuel, and Bip Roberts. While none became true superstars, they each had varying levels of MLB success in their careers.

Perhaps the most well-known name overall is Bobby Witt. As the No. 1 pick in the 1985 draft by the Texas Rangers, he had great expectations. His debut season was solid and his rookie card is among the more valuable from the set today.

The subset also included lessheralded names who had brief MLB cups of coffee like Jose Parra, Greg Litton, and Bobby Brooks before returning to the minors. Their debut cards remain quite affordable today.

With 17 cards in the subset, it’s one of the more substantial debut subsets Topps had produced to that point. Sets in subsequent years tended to highlight fewer first-year players.

In addition to documenting these players’ initial season in the majors, the 1989 Topps Major League Debut subset also provides historical perspective on baseball in the late 1980s:

Steroids and PEDs were not yet as prevalent an issue. Many of the debuting players were more slim, less muscular builds compared to cards of the 1990s onward.

Uniform and baseball card designs retained more of the classic 1980s asthetic before transitioning to sleeker 1990s looks. Crisp solid colors dominated rather than heavilyrendered graphics.

The debuting players’ rookie seasons coincided with baseball’s decline in popularity versus football and basketball through much of the 1980s. Having fallen behind the other major sports, MLB was working to gain younger fans.

Offensively, 1989 was a higher-scoring season overall in the major leagues compared to prior decades. The debuting rookies benefited from a statistical environment favoring hitters and production.

In the years since, the 1989 Topps Major League Debut subset has become a favorite of collectors looking to acquire affordable rookie cards chronicling baseball history. While none skyrocketed in value, they remain accessible commemorations of players’ first tastes of the major leagues during a transitional period for the sport. For both inexpensive collecting enjoyment and as a time capsule from 30+ years ago, the 1989 Topps debut subset fulfills its purpose.

MOST VALUABLE 1989 FLEER UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1989 Fleer Update baseball card set was the second series release of cards by Fleer that year, originally hitting store shelves in August 1989. While most of the cards in the set hold relatively modest value today, there are a select few that have appreciated significantly due to various factors such as the players’ iconic status, statistical milestones reached, or scarce production runs. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable and desirable 1989 Fleer Update baseball cards from the set.

Ken Griffey Jr. – Griffey’s rookie card from the main 1989 Fleer set is one of the most iconic and sought-after modern rookie cards ever made. Naturally, his Fleer Update card from the same rookie season holds significant value as well. Graded mint condition PSA 10 examples of Griffey’s Update card have sold for over $1,000. Even lower graded copies still command prices well over $100. What makes Griffey’s rookie cards so desirable is that he went on to have a Hall of Fame career and was a fan favorite known for his smooth left-handed swing.

Nolan Ryan – Legendarily, Nolan Ryan’s Update card shows him wearing a Texas Rangers uniform for the first time after having previously played for the Astros, Angels, and Mets. At age 42 during the 1989 season depicted, Ryan was still overpowering hitters and went on to notch his 5,000th career strikeout that year. PSA 10 examples of his Update card have sold for upwards of $600 due to Ryan’s iconic status as perhaps the greatest strikeout pitcher ever.

Ryne Sandberg – Sandberg made his lone appearance on the cover of a baseball card set with the 1989 Fleer Update, depicting him in mid-swing wearing a Chicago Cubs uniform. In 1989, Sandberg put together one of the finest offensive seasons for a second baseman in winning the NL MVP award. Graded mint copies regularly sell for $150-$250 given Sandberg’s Hall of Fame career and the cover status of his Update card.

Orel Hershiser – Hershiser’s dominant playoff performance in 1988 that led the LA Dodgers to a World Series title is cemented in baseball history. His Update card highlights his success and fame from that season by showing him in a Dodgers uniform. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $400 due to Hershiser’s renown and his one-year wonder status that was the peak of his career.

Don Mattingly – As one of the game’s premier hitters of the 1980s, Donnie Baseball’s 1989 Fleer Update card portrays him in a New York Yankees uniform near the tail end of his prolific career. Mattingly’s Update holds steady value at $75-$150 even in lower grades considering his six All-Star nods and nine Gold Gloves won as a first baseman.

Greg Maddux – Maddux had begun to emerge as one of baseball’s best pitchers by 1989, as portrayed by his Fleer Update card at age 23 for the Chicago Cubs. What makes his rookie season Update cards more scarce and valuable is that Maddux would achieve superstar status over the following decade plus by racking up 355 career wins and 4 Cy Young Awards between the Cubs and Braves. PSA 10 copies frequently sell for $400-$500 due to Maddux’s elite Hall of Fame pitching career.

While production numbers for the 1989 Fleer Update set were high overall, demand has increased the prices considerably for the select standout rookie and star player cards over the ensuing decades. For vintage cardboard investments and collectors pursuing complete Fleer sets from the late 1980s and early 90s, high grade copies of stars like Griffey, Ryan, Sandberg, Hershiser, Mattingly and especially Maddux provide the most stable long term value and collectibility in the 1989 Update set.

1989 TOPPS BO JACKSON BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

In 1989, Topps released a set of baseball cards that featured one of the most electrifying two-sport athletes of all time – Bo Jackson. While Jackson only played parts of 4 MLB seasons from 1986-1990 due to injuries, his rare combination of power, speed, and athleticism made him one of the most popular and recognizable stars of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The 1989 Topps set marked Jackson’s first full season with the Kansas City Royals after being called up partway through the 1986 season. In 1988, he played in only 16 games due to injuries sustained in his first NFL season with the Los Angeles Raiders. However, 1989 saw a relatively healthy Jackson play in 113 games and cement his status as one of baseball’s rising stars.

Naturally, Topps capitalized on Jackson’s popularity and burgeoning stardom by featuring him prominently in their 1989 baseball card release. Jackson’s base card was #480 in the set. It shows him in a Royals home uniform, batting right-handed with the stadium lights shining behind him. His name “Bo Jackson” is proudly displayed at the top in large lettering.

Some key stats listed on Jackson’s 1989 Topps base card include:

Batting Average: .256 (1988), .276 (Career to date)
Home Runs: 11 (1988), 32 (Career to date)
RBI: 46 (1988), 99 (Career to date)
Stolen Bases: 11 (1988), 33 (Career to date)

The back of the card provides more in-depth stats as well as a short biography on Jackson. It notes that he was the #1 overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1986 NFL Draft but chose to sign with the Royals instead. It also highlights his prowess as a two-sport athlete, mentioning that he rushed for over 1,000 yards for the Raiders in addition to his baseball career.

Jackson was so popular that Topps also included him in several special photo and collection subsets within the 1989 set. His most prominent insert was card #90 in the Topps Traded set, which featured a bright yellow border. The photo shows Jackson rounding third base with an intense, determined expression on his face.

He was also featured in the “All-Star Rookies” subset on card #AR-8. This card captures Jackson in mid-swing from the left side of the plate during his Rookie of the Year season in 1987. Among the awards and accomplishments already under his belt at that point in his career were 1987 AL ROY, 3-time All-Star, and 1987 Home Run Derby champion.

1989 also saw Topps release special mini-sets within the base design featuring various teams, positions, and player highlights. Jackson had cards highlighting his speed and power in the “Topps Speed” and “Topps Power Alley” subsets respectively.

In the “Topps Royals” 25-card team subset, Jackson’s card #KC-13 depicts him rounding second base at Kansas City’s Kauffman Stadium. Even this early in his career, he had already become an integral fan favorite and star player for the Royals.

The prominent inclusion of Bo Jackson across both the base 1989 Topps set as well as numerous popular inserts underscores just how electric of an athlete he was during this time period in the late 1980s. While injuries would limit his MLB tenure, cards from his rookie and early prime seasons like the 1989 issues remain highly coveted by collectors today given his unique sports resume and cultural staying power as a sports icon. The combination of action photos, stats, and biographical info across Jackson’s 1989 cards serves as a snapshot into the superstardom he experienced during his breakout season with the Royals.

1989 BASEBALL CARDS DONRUSS

Leave a reply

The 1989 Donruss baseball card set was a landmark release that marked a transition point in the hobby. While Donruss had produced popular sets throughout the 1980s, the ’89 edition showcased a unique new design approach alongside rookie cards of future Hall of Famers and memorable stars of that era.

Donruss opted for a stripped-down, clean look on the fronts of the 660-card base set after experimenting with busier designs in recent years. Gone were the thick gray borders that had framed photos on past issues. Instead, each image was enlarged to take up more real estate with a simple white background behind it. Player names and team logos had a distressed, sandblasted appearance that gave the cards a vintage baseball card feel even though they were newly produced.

The change in aesthetics was a positive one that made the photography pop more. Top photographers like Anthony Caleca and Marc Lebryk continued shooting high quality images that gave collectors true snapshots of their favorite players in action. Caleca’s iconic shot of Nolan Ryan unleashing a blazing fastball made the “Ryan Express” card a highly sought-after one.

On the backs, stats remained the focus as in prior sets. However, Donruss doubled down on fun facts and quirky trivia about each athlete in addition to their standard career numbers. Minor league stats, first baseball memories, and hobbies outside of the game added personality factors that casual fans could enjoy learning.

Rookies took center stage in ’89 Donruss as this was the debut year for Ken Griffey Jr., Gregg Olson, and Barry Larkin among others. Griffey’s card in particular took on an increased cache and has remained one of the most iconic baseball cards ever due to his emergence as a superstar. Other prospects like Bobby Witt and Gary Sheffield also had cardboard released predicting their future success.

Veteran stars of that MLB season like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Rickey Henderson remained highly collectible in the set as well. Donruss also paid tribute to past pitching legends with “Immortals” parallel inserts of Bob Gibson, Sandy Koufax, and Warren Spahn. Popular traded parallels like “Team Traded” and “Donruss Traded” inserted players onto new uniforms.

Beyond the base checklist, Donruss injected multiple insert series to boost excitement. “Diamond Kings” honored 25 MVP winners over time in acetate form. “Super Stats” highlighted single-season records. And “Threads of Greatness” shared stories behind iconic MLB uniforms from the past. Expos and Mariners fans had team-specific inserts to root for too.

In terms of production values, the 1989 Donruss cards set a precedent that made them highly durable. Their heavier stock paper and perfect-fit sleeve holders ensured they’d withstand scrutiny from collectors then and continue to look great decades later. Meanwhile, spectacular photography was well-displayed on the larger fronts through sharp, accurate printing.

When fans first started pulling these cards from packs that year, they likely didn’t realize how the designs, rookie choices, and production quality would cement the ’89 Donruss release as one of the all-time most memorable in the modern era. Over 30 years on, its mixture of timeless stars, revolutionary newness, and lasting collectibility confirms its status as a true legendary set.

1989 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS LIST

Leave a reply

The 1989 Fleer baseball card set was released during an exciting year in baseball history. The Oakland A’s had won the 1988 World Series, beating the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games. Looking ahead to the 1989 season, fans were eager to see if the A’s could repeat as champs. Fleer’s 1989 card checklist reflected the sport at that moment in time.

The base card set totaled 792 cards featuring current major league players and managers. Some notable rookies included Eric Davis, Jose Canseco, Barry Larkin, and Ken Griffey Jr. For veteran collectors, it was a chance to add cards of aging Hall of Famers like Nolan Ryan, Steve Carlton, and Reggie Jackson. The photography and designs were cleaner and sharper than previous Fleer issues. Card stock was also improved, featuring a glossier finish that held up better over time.

The true stars of the 1989 Fleer checklist were the rookie and insert cards. Ken Griffey Jr’s rookie became one of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards ever made due to his stellar career. His smooth swing and effortless power made him a fan favorite for decades. Despite great things still ahead, his rookie card already hinted at baseball dominance to come.

Jose Canseco smashed 40+ home runs in his rookie season of 1986, establishing him as one of the first true “sluggers” in baseball’s steroid era. His powerful swing and muscular physique were perfectly captured in his 1989 Fleer RC. Though his bat would cool off in later years, at the time Canseco looked poised to be one of the game’s top sluggers for ages.

Barry Larkin had just broken into the majors in 1988 with the Cincinnati Reds. His 1989 Fleer rookie card showed flashes of his future all-star excellence at shortstop, with slick glovework and a sweet batting stroke. He’d go on to win the 1995 NL MVP and earn induction into the Hall of Fame. His RC from this set remains a Reds favorite.

Eric Davis was also entering his third big league campaign in 1989, having bounced between the Reds and Orioles to start his career. His athleticism, cannon arm, and burgeoning power made him look like a future star in the making on his ’89 Fleer RC. Injuries would hamper his career potential but that rookie hinted at the superstar level he looked destined to reach.

The inserts in 1989 Fleer were also standouts. The “Diamond Kings” parallel insert set featuredfoil variations of stars on elegant 3D diamond-pattern cards. The “Diamond Anniversary” subset commemorated famous milestones from baseball history with vintage photography on a diamond anniverary logo design. Both made for attractive chase cards amidst the base checklist.

In total, 1989 Fleer baseball cards offered collectors a fun and memorable set from the game’s late 1980s era. Rookies like Griffey, Canseco, Larkin and Davis captured the next generation of talent emerging. Veterans like Carlton, Ryan, and Jackson reminded of storied past heroes. With improved production and memorable photography, it was an issue that held up very well over time for collectors of all levels. The 1989 Fleer baseball card checklist remains a set fans look back on fondly from that exciting moment in MLB history.