The 1989 baseball season saw some of the greatest players in Major League Baseball history continue to cement their legacies. As a result, the baseball cards from 1989 feature some of the most iconic and valuable cards ever made. While the late 1980s card market began to decline from the boom years of the mid-1980s, 1989 still produced many hugely popular rookie cards and highlights several all-time great players. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable 1989 baseball cards that have stood the test of time and remain highly sought after by collectors today.
Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck RC #1 – Widely considered one of if not the single most iconic rookie card of all-time, the 1989 Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck RC is arguably the most valuable modern-era baseball card. Griffey was already primed to be a superstar after being the No. 1 pick in the 1987 draft and this card perfectly captures his youthful exuberance. While Griffey would go on to have an incredible 22-year career that cemented him as one of the greatest to ever play the game, this card immortalized him as a can’t-miss rookie prospect, adding to its significance. PSA 10 examples of this card have sold for over $100,000, showing its continued demand among collectors.
Frank Thomas Donruss RC #170 – Like Griffey, Frank Thomas was already a can’t-miss prospect when he debuted with the Chicago White Sox in 1990. His 1987 Bowman RC is also coveted, but the 1989 Donruss RC was his first mainstream release and better captures the power potential scouts saw in the burgeoning slugger. Thomas would go on to have a Hall of Fame career as one of the game’s most feared run producers. High-grade PSA 9/10 Thomas Donruss RC’s regularly sell for $5,000+.
Barry Bonds Topps Traded RC #T206 – Barry Bonds was already a four-time All-Star and two-time NL MVP by 1989, but this is considered his true rookie card since it was his first issued by Topps after being traded from Pittsburgh to San Francisco after the 1987 season. Bonds’ offensive prowess was evident by 1989 as he continued to raise the bar for power hitting. Years later, this card took on greater significance as Bonds’ career numbers put him in the debate for best player ever. PSA 10’s have sold for over $10,000.
Roberto Alomar Donruss #290 – One of the game’s premier second basemen, Roberto Alomar was already a star by 1989 after making his debut in 1988 and winning Rookie of the Year. This popular Donruss card shows promise of what was still to come in a Hall of Fame career. While not his “true” rookie, this early Alomar card in PSA 10 condition can fetch $3,000+.
Nolan Ryan Topps Traded #T-78 – By 1989, “The Ryan Express” was already a living legend with a record 5 no-hitters to his name. This traded issue card, depicting Ryan in an Astros uniform after being dealt from the Angels, was one of his final mainstream baseball cards before retiring after the 1993 season. Ryan embodied power, durability and consistency, making any card from his later career highly sought after by collectors. A PSA 10 example sold for over $5,000 in early 2022.
Greg Maddux Sportflix Variations #75, #76 – Perhaps the greatest control/command pitcher ever, Greg Maddux was in his first full season with the Chicago Cubs in 1989 after being acquired from the Chicago Sox. His two main Sportflix variations from this year are some of the most iconic Maddux cards from his early career. They highlight Maddux’s mastery on the mound before he went on to win 4 Cy Young awards between 1992-1995 and cement his Hall of Fame plaque. PSA 10’s have sold in excess of $2,000 each.
Rickey Henderson SP #34 – By 1989, Rickey Henderson had already put together the best season by a leadoff hitter in history up to that point and was on his way to breaking Lou Brock’s stolen base record. This classic Spencer single player card underscores “Rickey Being Rickey” as the speedster continued as the game’s premier base thief. Any mid-to-late career Rickey card holds significance due to his irreplicable skillset and this SP variation remains a coveted item for collectors. PSA 10’s have topped $1,500 in recent years.
Kirby Puckett Score #579 – One of the greatest Twins of all-time, Kirby Puckett was already a household name in Minnesota by 1989 after back-to-back WS titles in ’87 and ’91. This iconic Score Traded set card shows Puckett in his familiar batting stance. Tragically, Puckett’s career and life were cut short, but his dominant 1980s play made any card from this era highly valued. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $1,200, though demand remains strong for this feel-good player’s cards.
Ozzie Smith Bowman’s Best #BB4 – A premier defensive wizard at shortstop who redefined what was possible at the position, Ozzie Smith was already entering legendary status by 1989 as a nine-time Gold Glover. This popular high-grade Bowman’s Best card is one of Smith’s key early flagship cards before he achieved career milestones. Even years after their release, pristine Ozzie Smith cards remain strongly sought after, with PSA 10’s selling around $1,000.
While late 1980s production may not have been at the dizzying heights of a few years prior, the 1989 baseball season and subsequent cards highlighted some of the most talented and influential players to ever step onto the diamond. Key rookie cards, traded issues and career-defining images of sports’ immortals make 1989 a memorable year for the hobby. Condition-sensitive premium examples consistently sell for big bucks to this day.
