The 1989 Upper Deck baseball card set is regarded as one of the most memorable and valuable sets from the late 1980s. Upper Deck revolutionized the hobby when they debuted in 1989 by using higher quality cardboard stock and pioneering innovations like the hologram. This helped lift the sport’s collectible cards out of the junk wax era that was plaguing the industry prior.

While there were many stars featured throughout the 700+ card ’89 Upper Deck set, a handful stand out as particularly noteworthy and valuable today due to various factors like performance, rarity, and overall appeal. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top cards collectors chase from this classic series over 30 years later:

Ken Griffey Jr. RC (Card #1)

Perhaps the most recognizable and coveted card from the entire set is Ken Griffey Jr’s rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the best rookie card ever printed, this iconic Griffey issue kicks off the ’89 Upper Deck checklist. With his effortless sweet left-handed swing and outstanding all-around skills, Griffey seemed destined for greatness from day one. This card perfectly captures the hype and promise surrounding his debut season with Seattle. Today PSA 10 gem mint examples trade for well over $10,000 due to Griffey’s Hall of Fame career and the card’s incredible popularity.

Nolan Ryan (#93)

As one of the most dominant and feared pitchers in baseball history, there was no shortage of legendary moments captured on Nolan Ryan cards throughout the 1970s-80s. His ’89 Upper Deck issue stands out not just for Ryan’s outstanding accomplishments at this point in his career, but also its impeccable on-card photography. It was a true “action shot” piece that showed Ryan pumping a fastball during one of his many mound appearances as a Houston Astro. High grades of this powerful Ryan image can sell for over $1,000.

Ken Griffey Sr. & Jr. (#670)

Much rarer and more scarce than their individual rookie cards, the 1989 Upper Deck Griffey father-son tandem card is one of the true premium chase cards from the entire set. Only appearing about once per every 3-4 full box breaks on average, this unique dual image highlighting the Mariners dynamic duo is exponentially tough to pull. Considering their special bond and place in baseball history as the only father-son combo to play in the Major Leagues at the same time, this card is a true collector’s piece when it surfaces in high grade. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $15,000.

Roger Clemens (#213)

Arguably the greatest power pitcher of his generation, Roger Clemens was in the prime of his storied career with the Boston Red Sox during the 1989 season captured on this Upper Deck card. Clemens looks remarkably youthful and vibrant throwing a pitch from the mound. This iconic moment became even more memorable upon his Rocket’s record-setting performances later in the 90s until his retirement. High-end versions have reached over $2,000 at auction given Clemens’ career accolades and larger-than-life presence on the national stage.

Barry Bonds (#419)

A precocious yet still developing Barry Bonds grins confidently from the outfield on his ’89 Upper Deck RC. Little did anyone know at the time, but Bonds was on the cusp of transforming into the most feared hitter in baseball over the next decade-plus. This card serves as a fascinating time capsule capturing “Baby Barry” before his ascent into statistical dominance and notoriety. Pristine PSA 10 copies in today’s market can sell for $1,000 or more based primarily on rarity and being Bonds’ sole rookie issued from the historic Upper Deck set.

Tom Glavine (#536)

Despite pitching over 300 career wins and winning two Cy Young Awards, Tom Glavine is probably one of the more underrated Hall of Fame hurlers of the modern era. His rookie card provides a glimpse into the promise he showed from the start during his tenure with the Atlanta Braves. Sporting the classic Glavine brooding glare on the mound and smooth lefty delivery, this issue remains a key piece for team and rookie card PC collectors. Higher graded versions remain affordable compared to superstars, hovering around the $200-300 range.

Dennis Martinez (#678)

All these years later, “El Presidente” Dennis Martinez’s no-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1991 continues to stand out as one of the most memorable pitching performances in history. His Upper Deck rookie perfectly sets the stage, showing the composed demeanor and confidence Martinez carried himself with from the beginning. This card depicting one of the finest veteran international players is a must-have for Nicaraguan and Cleveland Indians collectors on a budget. Near-mint copies trade in the $50 range or so.

Roberto Alomar (#255)

Representing perhaps the finest all-around second baseman of his era, Roberto Alomar projected future stardom straight from the pack as a rookie with the San Diego Padres. His smooth fielding skills and game-changing speed are on full display charging toward the bag on this issue. Alomar went on to a Hall of Fame career and is a beloved figure in Toronto for his role on World Series championship teams. High-grade versions remain reasonably priced under $200, though demand is strong for this future star’s freshman season portrayal.

Barry Larkin (#407)

Still paying dividends over 30 years later, Barry Larkin’s rookie card showcases why he was such a sensation right out of the gate for the Cincinnati Reds in the late 80s. With gold-glove caliber range and hitting prowess from the left side, Larkin put himself on the map as baseball’s premier shortstop. This issue is a prized piece for Cincinnati and Larkin collectors that will likely steadily climb given his induction into Cooperstown. Near-mint 7s trade around the $150-200 price point currently.

Tom Glavine (#536)

Tom Glavine may be one of the more underrated Hall of Fame pitcher among the outstanding Atlanta Braves rotations from the 1990s-early 2000s. His rookie card provides a glimpse into the promise he showed from the start during his tenure with Atlanta. Sporting the classic Glavine brooding glare on the mound and smooth lefty delivery, this issue remains a key piece for team and rookie card PC collectors. Higher graded versions remain affordable compared to superstars, hovering around the $200-300 range.

While the full 1989 Upper Deck baseball card set contains over 700 total issues documenting that specific MLB season, the cards highlighted here remain amongst the most popular and valuable to enthusiasts to this day. Futuristic production qualities and capturing emerging talents like Ken Griffey Jr. fueled excitement that this set kickstarted in the hobby. Over 30 years later, the cards maintain their mystique and have become treasured holdings in collections worldwide.