The 1989 Topps baseball card set is one of the most popular and valuable vintage sets from the late 1980s. Issued during Barry Bonds’ breakout season and Nolan Ryan’s pursuit of career strikeouts, there is a lot of excitement and nostalgia surrounding the cards from this set. While a complete 1989 Topps baseball card set in mint condition would be quite valuable, let’s take a deeper look at some of the standout rookie cards, stars of the era, and other notable inclusions that can really drive up the value.
One of the iconic rookie cards from the 1989 Topps set is Oakland A’s slugger Jose Canseco, who exploded onto the scene in 1988 winning American League Rookie of the Year and MVP honors. Canseco’s rookie card is one of the more valuable from the 80s, with a PSA 10 gem mint example recently selling for over $2,000. Another power hitting rookie to watch for is Cleveland’s Sandy Alomar Jr., who won Rookie of the Year honors in 1990. His 1989 Topps rookie in top condition can fetch $300-500. Jeff Kent also had his rookie season in 1989 with the Mets and his card has steadily increased in value in recent years to around $100 PSA 10.
Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry were still in their prime with the Mets in 1989. Gooden’s card in great condition can be $100-200 while Strawberry fetches $75-150 depending on grade. Nolan Ryan broke the career strikeout record in 1989 and his card is always a hot commodity, with a PSA 10 bringing $150-250. Meanwhile, Barry Bonds was entering his peak years with the Pirates and his 1989 card values at $75-150 graded. Moving to the American League, Oakland’s Bash Brothers Mark McGwire and Canseco can each bring $50-100 in top condition. Over in Boston, Roger Clemens’ dominance was taking off and a mint card is $50-100 as well.
Rickey Henderson was in his offensive heyday stealing bases for the A’s, and his card in high grade is $75-150. Meanwhile, Reds powerhouse Barry Larkin had breakout seasons in 1988-89, and his card climbed to $60-120 PSA 10 value. Ozzie Smith was still providing leather for the Cardinals and his card holds $50-100 value. Across town, Ozzie’s fellow 30-30 threat Vince Coleman of the Mets has a $50-100 PSA 10 card as well. Pitching ace Dave Stewart led the A’s staff and his 1989 Topps gem is in the $50-100 range. Finally, Don Mattingly was the heart and soul of the Yankees in the late 80s, with his 1989 card valued at $40-80 top-graded.
In addition to stars, the set also included many solid role players and future Hall of Famers that add value to a complete set. For example, the rookie card of Padres 3B Gary Sheffield carries $30-50 value. Tigers rookie Cecil Fielder launched 51 home runs in 1990 and his rookie card is $25-50. Others like Eddie Murray, Wade Boggs, and Kirby Puckett fetch $20-40 each in top condition. Even utility players like Jesse Barfield, Lance Parrish, and Tim Raines hold $15-30 value. Raines in particular had breakout seasons in 1988-89 to become one of the game’s top leadoff hitters.
Outside of individual star cards, completing the full 792 card 1989 Topps baseball set presents its own challenges and rewards. A raw complete set in played condition might sell for $1,000-1,500 online. Acquiring the cards in near mint to mint condition graded by PSA or SGC exponentially increases the value. A full PSA/SGC 9 set could easily bring $5,000-8,000 at auction. Finding that collection in pristine PSA 10 or SGC Gem Mint 10 condition is quite the task, but a perfect 1989 Topps master set could sell for an astonishing $15,000-$25,000 or more depending on market conditions.
The 1989 Topps baseball card set offers collectors a chance toobtain rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Barry Larkin, Sandy AlomarJr., and Jeff Kent. It also features some of the biggest stars and mostmemorable players from the late 1980s like Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire, BarryBonds, Roger Clemens, Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, and many others.When assembled in high-grade condition, a complete 1989 Topps setpresents collectors with a prized vintage collection that honors one of themost exciting eras in baseball history. Graded examples of key star rookies,breakout cards, and full master sets continue gaining value as 1989Topps endures as a beloved and investment-worthy release.
