The 1989 Donruss baseball set was released at the tail end of the “junk wax” era, however, it featured several rookie cards that have gone on to become very valuable in the decades since. While the glut of mass produced cards in the late 1980s initially depressed values across the board, some key rookies from the ’89 Donruss set have held up extremely well due to the stats and careers of the players featured.
One of the most coveted and expensive cards from the 1989 Donruss set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was one of the most hyped prospects ever and lived up to the billing by establishing himself as one of the premier five-tool outfielders and best players of his generation. His rookie card has long been one of the most iconic and sought-after cards in the hobby. In near mint to mint condition, examples of Griffey’s ’89 Donruss rookie in a PSA 10 Gem Mint grade have sold for over $10,000 in recent years. Even well-centered, sharp copies in raw near mint to mint condition can fetch $500-1000 or more due to strong demand.
Griffey’s excellence as a player combined with the simple but iconic design of his 1989 rookie card have ensured it remains one of the most recognizable and blue-chip cards from the junk wax era. While produced in huge numbers, high quality Griffey rookie cards have retained value far better than contemporaries due to his status as a generational talent and first-ballot Hall of Famer. This solidifies it as one of the crown jewels of any vintage baseball card collection.
Another highly valuable rookie from the 1989 Donruss set is Gary Sheffield. An elite power hitter, Sheffield slammed 509 career home runs over 17 MLB seasons and was a .900 career OPS hitter. His ’89 Donruss issue shows him as a young prospect in the Milwaukee Brewers uniform. PSA 10 examples regularly sell for $500-800 while raw near mint have brought $150-300 at auction. Even in worn, played condition, Sheffield’s rookie remains quite collectible and can sell for $20-50 depending on center/corners.
Chipper Jones’ iconic rookie card from the ’89 Donruss set has also maintained strong demand and appreciated well over the decades. As a switch-hitting, power/average threat who spent his entire Hall of Fame career with the Atlanta Braves, Jones is undoubtedly one of the biggest stars to come out of the 1990s. His rookie is instantly recognizable with the future 8-time All-Star and MVP wearing the Florida Marlins uniform in his first Major League action. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies have sold in the $700-1200 range while raw near mint can bring $150-300.
Another back of the ’89 Donruss set that remains a strong mover decades later is the Ivan Rodriguez rookie card. “Pudge” Rodriguez established himself as perhaps the greatest defensive catcher in baseball history over a 21-year career. He smashed 311 home runs and racked up 13 All-Star selections and 7 Gold Gloves. His exciting rookie card shows him with the Puerto Rican national team. In top PSA 10 condition, it can sell for $500-800 while raw near mint still fetch $100-250 depending on centering and corners. Even well-worn copies in played condition sell in the $15-30 range frequently.
While not quite as costly as the big four above, there are several other valuable and desirable rookies from the 1989 Donruss set as well. Mark Grace had a very solid career hitting over .300 eight times as the Cubs’ first baseman. His rookie has sold for $50-150 in top shape. Darren Daulton provided excellent offense from the catcher spot for the Phillies. His rookie often sells for $30-100. Andres Galarraga smashed 399 HR over his 19-year career. His ’89 Donruss RC has sold for $40-150 in mint condition.
Among the star pitchers, the Greg Maddux rookie card is recognized for his incredible control and consistency. In PSA 10, it can reach $250-400. Tom Glavine has reached $150-300 in top grade thanks to his Hall of Fame career and two Cy Youngs with the Braves. Randy Johnson’s intimidating rookie shows him with the Expos organization before he became “The Big Unit” and cemented his status as one of the most dominant pitchers ever. Even common rookie cards like these will sell in the $20-50 range in sharper condition.
While there was an unprecedented boom in card production during the late 1980s, flooding the market, several factors combined to help the most desirable rookie cards from the 1989 Donruss set retain collector interest and appreciate significantly over the decades. These include the huge talents and careers of stars like Griffey, Jones, Rodriguez, and others who lived up to early hype. Iconic card designs were simple but matched the players perfectly. Combined with the nostalgia and first mainstream exposure many collectors had to these future Hall of Famers as teens in the 80s and 90s, the premium rookies have become classic pieces of the vintage card puzzle. While prices reached all-time lows during the junk wax era crash, many key 1989 Donruss rookies have rebounded strongly and continue to be strongly sought after centerpieces for collections today due to the players they feature.
