The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable sets from the late 1980s. Several key rookie cards and chase cards from this set have experienced tremendous growth in value over the past 30+ years. Now let’s break down some of the specific 1989 Topps cards that are most desirable for collectors and hold significant monetary worth:
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Card #116): Widely considered the crown jewel of the 1989 set, Griffey’s rookie is the most valuable card from the set by a large margin. In pristine mint condition, examples have sold for over $10,000. Even well-centered near mint copies command $500-1000. Griffey was already primed for stardom in ’89 and this served as the first widespread glimpse of his talents on cardboard.
Chipper Jones Rookie Card (Card #399): Another all-time great player’s first card, Chipper Jones’ rookie is the 2nd most valuable from ’89. Near mint copies sell in the $300-600 range, while a true gem mint 10 can bring closer to $1000-1500. Chipper went on to a Hall of Fame career and his rookie has steadily climbed over the past 20+ years.
Tom Glavine Rookie Card (Card #457): While not as heralded as Griffey or Jones, Glavine’s rookie remains a key piece for Braves and pitching collectors. Near mint copies sell in the $75-150 range depending on centering quality. A perfectly centered gem mint 10 Glavine could reach $250-300 given his Cy Young-winning career.
Ozzie Guillen Rookie Card (Card #478): The fiery shortstop’s first card is much sought after by White Sox collectors especially. Near mint Guillen rookies sell around $50-100. He was an integral part of Chicago’s 2005 world championship team, boosting interest long after his playing days ended.
Jeff Bagwell Rookie Card (Card #672): Bagwell’s ascension to Cooperstown has raised demand for this, his true rookie issue (he appeared in a handful of games late in 1988 but ’89 was his first full season). Near mint copies sell around $50-75 with the demand potential to keep climbing long-term.
Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (Card #690): Widely considered one of the most talented defensive second basemen ever, Alomar’s rookie is another solid find if in pristine condition. Near mint Alomar rookies sell consistently in the $40-60 range due to his successful all-around career.
Ken Hill Rookie Card (Card #700): Flying under the radar, Hill turned in a very respectable 13-year career including an All-Star nod and he was also part of a great young Padres staff in the late 1980s/early 1990s. His rookie has increased in value over time, with near mint copies selling around $30-40 these days.
Dennis Eckersley Rookie Card (Card #751): As one of the great relievers of all-time and a first ballot Hall of Famer, Eck’s rookie card retains interest despite coming later in his career at age 31. Near mint Eckersley rookies sell around $25-35.
Andres Galarraga Rookie Card (Card #772): Big Cat had several outstanding seasons and hit 399 career home runs, making his debut issue appealing for Rockies/Venezuelan collectors especially. Near mint Galarraga rookies can find buyers in the $20-30 range.
Todd Worrell Rookie Card (Card #786): As the 1985 NL Rookie of the Year and an All-Star for the Cardinals, Worrell’s rookie remains one Cardinals fans like to add to their collections. Near mint Worrell rookies sell around $15-25 depending on the market.
Beyond the higher-valued rookie cards and all-stars mentioned above, completing a full set of the 792 total cards from the flagship 1989 Topps baseball issue is also quite valuable. A full set in near mint or better condition ungraded would commonly sell for $1000-1500 especially amongst vintage wheat collectors. The 1989 Topps set is quite iconic from the late 1980 Golden Era of baseball cards and features photography and design elements that will ensure it remains a highly collectible issue for decades to come. The 1989 Topps set continues to offer tremendous long-term investment potential for savvy sportscard investors and hobbyists alike due to its combination of all-time great rookie cards and proven track record of appreciation over the past 30+ years.
