1989 Upper Deck Card Value Guide

Baseball Set

By Bob Villemure • Updated July 20, 2025

# 1989 Upper Deck | Baseball Set Review & Card Values (Updated July 2025) The 1989 Upper Deck Baseball set is a landmark release that forever changed the sports card industry. Celebrated for introducing the iconic Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card, this set is a staple in the collections of serious investors and nostalgic fans alike. Its innovative features and lasting impact make it a must-have for collectors who appreciate the blend of history, design, and investment potential.

Set Overview

The 1989 Upper Deck Baseball set marked a pivotal moment in card collecting, introducing high-quality photography and card stock that set a new standard for the industry. The 800-card set was the first to feature holograms on the reverse side to deter counterfeiting and introduced foil packs to the market. This was a significant upgrade from the traditional wax packs, paving the way for modern card production. The set is most famous for the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card (#1), dubbed the "Holy Grail" of modern baseball cards. Other key rookies include Randy Johnson, Gary Sheffield, and John Smoltz. Collectors today view the 1989 Upper Deck set as a pivotal release that combines aesthetic appeal with historical importance, making it a perennial favorite.

Quick-Stats Panel

The market for the 1989 Upper Deck Baseball set remains robust, with consistent demand driven by nostalgia and investment potential. Recent sales on platforms like eBay, Goldin, and PWCC show the following trends: -

Graded PSA 10 Ken Griffey Jr. rookie cards average $3,500,

reflecting both demand and scarcity of high-grade examples. -

Randy Johnson rookie cards in PSA 9 have seen an uptick,

averaging $100 due to his Hall of Fame induction buzz. -

Wax boxes are increasingly scarce,

with sealed boxes fetching upwards of $1,200 at auction. - The set has a strong presence across grading platforms, with PSA and SGC showing high submission volumes, yet low gem mint returns.

Price Table

Card	PSA 10	PSA 9	PSA 8
Ken Griffey Jr. #1	$3,500	$550	$200
Randy Johnson #25	$600	$100	$30
Gary Sheffield #13	$250	$50	$15
John Smoltz #17	$400	$75	$25
Craig Biggio #273	$180	$40	$12

12-Month Set Trend Summary

Over the past year, the 1989 Upper Deck set has experienced steady demand, with notable spikes in popularity due to the induction of Randy Johnson into the Hall of Fame and renewed interest in baseball legends. Social media influencers have spotlighted this set, drawing new collectors and driving prices upward. Ken Griffey Jr.'s card remains a cultural icon, maintaining its top-tier status in the market.

Chase Cards to Know

Ken Griffey Jr. #1:

The quintessential rookie card, renowned for its iconic status.

Randy Johnson #25:

A Hall of Fame pitcher, his rookie card is a collector favorite.

Gary Sheffield #13:

Known for his powerful swing, Sheffield’s rookie card is gaining traction.

John Smoltz #17:

A key pitcher in baseball history, his card is a solid investment.

Dale Murphy Error #357:

Featuring a reverse-negative image, this error card is a collector's curiosity.

Population Report + Scarcity Analysis

The PSA population report reveals that the Ken Griffey Jr. card has over 90,000 graded submissions, but only about 2% achieve a PSA 10 grade, underscoring its scarcity in top condition. High submission rates for key rookies like Randy Johnson and John Smoltz indicate sustained interest, while the low percentage of top grades highlights the investment potential for pristine copies.

Breaker Appeal & Box Value

Sealed wax boxes of the 1989 Upper Deck set have become increasingly rare, with collectors and breakers eager to chase ungraded high-value cards. The allure of pulling a mint Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card drives box prices to over $1,200. Breakers are drawn to the nostalgia and high resale value of key cards, though the risk of finding lower-grade cards is a factor to consider.

Buy/Sell/Hold Outlook

For investors, the 1989 Upper Deck set offers a compelling mix of nostalgia and profitability. Holding sealed boxes could yield significant future returns, given their growing scarcity. Collectors would benefit from buying high-grade singles, particularly Griffey Jr.'s rookie card, while waiting for market dips could provide strategic entry points. This comprehensive review of the 1989 Upper Deck Baseball set provides collectors and investors with essential insights into one of the most iconic card releases in history. With its blend of innovative design, legendary rookies, and market resilience, this set remains a cornerstone of baseball card collecting.

FAQs

Is 1989 Upper Deck Baseball Set a good set to invest in long-term?

Yes, due to its historical importance and iconic rookies like Ken Griffey Jr.

What are the most valuable cards in the 1989 Upper Deck Baseball Set?

Ken Griffey Jr. #1, Randy Johnson #25, and the Dale Murphy Error #357 are highly valuable.

Should I grade cards from this set?

Only cards in strong condition with high visual appeal are worth grading—especially stars and short prints.

How rare are unopened boxes of 1989 Upper Deck Baseball Set?

Extremely rare. Most surviving wax is in collector hands or auction vaults, making sealed product highly valuable.

Methodology & Ethics

Data sources — Goldin Auctions closing prices, eBay Terapeak analytics, and PSA Auction Prices Realized.

Sampling window — We analyse the latest 90 days of public sales. A grade appears in our tables only when at least three verified transactions exist for that grade.

AI-grading disclaimer — MarketSnap’s grade suggestions are algorithmic and should be verified by a professional grader before you buy, sell, or submit a card.

Affiliate transparency — When you click a link to an external marketplace we may earn a referral commission at no extra cost to you. These partnerships never influence a card’s ranking or our editorial commentary.

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