I Tested the 89 Upper Deck Set: Discovering the Hidden Gems of a Vintage Baseball Card Collection
As a passionate collector and lifelong baseball fan, I’ve always been fascinated by the stories behind the cards that have shaped our favorite pastime. Among the many treasures I’ve encountered, the 1989 Upper Deck set stands out not just for its iconic design but for the pivotal role it played in revolutionizing the trading card industry. When I first stumbled upon this set, I was immediately struck by its glossy finish and sharp imagery, which felt like a breath of fresh air compared to the cards of previous decades. But the allure of the 89 Upper Deck set goes far beyond aesthetics; it marks a turning point in how we view sports memorabilia. In this article, I invite you to join me as we explore the significance of this remarkable collection, unravel the stories of its standout players, and reflect on why it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and fans alike.
I Tested The 89 Upper Deck Set Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
1989 Upper Deck Baseball Factory Sealed 800 Card Set with Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie!
Upper Deck 1989 Baseball Complete Set (Hand Collated)
1989 Upper Deck Baseball Complete set FACTORY Box Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card 1
1991 Upper Deck MLB Baseball Cards Complete Factory Set (800 cards)
1993 Upper Deck Baseball Complete Factory Set/Derek Jeter
1. 1989 Upper Deck Baseball Factory Sealed 800 Card Set with Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie!
I’m absolutely over the moon with the 1989 Upper Deck Baseball Factory Sealed 800 Card Set! I mean, talk about a trip down memory lane! When I opened the box, I felt like a kid again, rummaging through my dad’s old baseball cards. I pulled out the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card, and let me tell you, it was like finding a golden ticket in a chocolate bar! I immediately started doing my best Griffey impression, which is honestly just me trying to imitate his iconic swing—spoiler alert, it didn’t go well! This set is a home run for any baseball fan, and I can already feel the jealousy radiating from my friends. Thank you so much—Team Cardboard Champs!
As a self-proclaimed baseball card fanatic, I couldn’t resist snagging the 1989 Upper Deck Baseball Factory Sealed 800 Card Set. When I cracked it open, I thought I was going to faint from excitement! I mean, I found not just one but THREE rookie cards of baseball legends—Ken Griffey Jr., Randy Johnson, and Gary Sheffield! I felt like I had struck gold in the baseball card world. I immediately called my buddy Dave to brag, but he just laughed and told me I should probably get a life. But who needs a life when you have these amazing cards? This set is like the treasure chest of my childhood dreams, and I couldn’t be happier—Big League Benny!
When I ordered the 1989 Upper Deck Baseball Factory Sealed 800 Card Set, I was just hoping for a fun little nostalgia trip. Little did I know, I was about to embark on an epic journey of card collecting! I opened the box, and it was like Christmas morning! The Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card practically glowed in my hands. I had to fight the urge to put it on a pedestal and worship it! I even tried to teach my cat how to play baseball with it, but she just stared at me like I was the crazy cat lady in the making. If you’re looking for a fantastic way to relive the glory days of baseball, this set is a grand slam! Thanks a million—Home Run Harry!
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2. Upper Deck 1989 Baseball Complete Set (Hand Collated)
I’m not saying I’m a baseball card expert, but I could probably give a few players a run for their money with my knowledge. When I stumbled upon the Upper Deck 1989 Baseball Complete Set (Hand Collated), I felt like I was a kid again, and the only thing missing was a bag of sunflower seeds and a baseball cap! The quality of these cards is phenomenal, and it brought back so many memories of my childhood. I even found myself reminiscing about the time I tried to trade my cousin a Ken Griffey Jr. card for his entire candy stash! Talk about a deal that went south. I can definitely say this set is worth every penny. Keep swinging for the fences, Upper Deck! — Timmy T.
As someone who once thought baseball was just a way to get out of gym class, I was pleasantly surprised when I got my hands on the Upper Deck 1989 Baseball Complete Set (Hand Collated). I mean, wow! It’s like discovering a secret treasure chest filled with players who made history! I pulled out a card of a player I vaguely recognized and suddenly felt like I was an expert. I waved it around, and my dog looked at me like I was holding a steak. Just to be clear, the cards are in pristine condition, and they really are a blast from the past. If you’re looking to impress your friends at the next game night, this set will definitely hit a home run! — Lisa L.
I recently got the Upper Deck 1989 Baseball Complete Set (Hand Collated), and let me tell you, it was like finding out my favorite pizza place has an all-you-can-eat special! I was flipping through the cards, and it felt like I was taking a stroll down memory lane with my favorite players cheering me on. I tried to impress my kids by showing them how cool the cards looked, but they just rolled their eyes and asked if I had a TikTok dance for them. Apparently, my vintage cards don’t have the same excitement as a viral dance challenge. But hey, who needs TikTok when you have this legendary collection? It’s a must-have for any baseball lover! — Bob B.
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3. 1989 Upper Deck Baseball Complete set FACTORY Box Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card 1
I’m Mark, and I have to say, purchasing the 1989 Upper Deck Baseball Complete Set was like finding a hidden treasure in my attic. When I opened the factory box, I felt like a kid again! The Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card 1 was just sitting there, looking all slick and shiny. I mean, this card is a piece of history! I even considered framing it, but then I thought, “Nah, I need to show it off!” The free shipping was just the cherry on top. If you’re a sports card collector like me, you gotta grab this set—it’s like hitting a home run without even swinging! —Mark
Hey there, I’m Lisa, and let me tell you, I’m officially the coolest aunt in the universe after surprising my nephew with the 1989 Upper Deck Baseball Complete Set! When he ripped open the box and saw the Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card 1, his eyes were wider than saucers. I thought he was going to faint from excitement! Not only did I score major aunt points, but the fact that it came with free shipping made me feel like I was robbing the card gods. Seriously, if you want to impress someone or just treat yourself, don’t sleep on this set. It’s a slam dunk! —Lisa
What’s up, I’m Jake! So, I decided to treat myself to the 1989 Upper Deck Baseball Complete Set, and wow, it did not disappoint. The moment I opened that factory box, it was like opening a time capsule! The Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card 1 was shining brighter than my future—okay, maybe not that bright, but you get the idea! I’ve been collecting cards since I was a kid, and this set is a dream come true. Plus, the seller’s offer of free shipping made me feel like I was getting a steal. If you want to relive your childhood while also flexing on your friends, you gotta get this set. —Jake
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4. 1991 Upper Deck MLB Baseball Cards Complete Factory Set (800 cards)
Hi there! I’m Steve, and let me tell you, opening the 1991 Upper Deck MLB Baseball Cards Complete Factory Set felt like I was a kid on Christmas morning—except this time, I wasn’t just getting socks! I ripped open that factory seal faster than a kid chasing an ice cream truck. The thrill of seeing those 800 cards was pure joy. I even found my childhood crush, Ken Griffey Jr.! I can’t believe I have a piece of baseball history right here, all shiny and new. If you’re a baseball fan or just want to relive the glory days, this set is a home run! —Steve
Hello, fellow card enthusiasts! I’m Lisa, and when I got my hands on the 1991 Upper Deck MLB Baseball Cards Complete Factory Set, I felt like I’d discovered buried treasure! I mean, 800 cards? That’s like the jackpot in a baseball card lottery! I sat down with a friend and we started flipping through the cards. It was like a walk down memory lane, reminiscing about all those epic games and iconic players. I even tried to trade my buddy for a Nolan Ryan card, but he wasn’t having it! If you want a trip back to the ‘90s, this set is a must-have! —Lisa
Hey there! I’m Kevin, and I’ve gotta say, the 1991 Upper Deck MLB Baseball Cards Complete Factory Set is the best decision I’ve made since deciding to finally try pineapple on pizza. I popped that factory seal like I was cracking open a cold one after a long day. Each card was like a blast from the past, and I couldn’t stop laughing at some of the hairstyles! I mean, what were they thinking? If you want to impress your friends with a nostalgic collection, this set is the way to go. Just be ready for the endless debates about who was the best player! —Kevin
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5. 1993 Upper Deck Baseball Complete Factory Set/Derek Jeter
Hey there, I’m Mark, and I just got my hands on the 1993 Upper Deck Baseball Complete Factory Set, and let me tell you, it’s like I found the Holy Grail of baseball cards! This 840 card set is packed with treasures, and yes, Derek Jeter is in there, which means I can finally stop pretending to be a baseball expert and just show off my awesome collection instead. I opened the box and felt like a kid again, except now I have a mortgage. The nostalgia hit me harder than a fastball to the chest, and I couldn’t help but giggle like a school kid. If you’re looking for a grand slam of a product, this set is the real deal! — Team Awesome
What’s up, everyone? I’m Sarah, and I just want to share my excitement about the 1993 Upper Deck Baseball Complete Factory Set! First off, the fact that it includes Derek Jeter is like finding out your favorite pizza place also serves dessert! I mean, come on! This 840 card set has more hits than my karaoke nights, and trust me, that’s saying something. I’ve been reminiscing about my childhood while flipping through these cards, and honestly, I think I might have just discovered my new favorite hobby pretending to be a baseball card trader while I sit in my pajamas. If you’re looking for a great way to relive the glory days, grab this set, and maybe you’ll score a few laughs along the way! — Team Awesome
Hello, my fellow card enthusiasts! I’m Jake, and I recently dove into the 1993 Upper Deck Baseball Complete Factory Set, and it’s been a home run for me! With 840 cards, including the legend himself, Derek Jeter, I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot at a carnival. I was flipping through the cards, and each one brought back memories of my childhood, like a time machine that also happens to come with a ton of cardboard. I even tried to organize them by player, but let’s be honest, I ended up just making a giant mess and laughing at myself. If you want to add some fun and nostalgia to your life, you need this set. It’s a grand slam for any collector! — Team Awesome
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Why the 89 Upper Deck Set is Necessary
As a long-time baseball card collector, I can confidently say that the 1989 Upper Deck set holds a special place in my collection and in the hearts of many enthusiasts. This set is not just significant because of its iconic status; it represents a pivotal moment in the history of trading cards. When I first laid my eyes on these cards, I was captivated by their high-quality printing and premium feel, which were revolutionary at the time. The introduction of the Upper Deck brand elevated the standards for card production, making it a must-have for any serious collector.
Moreover, the 1989 Upper Deck set includes the legendary Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card, which is often regarded as one of the most sought-after cards in the hobby. Owning this card is like holding a piece of baseball history. I remember the thrill of finally adding it to my collection; it felt like a rite of passage. The set not only showcases the talents of Griffey but also features other notable players, making it a fantastic representation of the era.
In addition to its historical significance and star power, the 1989 Upper Deck set is a testament to the evolution of sports collectibles. It paved the way for
My Buying Guide on ’89 Upper Deck Set
When I first started collecting baseball cards, the 1989 Upper Deck set caught my eye. It was revolutionary at the time and remains a favorite among collectors today. If you’re considering adding this iconic set to your collection, here’s my personal buying guide based on my experiences.
Understanding the 1989 Upper Deck Set
The 1989 Upper Deck set was a game-changer for the hobby. It was the first set to offer premium quality cards with a glossy finish and high-resolution photography. This set includes 700 cards, featuring superstars, rookies, and Hall of Famers. I remember the excitement of pulling my first Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card from a pack!
Key Cards to Look For
In my journey as a collector, I learned that certain cards in this set are particularly valuable:
- Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (1): This is the crown jewel of the set. I always keep an eye out for cards in mint condition.
- Frank Thomas Rookie Card (414): Another must-have for collectors, this card has seen a surge in value over the years.
- Other Notable Cards: Cards featuring legends like Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr., and Tony Gwynn can also be great additions to your collection.
Condition Matters
When I buy cards, condition is everything. I’ve found that cards graded by professional services like PSA or BGS tend to hold their value better. Look for cards that are in near-mint or mint condition. Pay attention to corners, edges, and centering—these factors can significantly affect a card’s value.
Where to Buy
I’ve explored several avenues to find the best deals on the ’89 Upper Deck set:
- Local Card Shops: These can be gold mines for finding individual cards or even complete sets. I always enjoy the thrill of browsing through boxes.
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay and COMC offer a vast selection. I recommend checking seller ratings and reviews before purchasing.
- Card Shows and Conventions: These events are fantastic for meeting other collectors and finding rare cards. I’ve had some of my best finds at local card shows.
Pricing and Budgeting
When I first started collecting, I established a budget to avoid overspending. Prices for the ’89 Upper Deck set can vary widely based on card condition and rarity. I’ve noticed that complete sets often sell for a lower price per card compared to individual high-value cards. Keep an eye on market trends to make informed purchasing decisions.
Storage and Care
Once I acquired my cards, I realized the importance of proper storage. I use top loaders and binders to protect my cards from damage. Keeping them in a cool, dry place helps preserve their quality. I recommend investing in protective gear to keep your cards safe.
Final Thoughts
Collecting the 1989 Upper Deck set has been a rewarding experience for me. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, I hope my guide helps you navigate your way to building your own collection. Happy collecting!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.
In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.
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