1989 Fleer Baseball Cards Most Valuable (PSA 10 Values)
The 1989 Fleer set is one of the most infamous and iconic releases of the junk wax era. While most cards from the set are readily available, a few rare errors, print variations, and rookie cards have surged in collector value—especially in pristine PSA 10 condition.
Below are the most valuable cards in the 1989 Fleer baseball set, ranked by their latest PSA 10 values or scarcity. From the legendary Bill Ripken error card saga to rookie cards of all-time greats, this list highlights the quirks and stars that make this set unforgettable.
1. Bill Ripken (Scribbled Out in White) #616
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $4,915.87 (February, 2025)
PSA 10 Population: 14
Significance: This rare white scribble variation is one of the most elusive fixes to the infamous Ripken bat knob error. Fleer tried several methods to obscure the obscenity printed on Ripken's bat, and this version—with a white scribble digitally applied—was distributed in extremely limited quantities. Bill Ripken, the brother of Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., had a respectable MLB career as a utility infielder, but this card’s value has far more to do with the error’s cultural legacy than his stats.
2. Bill Ripken (Whited Out Vulgarity) #616
Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $4,000 (May, 2024)
PSA 10 Population: 16
Significance: Another censorship attempt, this version features a white box cleanly covering the vulgar phrase. Despite multiple corrections, each variant has become a collectible curiosity. Ripken's career included over 900 MLB games, but his claim to cardboard fame remains the hobby’s most famous error card.
3. Randy Johnson (Marlboro Ad on Scoreboard) #381 (Rookie)
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $900–$1,300
PSA 10 Population: 108
Significance: This variation shows a visible Marlboro cigarette advertisement on the scoreboard in the background—a detail quickly edited out in later print runs. Johnson, a towering left-hander, went on to win 303 games, five Cy Young Awards, and strike out over 4,800 batters. He's a Hall of Famer and one of the most dominant pitchers of all time, making this rookie card—especially with the ad—highly desirable.
4. Bill Ripken (FF Error) #616
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $600–$750
PSA 10 Population: 2,884
Significance: The original uncensored version that started it all. This card features the full expletive printed on the bat knob, supposedly as a clubhouse prank. It's one of the most notorious error cards ever printed and has become a rite of passage for collectors of 1980s baseball. The high population reflects its mass production before Fleer began altering it.
5. Bill Ripken (Black Scribble Over Error) #616
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $300–$500
PSA 10 Population: 281
Significance: This version was another censorship attempt, using a thick black marker scribble to obscure the profanity. It's less rare than the white versions but still considerably lower in population than the uncensored or black box editions. Its value lies in being one of the more visually jarring fixes in this now legendary error series.
6. Randy Johnson (Ad Partially Obscured) #381 (Rookie)
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $100–$200
PSA 10 Population: 306
Significance: This transitional version partially fades or obscures the Marlboro ad, a step in Fleer’s editing process. While not as rare as the full ad version, it’s still sought after for those building a master Johnson rookie run. Johnson’s long career included a perfect game, World Series MVP, and a lasting fear in batters everywhere.
7. Ken Griffey Jr. #548 (Rookie)
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $125–$175
PSA 10 Population: 5,690
Significance: “The Kid” needs no introduction. Griffey was one of the most electrifying players of the 1990s, combining power, speed, defense, and charisma. A 13-time All-Star and Hall of Famer, his rookie cards are foundational in the hobby. While his Fleer rookie isn’t as iconic as his 1989 Upper Deck, it remains a must-have.
8. Bill Ripken (Black Box Over Error) #616
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $75–$150
PSA 10 Population: 1,135
Significance: This is the most common correction, featuring a solid black rectangle over the bat knob. It was the standard fix distributed after the error was discovered. While not rare, it still carries novelty value thanks to the broader saga of this card’s evolution—and Ripken’s place in hobby history.
9. Jeff Treadway Error (w/ Target) #173
Most Recent PSA 9 Sale: $120.50 (October, 2024)
Estimated PSA 10 Value: No Recent Sales Data
PSA 10 Population: 4
Significance: This obscure printing error shows a bullseye-like target on the card, likely a result of pre-production alignment markings. Treadway had a decent MLB career as a second baseman with a .281 lifetime average, but this card’s value is driven by rarity and printing oddity—not on-field accomplishments.
10. Nolan Ryan #368
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$60
PSA 10 Population: 700
Significance: One of the most legendary pitchers in baseball history, Nolan Ryan’s cards are always collectible. He holds records for most strikeouts (5,714), no-hitters (7), and perhaps the most intimidating fastball in MLB history. This card features Ryan during his Houston Astros days and remains a budget-friendly favorite for collectors chasing greatness.
11. Randy Johnson (Ad Completely Blacked Out) #381 (Rookie)
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$50
PSA 10 Population: 1,685
12. Bo Jackson #285
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$45
PSA 10 Population: 293
13. Jose Canseco #5
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$40
PSA 10 Population: 52
14. Don Mattingly #258
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35
PSA 10 Population: 198
15. Triple A's (Canseco, Steinbach, McGwire) #634
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35
PSA 10 Population: 63
16. Rickey Henderson #254
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$35
PSA 10 Population: 174
17. Darryl Strawberry #49
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$35
PSA 10 Population: 59
18. Greg Maddux #431
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$35
PSA 10 Population: 90
19. Ryne Sandberg #437
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$35
PSA 10 Population: 95
20. Barry Bonds #202
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$35
PSA 10 Population: 288
21. Mark McGwire #17
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$35
PSA 10 Population: 142
22. Cal Ripken Jr. #617
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $25–$35
PSA 10 Population: 183
23. Ozzie Smith #463
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $25–$35
PSA 10 Population: 73
24. Tony Gwynn #305
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30
PSA 10 Population: 125
25. Kirby Puckett #124
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30
PSA 10 Population: 66
26. Speed And Power Jose Canseco #628
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30
PSA 10 Population: 65
27. Mike Schmidt #582
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $25–$30
PSA 10 Population: 164
28. John Smoltz #602 (Rookie)
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $20–$25
PSA 10 Population: 1,482
29. Gary Sheffield #196 (Rookie)
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $20–$25
PSA 10 Population: 817
30. Craig Biggio #353 (Rookie)
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $20–$25
PSA 10 Population: 997
31. Roger Clemens #85
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $20–$25
PSA 10 Population: 132
Final Thoughts
The 1989 Fleer set is a perfect storm of era-defining rookies, legendary errors, and unexpected rarities. Whether you're chasing Griffey and Johnson or diving into the Bill Ripken variation rabbit hole, this set offers a little something for every type of collector.
