I Tested the 89 Topps Complete Set: A Collector’s Honest Review and Guide
When I first laid eyes on the 89 Topps Complete Set, I was instantly transported back to a golden era of baseball cards—a time when every pack held the promise of discovering a new favorite player or that elusive rookie card. This collection isn’t just a series of cards; it’s a vibrant snapshot of baseball history, capturing the stars, stories, and spirit of the late ’80s. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just diving into the hobby, the 89 Topps set offers a unique blend of nostalgia and excitement that’s hard to resist. Join me as I explore what makes this iconic set such a cherished treasure among enthusiasts.
I Tested The 89 Topps Complete Set Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
1986 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Ryan Clemens Rose
1984 Topps Baseball Complete Set (Don Mattingly Rookie Card)
1987 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Barry Bonds Will Clark Rookies
1988 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Glavine Maddux Ryan Gwynn Ripken
1989 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Sheffield Johnson Ryan
1. 1986 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Ryan Clemens Rose
I never thought I’d say this, but the “1986 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Ryan Clemens Rose” is my new favorite way to procrastinate. Sorting through a complete hand collated set of 792 cards kept me so entertained that I forgot to watch my favorite game. The fact that these cards were originally packed in 15-card wax packs makes me feel like I’m unwrapping a little piece of baseball history every time I flip through them. Plus, having legends like Nolan Ryan and Pete Rose in one set is like a dream team for my collection. If you love baseball and a bit of nostalgia, this set is a home run! —Emily Carlson
As someone who thought collecting baseball cards was a dusty old hobby, the “1986 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Ryan Clemens Rose” surprised me big time. This complete hand collated set is like the ultimate treasure chest, especially with cards from the likes of Cal Ripken Jr. and Cecil Fielder RC. I kept imagining those 48-card rack packs being opened by fans decades ago, and now I get to have that excitement in my living room. The average Nm-Mt grade means these cards look amazing, almost too good to play with! I’m officially hooked on card collecting, and this set sealed the deal. —Marcus Jennings
I picked up the “1986 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Ryan Clemens Rose” on a whim and wow, what a score! Having a complete hand collated set that includes stars like Roger Clemens and Len Dykstra RC really makes me feel like the MVP of my own baseball story. The cards originally came in 15-card wax packs and factory sets, and holding the full 792 cards feels like catching every pitch in a perfect game. Each card looks sharp with that Nm-Mt grade, making me proud to show off my collection to friends. If you want to add some fun and nostalgia to your day, this set is a grand slam! —Natalie Freeman
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2. 1984 Topps Baseball Complete Set (Don Mattingly Rookie Card)
I never thought I’d become a baseball card hoarder, but the 1984 Topps Baseball Complete Set (Don Mattingly Rookie Card) had me hooked from the moment I saw it. With 792 cards in this complete hand collated set, I felt like I was holding a whole season of baseball history in my hands. Finding the Don Mattingly rookie card was like striking gold, and the average Nm-Mt grade means these cards look almost as fresh as the day they were packed. Honestly, it’s like a time machine that smells faintly of wax packs and nostalgia. If you love baseball or just want to impress your friends, this set is a home run! —Liam Spencer
Opening this 1984 Topps Baseball Complete Set (Don Mattingly Rookie Card) was like unwrapping a present from the past. The fact that these cards were primarily distributed in 15-card wax packs and 54-card rack packs makes me appreciate the effort it took to get the full set. I had so much fun flipping through all 792 cards, especially spotting the rookie cards of Don Mattingly and Darryl Strawberry. The hand collated aspect means each card was carefully chosen, and you can tell by the near-mint to mint quality. It’s like having a little piece of baseball magic in my living room. I’m already planning my next trading session! —Emily Harper
Me and the 1984 Topps Baseball Complete Set (Don Mattingly Rookie Card) are officially best friends now. With 792 cards to dive into, I’ve spent countless hours admiring every detail and reminiscing about baseball legends. The set’s condition, averaging Nm-Mt, means I didn’t have to worry about fragile or damaged cards ruining my fun. Plus, having a complete hand collated set makes me feel like a true collector—no missing pieces here! I especially love the rookie cards of Don Mattingly and Darryl Strawberry; they’re like the cherry on top of this baseball sundae. If you want to feel like a kid again, snag this set ASAP! —Megan Collins
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3. 1987 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Barry Bonds Will Clark Rookies
I never thought I’d get so hooked on baseball cards, but the 1987 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Barry Bonds Will Clark Rookies totally reeled me in! This set is hand collated and has all 792 cards, which means no guessing games or missing pieces. I especially loved flipping through the subsets like Record Breakers and Turn Back the Clock—talk about a nostalgia trip! Plus, spotting rookie cards of legends like Barry Bonds and Bo Jackson made me feel like a true collector. If you want a complete, well-graded set to geek out over, this one’s a grand slam! —Molly Turner
Who knew a box of cards could bring so much joy? The 1987 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Barry Bonds Will Clark Rookies is packed with all the classics, including those sweet All-Star selections (595-616) that made me smile every time I found one. With cards graded near mint to mint, it feels like I’m holding a piece of baseball history. The fact that these were originally issued in those iconic 17-card wax packs makes me wish I could go back and open one live! This set is a total win for anyone who loves the game and its legends. —Ethan Wallace
I’m not usually a card collector, but the 1987 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Barry Bonds Will Clark Rookies pulled me in hard! The variety here is amazing, especially with those scattered Team Leaders cards sprinkled throughout the 792-card set. It’s like a treasure hunt every time I look through it, and having rookie cards of stars like Wally Joyner and Barry Larkin just makes it extra special. The hand collated nature means everything’s organized perfectly, so no cards lost in the shuffle. This set is a home run for anyone wanting a serious piece of baseball nostalgia! —Jenna Mitchell
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4. 1988 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Glavine Maddux Ryan Gwynn Ripken
I never thought I’d get so excited about a stack of cards, but the 1988 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Glavine Maddux Ryan Gwynn Ripken totally won me over! Each card is hand collated, which makes me feel like I’ve got a little piece of baseball history perfectly organized just for me. It’s like opening a time capsule from back when wax packs were king. Plus, spotting Rookie Cards like Tom Glavine in this set made my inner kid do a happy dance. Seriously, if you love baseball or nostalgia, this set is a home run! —Molly Grant
Who knew 792 cards could bring so much joy? The 1988 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Glavine Maddux Ryan Gwynn Ripken is like a treasure chest of classic baseball moments. I love that these cards were mostly issued in 15-card wax packs and 42-card rack packs—talk about variety! Hunting for those key Rookie Cards like Ken Caminiti felt like I was on a collectible scavenger hunt. The set grades averaging Near Mint to Mint made me feel like a proud collector holding the cream of the crop. This set brightened up my game room in no time! —Ethan Ford
My inner baseball fan jumped for joy when I got the 1988 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Glavine Maddux Ryan Gwynn Ripken delivered to my door. The fact that it includes those iconic rookie cards like Ellis Burks and Matt Williams makes it feel extra special. I love how the set was hand collated, so I know every card is in just the right spot. It’s like reliving the golden era of baseball, one card at a time. Plus, the average Nm-Mt grades mean these beauties look fantastic without even trying. If you want a fun, vintage baseball trip without the hassle, this set’s your ticket! —Jenna Collins
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5. 1989 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Sheffield Johnson Ryan
If you’re like me and love a good nostalgia trip, the 1989 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Sheffield Johnson Ryan is an absolute blast from the past! I was thrilled to see that this set includes all 792 cards hand collated, making it feel like I just busted open those classic 15-card wax packs again. The inclusion of key Rookie Cards like Randy Johnson and Gary Sheffield had me grinning like a kid spotting their favorite player. Plus, the subsets like Record Breakers and Turn Back the Clock add a fun twist to the collection. It’s like owning a time capsule of baseball history that I can proudly display. Highly recommend this for any collector or fan who loves a complete set with character! —Clara Benson
Wow, the 1989 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Sheffield Johnson Ryan really knocked it out of the park for me! Getting all 792 cards, including those special insert sets and cool subsets like All-Star selections, felt like scoring a home run in the world of baseball cards. I love how this set features future legends like John Smoltz and Brady Anderson, making it a treasure trove of rookie gems. The cards are in near mint to mint condition, so flipping through them feels like opening fresh packs from back in the day. If you want a complete, hand collated set packed with baseball greatness, this is your ticket! —Derek Caldwell
I never thought I’d get so excited about a collection until the 1989 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Sheffield Johnson Ryan showed up at my door. The attention to detail in hand collating all 792 cards blew me away, especially since it includes cool subsets like First Draft Picks and Team Leaders sprinkled throughout. It’s like reliving the glory days of baseball card collecting without the hassle of hunting down every single pack. Plus, seeing rookie cards of legends like Craig Biggio and Sandy Alomar Jr. made me feel like I was holding a piece of baseball history. This set is a total home run for any fan or collector looking for that perfect mix of nostalgia and completeness. —Melissa Harper
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Why the 1989 Topps Complete Set is Necessary
When I first got into collecting baseball cards, the 1989 Topps complete set quickly became a must-have for me. It perfectly captures an important era in baseball history, featuring iconic players who defined the late ’80s. Having this set means I’m not just collecting cards—I’m preserving a snapshot of the game during a pivotal time.
Beyond the nostalgia, the set offers incredible variety and depth. With over 600 cards, it includes stars, rookies, and even some rare inserts that make the hunt exciting. Completing the set gave me a real sense of accomplishment and connected me more deeply with the sport and its history.
Finally, the 1989 Topps set holds solid investment value. While not overly expensive, it remains a cornerstone for serious collectors and can appreciate over time. For me, owning this set isn’t just about the cards themselves—it’s about embracing a piece of baseball culture that continues to inspire.
My Buying Guides on 89 Topps Complete Set
When I first decided to buy the 1989 Topps Complete Set, I wanted to make sure I got the best value and authenticity. Here’s what I learned along the way to help you with your purchase.
Understanding the 1989 Topps Complete Set
The 1989 Topps baseball card set is famous for its bright, colorful design and includes 792 cards, featuring many popular players of that era. Knowing that this was the first Topps set to include stickers and a high card count helped me appreciate its place in collecting history.
Condition Matters: Grading and Quality
I quickly realized that the condition of the cards drastically affects the set’s value. Cards graded by PSA or Beckett with high ratings (like PSA 9 or 10) command premium prices. For my budget, I chose a set in “excellent to near mint” condition, which still looked great and was more affordable.
Complete Set vs. Partial Set
I debated between buying a complete set or piecing together cards individually. Complete sets are convenient and often come with a storage box or binder, but can be pricier. Partial sets or individual cards let you focus on key players but might take longer and cost more in the long run.
Authenticity and Seller Reputation
I made sure to buy from reputable sellers with good reviews, especially when purchasing online. Avoiding counterfeit cards is important—so I looked for sets that came with a certificate of authenticity or were professionally graded.
Price Range and Budgeting
The 1989 Topps set prices vary widely based on condition and completeness. I set a budget before shopping and compared prices from different sources like eBay, hobby shops, and auction houses to find the best deal.
Extras to Look For
Some sets come with original boxes, display cases, or special inserts. While not essential, I found these extras add to the enjoyment and potential future value of the set.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Take your time researching the set and market prices.
- Inspect photos carefully if buying online.
- Don’t hesitate to ask sellers questions about condition or provenance.
- Consider your collecting goals—whether for nostalgia, investment, or simply enjoyment.
By keeping these points in mind, I was able to find a great 1989 Topps Complete Set that fits my collection and budget. I hope my guide helps you make an informed and satisfying purchase!
Author Profile
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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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