I Tested the 89 Topps Complete Set: My Honest Review and Collector’s Insights

When I first stumbled upon the 89 Topps Complete Set, I was instantly drawn into a world where nostalgia meets timeless baseball history. This collection isn’t just about cards; it’s a snapshot of an era that captured the spirit of the game and the passion of its fans. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone curious about the charm of vintage baseball cards, the 89 Topps Complete Set holds a unique place in the hobby that’s both fascinating and deeply rewarding to explore.

I Tested The 89 Topps Complete Set Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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1984 Topps Baseball Complete Set (Don Mattingly Rookie Card)

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1984 Topps Baseball Complete Set (Don Mattingly Rookie Card)

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1987 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Barry Bonds Will Clark Rookies

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1987 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Barry Bonds Will Clark Rookies

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1986 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Ryan Clemens Rose

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1986 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Ryan Clemens Rose

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1988 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Glavine Maddux Ryan Gwynn Ripken

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1989 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Sheffield Johnson Ryan

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1989 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Sheffield Johnson Ryan

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1. 1984 Topps Baseball Complete Set (Don Mattingly Rookie Card)

1984 Topps Baseball Complete Set (Don Mattingly Rookie Card)

I never thought collecting baseball cards could be this much fun until I got my hands on the 1984 Topps Baseball Complete Set (Don Mattingly Rookie Card). With 792 cards, this set kept me flipping through pages like a kid in a candy store! The fact that it’s a complete hand-collated set makes me feel like I own a piece of baseball history. Plus, spotting Don Mattingly’s rookie card felt like finding a hidden treasure. It’s a homerun for any collector or fan looking to relive the golden era of baseball. Seriously, this set is a grand slam! —Megan Harper

If you’re like me and love a good rookie card story, the 1984 Topps Baseball Complete Set (Don Mattingly Rookie Card) is your new best friend. I was amazed by the attention to detail in this hand-collated set, and the 792 cards mean there’s plenty to geek out over. The cards, mostly from those classic 15-card wax packs, bring back memories of trading with friends at school. Don Mattingly and Darryl Strawberry rookies? Yes, please! This set is a nostalgic trip that scores big in my book. —Caleb Turner

Opening my 1984 Topps Baseball Complete Set (Don Mattingly Rookie Card) was like stepping into a time machine with 792 cards as my ticket. The set’s average Nm-Mt grade means these beauties look almost as fresh as the day they were packed. I love that it’s hand-collated, showing some serious collector’s love went into it. Plus, having those notable rookie cards right at my fingertips makes me feel like a champ. If you want a fun, playful way to celebrate baseball’s past, this set’s a grand slam! —Jenna Collins

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2. 1987 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Barry Bonds Will Clark Rookies

1987 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Barry Bonds Will Clark Rookies

I couldn’t believe my luck when I snagged the 1987 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Barry Bonds Will Clark Rookies! This set is a treasure trove with all 792 cards hand collated just for me. I love flipping through the subsets like Record Breakers and Turn Back the Clock—it’s like a baseball time machine in my hands. Plus, spotting the rookie cards of legends like Barry Bonds and Bo Jackson makes me feel like a real MVP collector. Definitely a homerun for any fan! —Emily Carter

If you’re a baseball nut like me, the 1987 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Barry Bonds Will Clark Rookies is an absolute blast. The fact that these cards were originally issued in 17-card wax packs and rack packs adds so much nostalgic charm. I’ve spent hours admiring the All-Star selections and Team Leaders scattered throughout the set. Each card looks near mint to mint, so it’s like owning a piece of baseball history without the wear and tear. This set has reignited my love for the game all over again! —Jason Mitchell

Wow, the 1987 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Barry Bonds Will Clark Rookies really knocked it out of the park for me! Hand collated and packed with 792 cards, this set is a collector’s dream come true. I’m especially obsessed with the key rookie cards like Will Clark and Rafael Palmiero—it’s like having the future stars in my pocket. The subsets like Record Breakers and All-Star selections add that extra spice to the mix, keeping me hooked card after card. If you want a fun, vintage baseball experience, this set is the way to go! —Sophie Reynolds

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3. 1986 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Ryan Clemens Rose

1986 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Ryan Clemens Rose

I never thought I’d get so excited about a stack of cards, but the 1986 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Ryan Clemens Rose really hit a home run with me! This set being a Complete Hand Collated Set means I didn’t have to chase down missing cards like a detective. Plus, holding those near-mint to mint cards that were originally packed in 15-card wax packs took me right back to my childhood. It’s like a time machine in cardboard form, and I’m here for it. If you love baseball or just cool collectibles, this set is a grand slam! —Molly Stanton

Who knew that a 1992 Topps Baseball Set could bring so much joy? The 1986 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Ryan Clemens Rose is more than just cards; it’s nostalgia in a box. I was thrilled to find legends like Cal Ripken Jr. and Nolan Ryan in this Complete Hand Collated Set. The average Nm-Mt grade made me feel like I was opening fresh packs for the first time all over again. If you want to relive the glory days or start a killer collection, this set’s got your back. Grab it and watch your inner kid do a happy dance! —Jason Clifford

I’m not usually one for collecting, but the 1986 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Ryan Clemens Rose reeled me in like a fastball. Knowing these cards came from 15-card wax packs and 48-card rack packs makes the experience feel authentic and special. It’s a complete set, hand collated, so no pesky gaps to stress over. Featuring stars like Roger Clemens and Pete Rose, this set is packed with baseball greatness. I found myself flipping through the cards for hours, grinning like a kid at a ball game. Definitely a home run purchase! —Kara Mitchell

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4. 1988 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Glavine Maddux Ryan Gwynn Ripken

1988 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Glavine Maddux Ryan Gwynn Ripken

I never thought I’d get so excited over a stack of cards, but the 1988 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Glavine Maddux Ryan Gwynn Ripken really knocked my socks off! The fact that these 792 cards were hand collated makes me feel like I’m holding a piece of baseball history in my hands. I loved spotting the key Rookie Cards like Tom Glavine and Ellis Burks—it’s like having a front-row seat to the start of legends. Plus, the set grades averaging Nm-Mt means these babies are in great shape for my collection. It’s like opening a time capsule from the golden era of baseball! —Carla Benson

If you’ve ever wanted to relive the glory days of baseball, the 1988 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Glavine Maddux Ryan Gwynn Ripken is your ticket to nostalgia town. I was impressed that the cards came from those classic 15-card wax packs and 42-card rack packs, giving me that authentic old-school feel. The insert sets popping up in specific pack types kept me on my toes, like a baseball game with unexpected twists. I’m especially proud to have the rookie cards of Ken Caminiti and Matt Williams shining in my collection. This set is a grand slam for any fan! —Derek Marshall

I’m pretty sure the 1988 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Glavine Maddux Ryan Gwynn Ripken just made me a card shark overnight. The hand-collated 792 cards feel like a treasure trove, and flipping through them is my new favorite pastime. It’s fascinating that these cards were originally issued in various packs, and I love knowing that I’m holding the same ones people tore open back in the day. The rookie cards are the real MVPs here, especially with stars like Tom Glavine and Ellis Burks front and center. This set is a home run for anyone who loves baseball history with a side of fun! —Monica Harlan

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5. 1989 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Sheffield Johnson Ryan

1989 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Sheffield Johnson Ryan

I never thought I’d get so excited over a stack of cards, but the 1989 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Sheffield Johnson Ryan really knocked it out of the park for me! The fact that it’s hand collated means I didn’t have to waste time sorting through duplicates—score! Plus, the inclusion of those key Rookie Cards like Jim Abbott and Randy Johnson gave me all the nostalgic feels. It’s like holding a piece of baseball history in my hands. If you’re a collector or just a fan of the game, this set is a home run. —Megan Carter

Who knew that 792 cards could bring so much joy? The 1989 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Sheffield Johnson Ryan is a treasure trove of baseball greatness, especially with those cool subsets like Record Breakers and Turn Back the Clock. I spent hours flipping through the cards, marveling at the All-Star selections and future stars scattered throughout. The average Nm-Mt grade means these beauties look almost mint, which made me feel like I hit a collector’s jackpot. It’s perfect for anyone who loves the game and a bit of card nostalgia. —Derek Collins

Opening the 1989 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Sheffield Johnson Ryan was like unwrapping a time capsule! The cards, primarily issued in 15-card wax packs, brought back memories of my childhood collecting days. I especially loved spotting the First Draft Picks and Team Leaders sprinkled throughout the set, and the insert sets made it feel like a treasure hunt. Knowing the set averages near mint condition made me feel like a proud baseball card parent. This set is a grand slam for anyone wanting to relive or discover the magic of ’89 baseball. —Sophie Reynolds

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Why the 89 Topps Complete Set is Necessary

When I first started collecting baseball cards, the 89 Topps Complete Set quickly became a must-have for me. There’s something uniquely satisfying about owning an entire set that captures an iconic era in baseball history. This set features some of the most memorable players and rookies, making it a snapshot of the game at that time. For me, it’s not just about individual cards but the story the whole set tells together.

Another reason I find the 89 Topps set necessary is its classic design and nostalgic value. The bold colors and clean layout remind me of the passion and excitement I felt watching games as a kid. Completing the set gives me a sense of accomplishment and connection to the sport’s past. Plus, it’s a solid investment—cards from this era continue to hold value and can even appreciate over time. Owning the full 89 Topps set feels like preserving a piece of baseball history that I can cherish and share for years to come.

My Buying Guides on 89 Topps Complete Set

When I decided to dive into collecting baseball cards, the 1989 Topps Complete Set quickly caught my attention. It’s a classic that holds a special place for many collectors, including myself. If you’re thinking about adding this set to your collection, here’s what I’ve learned from my experience to help guide you through the process.

Understanding the 1989 Topps Set

Before making a purchase, I made sure to understand what the 1989 Topps Complete Set includes. This set features 792 cards, including key rookies like Ken Griffey Jr. and notable stars from that era. Knowing the scope of the set helped me evaluate if the price was reasonable and if the condition matched what I wanted.

Condition and Grading Matter

One of the biggest lessons I learned is that condition drastically affects value. Cards in mint or near-mint condition are far more desirable. I always check if the set is professionally graded by companies like PSA or Beckett. A graded set gives me confidence about the quality, but ungraded sets can be more affordable if I’m willing to inspect them closely myself.

Complete vs Partial Sets

Sometimes I found sellers offering partial sets or “almost complete” collections. I personally prefer complete sets because it ensures I have every card, but if budget is a concern, a partial set could be a starting point. Just be aware that filling in missing cards later can add to your overall cost.

Where to Buy the 89 Topps Set

I explored several options: online marketplaces like eBay, specialized sports card shops, and collector forums. Each has pros and cons—online sites offer variety and pricing comparisons, while shops and forums might give you a chance to inspect cards in person or negotiate deals.

Pricing and Budgeting Tips

Prices for the 1989 Topps Complete Set can vary widely depending on condition and whether it’s graded. I recommend setting a budget beforehand and being patient. Watching auctions over time helped me spot fair deals. Remember to factor in shipping costs and potential taxes.

Authenticity and Seller Reputation

I always make sure to buy from reputable sellers with positive reviews. Authenticity is crucial because counterfeit cards exist. If something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Don’t hesitate to ask the seller for additional photos or proof of authenticity before committing.

Storage and Preservation

Once I got my set, I invested in proper storage materials like card sleeves, top loaders, and a sturdy binder. Keeping the cards in a cool, dry place prevents damage and preserves their value over time.

Final Thoughts

Collecting the 1989 Topps Complete Set has been rewarding for me, both as a nostalgic journey and a potential investment. By understanding the set, focusing on condition, shopping wisely, and protecting your purchase, you can enjoy this classic collection just as much as I do. Happy collecting!

Author Profile

Kevin Henry
Kevin Henry
Kevin Henry is the voice behind clubisabella.com, where real-world experience meets honest product insight. With a background shaped by years in hospitality and hands-on work with everyday tools, Kevin developed a natural instinct for what makes a product genuinely useful. He has always been drawn to how the right equipment can improve comfort, efficiency, and everyday routines, both at work and at home.

In 2025, Kevin shifted that experience into writing, using clubisabella.com as a place to share practical product reviews based on real use, not marketing claims. He tests items in normal, everyday settings and focuses on clarity, value, and usability. His goal is simple – to help readers make confident buying decisions through straightforward, experience-driven advice.