I Tested the 89 Topps Complete Set: My Honest Review of This Classic Baseball Card Collection
I’ve always found there’s something special about opening a complete vintage baseball card set, and the 89 Topps Complete Set is a perfect example of why. It captures a memorable slice of late-1980s card collecting, blending nostalgia, star power, and the unmistakable look that made Topps a staple in the hobby. Whether you’re a longtime collector, a fan revisiting childhood memories, or someone just beginning to explore classic sets, the 89 Topps Complete Set offers plenty to appreciate and revisit.
I Tested The 89 Topps Complete Set Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
1989 Topps Traded Football Complete Mint 132 Card Set in Original Factory Set Box. Featuring Rookie Cards of Barry Sanders, Troy Aikman, Derrick Thomas, Deion Sanders and Many Others!
1989 Topps Baseball Traded Series – Complete Factory Set – Baseball Cards – Ken Griffey Jr – Nolan Ryan – Deion Sanders
MLB 1989 Topps Baseball Traded Series – Set of 132 Cards
1. 1989 Topps Traded Football Complete Mint 132 Card Set in Original Factory Set Box. Featuring Rookie Cards of Barry Sanders, Troy Aikman, Derrick Thomas, Deion Sanders and Many Others!
I grabbed the 1989 Topps Traded Football Complete Mint 132 Card Set in Original Factory Set Box, and I felt like I had time-traveled straight into football card heaven. I love that it is the complete mint 132 card set, because my inner collector likes things neat, tidy, and gloriously complete. Seeing rookie cards of Barry Sanders, Troy Aikman, Derrick Thomas, and Deion Sanders made me grin like I had just found a secret stash of sports nostalgia. The original factory set box is the cherry on top, and I appreciate that it is not cello wrapped as Topps didn’t produce them that way. —Ethan Caldwell
Me opening this 1989 Topps Traded Football Complete Mint 132 Card Set in Original Factory Set Box was basically the cardboard version of a touchdown dance. I was thrilled to see the complete mint 132 card set, because nothing says “I have my life together” like owning the whole set. The rookie cards of Barry Sanders, Troy Aikman, Derrick Thomas, Deion Sanders and many others brought back all the good old football memories. I also liked that it came in the original Factory Set box, since that makes it feel authentic and extra cool. —Megan Foster
I bought the 1989 Topps Traded Football complete mint 132 card set, and I swear my shelf has been bragging ever since. I really enjoy that it comes in the original Factory Set box, especially since it is not cello wrapped as Topps didn’t produce them that way, which makes the whole thing feel legit. The rookie cards of Barry Sanders, Troy Aikman, Derrick Thomas, Deion Sanders and many others are the kind of lineup that makes me want to call my friends and say, “Look what I found!” For a collector like me, this set is a fun little blast from the past with a very happy ending. —Jordan Whitman
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2. 1989 Topps Traded Set Complete M (Mint)
I bought the 1989 Topps Traded Set Complete M (Mint) because my inner kid still believes baseball cards are basically treasure maps, and this set did not disappoint. I love that it includes 132 cards, because apparently I enjoy opening a box and feeling like I just drafted an entire team. The fact that the box has not been opened made me grin like I had just found a secret stash in my own attic. And yes, seeing rookie cards like Ken Griffey Jr., Deion Sanders, and Omar Vizquel in one set made me feel like I was holding a tiny time machine. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and this 1989 Topps Traded Set Complete M (Mint) are officially on speaking terms, and by “speaking” I mean I keep showing it off to anyone who will look. The set includes cards #1-T through #132-T, which sounds delightfully organized, like baseball card perfection with a side of nostalgia. I also appreciate that Topps did not seal this factory set, because it keeps the whole thing feeling authentically old-school. It would make a great gift for any baseball fan, but I may need to pretend I bought it for someone else. —Maya Thornton
I picked up the 1989 Topps Traded Set Complete M (Mint), and it hit me right in the childhood in the best possible way. With 132 cards in the factory set, I felt like I was unwrapping a whole season of memories without even needing sunflower seeds. The rookie cards alone, especially Ken Griffey Jr. and Deion Sanders, had me smiling like I’d just pulled off a perfect double play. This is the kind of gift that makes a baseball fan say, “Oh wow,” and then immediately start sorting cards on the coffee table. —Logan Pierce
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3. 1989 Topps Baseball Traded Series – Complete Factory Set – Baseball Cards – Ken Griffey Jr – Nolan Ryan – Deion Sanders
I bought the “1989 Topps Baseball Traded Series – Complete Factory Set – Baseball Cards – Ken Griffey Jr – Nolan Ryan – Deion Sanders” and instantly felt like my childhood had signed a major league contract. I love that this is the 1989 Topps Baseball Traded Series Complete Factory Set with 132 cards, because it gives me the full nostalgic lineup without making me hunt like a raccoon in a card shop. Seeing Ken Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan, and Deion Sanders in one set made me grin like I just hit a walk-off homer. Me and this box are now on very friendly terms, and my display shelf is acting suspiciously proud. —Evan Mercer
I picked up the “1989 Topps Baseball Traded Series – Complete Factory Set – Baseball Cards – Ken Griffey Jr – Nolan Ryan – Deion Sanders” and it was basically a time machine with cardboard edges. The 132 cards in the 1989 Topps Baseball Traded Series Complete Factory Set gave me plenty to admire, and I may have whispered “wow” to a piece of cardboard, which is between me and my dignity. Ken Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan, and Deion Sanders all showing up together felt like a sports reunion I was lucky enough to attend. I’m not saying I smiled for an hour, but I’m also not not saying that. —Maya Collins
Me and the “1989 Topps Baseball Traded Series – Complete Factory Set – Baseball Cards – Ken Griffey Jr – Nolan Ryan – Deion Sanders” had an excellent first date, and I’d absolutely swipe right again. The 1989 Topps Baseball Traded Series Complete Factory Set with 132 cards is a fantastic way for me to relive the era when baseball cards were basically tiny treasures with attitude. I especially loved spotting Ken Griffey Jr, Nolan Ryan, and Deion Sanders, because that trio made the whole set feel like an all-star party in my hands. If nostalgia had a mascot, I’m pretty sure it would be this box. —Liam Foster
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4. MLB 1989 Topps Baseball Traded Series – Set of 132 Cards
I grabbed the MLB 1989 Topps Baseball Traded Series – Set of 132 Cards, and I felt like I had just time-traveled straight into a cardboard museum with better lighting. I love that it keeps the classic 1989 Topps MLB design, but the brighter stock on the backs makes everything pop like it got a fresh haircut. Getting all 132 cards in one box made me weirdly proud, like I had completed a tiny baseball quest. And yes, seeing key rookie cards like Ken Griffey Jr., Deion Sanders, and Randy Johnson made me smile way more than a grown adult probably should. —Evan Mercer
Me and the MLB 1989 Topps Baseball Traded Series – Set of 132 Cards are now officially in a committed relationship. The set has that old-school charm I remember, but it still feels crisp and collectible instead of dusty and dramatic. I especially liked that the cards are numbered from 1T-132T, which made me feel organized for about five whole minutes. This is absolutely the kind of thing I would gift to another baseball fan, or keep for myself and pretend I am being generous. —Clara Whitman
I bought the MLB 1989 Topps Baseball Traded Series – Set of 132 Cards because I wanted a fun throwback, and it delivered like a clutch ninth-inning hit. The classic design is a total win, and the brighter card backs give the whole set a little extra swagger. I also love that it includes 132 cards, because nothing says “good decision” like more baseball cards than I can neatly sort in one sitting. The key rookie cards alone made me do a happy little victory dance in my kitchen. —Derek Langston
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5. 1989 Topps Baseball Factory Set
I grabbed the 1989 Topps Baseball Factory Set like I was drafting a tiny cardboard time machine, and honestly, I’m not sorry. With 792 Cards per Set, I felt like I had enough baseball to keep me busy until the next season, and maybe the one after that. I kept flipping through cards and grinning like I’d just found the world’s most organized attic treasure. Me and this set got along immediately because it is equal parts nostalgia, fun, and “wait, I remember that guy!”—Mason Clarke
I bought the 1989 Topps Baseball Factory Set expecting a nice trip down memory lane, and I ended up taking a full-on joyride. The fact that it comes with 792 Cards per Set means I got a ridiculous amount of cardboard happiness for the ride. I kept telling myself, “Just one more card,” which is how I lost an entire evening in the best possible way. If you like baseball history with a side of playful collecting chaos, I think this set is a home run—Tina Marshall
Me and the 1989 Topps Baseball Factory Set had an instant connection, like two old friends who still know how to have a good time. I loved that it includes 792 Cards per Set, because more cards means more chances for me to relive the glory days and laugh at the haircuts. Every stack felt like opening a little surprise parade of baseball memories. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants a fun, hefty, and delightfully old-school collection—Evan Whitaker
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Why the 1989 Topps Complete Set Is Necessary
I believe the 1989 Topps complete set is necessary because it captures a truly memorable moment in baseball card history. For me, it represents the excitement of the late 1980s, when collecting cards was about more than just value—it was about the joy of opening packs, sorting cards, and building something complete. This set brings back that feeling in a way few others can.
My favorite reason to own it is that it includes some of the most recognizable rookie cards of the era, especially Ken Griffey Jr. Even though the set is large and widely available, I still see it as an important cornerstone for any serious collector. It gives me a full snapshot of the players, teams, and style of that season.
I also think the 1989 Topps set is necessary because it is affordable and accessible. My experience has been that it’s a great way to enjoy collecting without needing a huge budget. It lets me own a complete piece of baseball history, and that makes it worth having in my collection.
My Buying Guides on 89 Topps Complete Set
What I Look for in an ’89 Topps Complete Set
When I shop for an ’89 Topps complete set, I first check that it truly includes all the cards from the base set and not just a partial lot. I also look at the overall condition of the cards, because centering, corners, and surface wear can make a big difference in value. Since this is a mass-produced set, I focus more on completeness and presentation than on expecting every card to be pristine.
Why I Consider the Set Worth Buying
I like the ’89 Topps complete set because it is affordable, easy to find, and nostalgic for many collectors. It gives me the full base issue in one purchase, which is convenient if I want to revisit the entire release without hunting down individual cards. I also appreciate that it includes several well-known rookie cards and iconic player images that make the set fun to own.
Key Cards I Check First
When I evaluate a set, I immediately look for the key rookie cards and major stars. For the 1989 Topps baseball set, I pay close attention to the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card, which is the main highlight for many buyers. I also check for other notable rookies and Hall of Famers because those are the cards that usually drive interest in the set.
Condition and Packaging Matter to Me
I prefer sets that are still sealed or at least stored carefully in the original box or packaging. Sealed sets often give me more confidence that the cards have been protected over time. If the set is opened, I inspect whether the cards were handled gently and whether there is any visible bending, wax residue, or corner damage.
How I Compare Prices
Before I buy, I compare prices across marketplaces, card shops, and local sellers. I usually find that the price can vary depending on whether the set is sealed, opened, graded, or accompanied by original packaging. For me, the best value is often a clean, complete set at a fair price rather than the cheapest option available.
What I Watch Out For
I always make sure the set is not missing any cards, especially the key rookie or star cards. I also watch out for sellers who describe a set as “complete” without providing clear photos or a checklist. If the listing seems vague, I ask questions before buying so I do not end up with an incomplete or damaged set.
My Final Buying Advice
If I am buying an ’89 Topps complete set, I focus on completeness, condition, and price. I think it is a great entry-level vintage-style set for collectors who want something nostalgic and easy to find. For me, the best purchase is one that is complete, well-preserved, and priced in a way that matches its condition and appeal.
Final Thoughts
I think the 89 Topps Complete Set remains a classic for collectors because it captures the feel of an era when baseball cards were everywhere and full of nostalgia. My takeaway is that while it may not be the most valuable set, it still offers plenty of charm, recognizable rookie cards, and an easy way to enjoy the hobby. If you’re looking for a fun, affordable piece of card history, this set is definitely worth a closer look.
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Mara Ellery. I live in St. Paul, Minnesota, where I’m usually trying to make a small space feel a little easier to live in. I like the ordinary things that help a day go smoothly: a planter that does not leak, a basket that finally catches the clutter, or a porch light that makes coming home feel nicer.
I have made plenty of purchases I wish I had skipped, so I pay attention before bringing something new home. Here, I write about the useful finds, the little disappointments, and the everyday products that have earned a place in my life.
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