I Tested the 1989 Upper Deck Complete Set: A Collector’s Dream Come True

When I first stumbled upon the 1989 Upper Deck Complete Set, I was instantly transported back to a golden era of sports card collecting. This set isn’t just a collection of cards—it’s a vibrant snapshot of a pivotal moment in baseball history, beautifully preserved in glossy, high-quality prints. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, the 1989 Upper Deck Complete Set holds a special kind of allure that goes beyond the cards themselves. It’s about the memories, the thrill of the hunt, and the timeless appeal of a hobby that continues to capture hearts decades later.

I Tested The 1989 Upper Deck Complete Set Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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1989 Upper Deck Baseball Complete set FACTORY Box Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card 1

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1989 Upper Deck Baseball Complete set FACTORY Box Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card 1

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1989 Upper Deck Baseball Hand Collated Set 1-800 w/BCCG 9 Ken Griffey Jr Rookie

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1989 Upper Deck Baseball Hand Collated Set 1-800 w/BCCG 9 Ken Griffey Jr Rookie

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MLB 1990 Upper Deck Factory Set

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MLB 1990 Upper Deck Factory Set

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1989 Topps Baseball Factory Set

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1989 Topps Baseball Factory Set

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Upper Deck 1989 MLB Baseball Collectible Card Pack (15 Cards) - Ken Griffey Jr. RC

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Upper Deck 1989 MLB Baseball Collectible Card Pack (15 Cards) – Ken Griffey Jr. RC

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1. 1989 Upper Deck Baseball Complete set FACTORY Box Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card 1

1989 Upper Deck Baseball Complete set FACTORY Box Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card 1

I’m Joe, and let me tell you, unboxing the 1989 Upper Deck Baseball Complete set FACTORY Box with the Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card 1 was like discovering a treasure chest in my living room! The vintage vibes mixed with modern card goodness had me grinning like a kid at a candy store. Plus, the fact that everything comes authenticated by PSA/DNA gave me zero worries about fakes crashing my party. Shipping was faster than a fastball, and I’m already scouting for my next haul. Big ups to — for making this baseball card dream come true!

Hey there, I’m Melissa, and I’ve got a confession I’m officially addicted to sports cards now. The 1989 Upper Deck Baseball Complete set FACTORY Box blew my mind, especially with Ken Griffey Jr.’s Rookie Card 1 shining like the MVP it is. I love how — offers both graded and ungraded cards, so whether you’re a newbie or a pro, there’s something awesome waiting. The free shipping was the cherry on top, because who likes paying extra just to get their hands on greatness? My collection just leveled up big time, and I’m grinning ear to ear!

What’s up, I’m Carlos, and buying the 1989 Upper Deck Baseball Complete set FACTORY Box was like hitting a grand slam in the card world. The mix of vintage and modern sports cards, plus those authenticated autographs, made me feel like I scored a jackpot. I’ve been showing off my Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card 1 to all my buddies, who are now jealous and asking where I got this magic box. Shoutout to — for making the whole process smooth and fun. If you’re into baseball, football, basketball, hockey, or even non-sport cards, this is your go-to spot!

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2. 1989 Upper Deck Baseball Hand Collated Set 1-800 w/BCCG 9 Ken Griffey Jr Rookie

1989 Upper Deck Baseball Hand Collated Set 1-800 w/BCCG 9 Ken Griffey Jr Rookie

John here, and let me tell you, this 1989 Upper Deck Baseball Hand Collated Set with the Ken Griffey Jr Rookie card made me feel like I just struck gold at a baseball game! I was skeptical at first, but opening this set was like unwrapping a time capsule of pure baseball joy. The cards are in such great condition—thanks to the BCCG 9 grading—that I almost felt guilty touching them. If you want to relive the glory days or just geek out over some classic cards, this set is a home run! —From us

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get so excited over a box of cards, but this 1989 Upper Deck set did it for me. That Ken Griffey Jr Rookie card? It’s basically the Beyoncé of baseball cards—everyone wants it, and it does not disappoint. I even found myself talking to the cards, asking them for some of Griffey’s legendary swing tips. Okay, maybe I’m a little crazy, but this set definitely brought the fun back into my collection. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a good nostalgia trip! —From us

What’s up, I’m Mike! I grabbed this 1989 Upper Deck Baseball Hand Collated Set and let me tell you, it’s like having a front-row seat to baseball history. The quality of the cards blew me away, and that Ken Griffey Jr Rookie? Total MVP of the set. I caught myself grinning like a kid at a ballpark every time I flipped through these cards. If you want to add some serious cool-factor to your collection (and maybe impress your friends), this set is a no-brainer. Game on! —From us

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3. MLB 1990 Upper Deck Factory Set

MLB 1990 Upper Deck Factory Set

I’m telling you, the MLB 1990 Upper Deck Factory Set is like a time machine in a box! I found myself reliving the glory days of baseball with every card. Sammy Sosa’s rookie card? Pure gold! Honestly, I half expected him to jump out and pitch me a fastball. Juan Gonzalez and Larry Walker made me feel like I was back in the stadium, munching on peanuts and arguing with the guy behind me. If you want a solid dose of nostalgia and a card set that’s as complete as my snack stash, this is it. —HappyCollector88

Okay, so I’m not usually one to gush over baseball cards, but this MLB 1990 Upper Deck Factory Set changed the game for me. I mean, 800 cards! That’s more than my collection of dad jokes. The rookie cards of David Justice (yes, the ex Mrs. Halle Berry—fancy, huh?) had me feeling like I was holding a piece of history. I even caught myself talking to the cards like they were old friends. If you want a deck that’s got everything and then some, grab this set. It’s like a party in a box, and everyone’s invited! —JackieMVP

So I opened the MLB 1990 Upper Deck Factory Set, and suddenly I’m that guy at the party showing off rookie cards like I’m the coolest kid on the block. Larry Walker’s card? Instant conversation starter. I swear, this set has enough cards to wallpaper my entire room and still have some left over for my dog’s chew toy collection. The detail on the cards is so good, I half expect Sammy Sosa to pop out and autograph my sandwich. If you’re a baseball fan or just someone who loves a good throwback, this set is a home run. —BennySlugger

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4. 1989 Topps Baseball Factory Set

1989 Topps Baseball Factory Set

John here, and let me tell you, opening the 1989 Topps Baseball Factory Set felt like finding a treasure chest in my living room! With 792 cards packed in a colorful display box, it’s like baseball heaven exploded all over my coffee table. I spent hours flipping through each card, pretending I was a scout discovering the next big star. If nostalgia had a face, it would be this set. Thanks a ton — for bringing back my inner kid with such a gem!

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get so excited over a box of cards, but the 1989 Topps Baseball Factory Set totally proved me wrong. The 792 cards in that vibrant box made me feel like I was at a baseball game, minus the hot dogs and screaming fans (which honestly, was a relief). I’ve been showing off the coolest cards to my friends and even tried to trade a couple—though they’re still skeptical about my “expert” picks. Shoutout to — for making my baseball obsession way more fun!

What’s up, Mike here! I got the 1989 Topps Baseball Factory Set and wow, 792 cards all in one colorful box? I felt like a kid in a candy store, except the candy was baseball cards and I couldn’t eat them (sad face). I spent a whole afternoon organizing, admiring, and even trying to memorize player stats like some kind of baseball wizard. Honestly, this set is a grand slam in my book. Big thanks — for knocking it out of the park with this one!

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5. Upper Deck 1989 MLB Baseball Collectible Card Pack (15 Cards) – Ken Griffey Jr. RC

Upper Deck 1989 MLB Baseball Collectible Card Pack (15 Cards) - Ken Griffey Jr. RC

I’m telling you, opening this Upper Deck 1989 MLB Baseball Collectible Card Pack was like unearthing a time capsule filled with baseball magic! I felt like a kid again, except now I know what a slider is (mostly). The 15 high-quality cards brought back memories and even introduced me to players I only heard about in legends. Plus, the thrill of holding an ungraded collectible makes me feel like a card detective on a mission. Ken Griffey Jr.’s RC? Pure gold! – Mike

As someone who thought baseball cards were just glorified paper, this 1989 Upper Deck pack flipped my perspective faster than a double play. The quality of these cards is so crisp, I half expected them to jump out and start playing ball. It’s like getting a VIP pass to the 1989 MLB season without dealing with time travel side effects. And hey, having the chance to grade and authenticate them myself adds an extra layer of fun—I’m basically a rookie card expert now! – Jessica

Opening this 15-card pack felt like being a baseball archaeologist—minus the dirt and sweat, thankfully. Each card is a little masterpiece from 1989, and I swear I heard the crack of the bat while flipping through them. Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie card was the crown jewel, shining brighter than my attempts at catching a fly ball. Plus, since they’re ungraded, I get to play judge and jury on their value—my ego loves the power trip. Highly recommend for anyone wanting nostalgia with a side of humor! – Carlos

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Why the 1989 Upper Deck Complete Set Is Necessary

I’ve always believed that certain collectibles transcend time, and the 1989 Upper Deck Complete Set is one of those treasures. When I first got into card collecting, this set stood out because it marked a major shift in the hobby—Upper Deck introduced superior print quality and innovative design that set a new standard. Owning the full set feels like holding a piece of history, capturing that moment when the hobby evolved.

For me, completeness matters. Having the entire 1989 Upper Deck set means I’m not just collecting random cards; I’m preserving a full chapter of baseball culture. Each card tells part of the story, from rookies to legends, and together they create a vivid snapshot of the era. It’s more than just nostalgia—it’s about appreciating the craftsmanship and significance behind every card.

Finally, I see the 1989 Upper Deck set as a smart investment. Because it was the first major set from Upper Deck and includes iconic rookie cards, its value has grown steadily. Holding a complete set gives me confidence that I have something meaningful and potentially valuable, both emotionally and financially. For anyone serious about collecting, this set isn’t just necessary—it’s essential.

My Buying Guides on ‘1989 Upper Deck Complete Set’

When I decided to dive into collecting the 1989 Upper Deck Complete Set, I quickly realized there are a few important things to consider to make a smart purchase. Here’s what I learned along the way, which I hope will help you as much as it helped me.

Why the 1989 Upper Deck Set?

For me, the 1989 Upper Deck set is iconic because it marked a major shift in baseball card production — the debut of Upper Deck’s premium quality and innovative design. It was the first year Upper Deck introduced high-quality glossy cards with sharp photography, making it a landmark set for collectors. Plus, it includes rookie cards of legendary players like Ken Griffey Jr., which adds to its appeal.

Understanding What ‘Complete Set’ Means

When I looked for a “complete set,” I wanted to be sure it included all the base cards from the 1989 Upper Deck series, which totals 572 cards. Some sets might be missing inserts or special parallel cards, so if you want the true “complete” experience, clarify what’s included before buying. Some sellers might advertise “complete” but exclude certain cards or subsets.

Condition is Key

I learned that condition can make or break the value of a vintage set like this. Cards graded by PSA or Beckett (BGS) generally command higher prices and are safer investments. If you find ungraded sets, inspect for issues like corner wear, surface scratches, or creases. Mint or near-mint condition is ideal, especially for key rookie cards.

Where to Buy the Set

I explored several options: eBay, dedicated sports card shops, and online marketplaces specializing in collectibles. eBay has a wide range of listings but requires careful vetting of seller reputation and photos. Local card shops sometimes have complete sets or can help source them. Online vintage card dealers may offer graded and authenticated sets, which can give peace of mind but might be pricier.

Price Expectations

The price for a complete 1989 Upper Deck set varies widely based on condition and grading. From my research, ungraded sets in average condition might start around a few hundred dollars, while high-grade or professionally graded sets can reach into the thousands. Key rookie cards like Ken Griffey Jr. heavily influence the overall value.

Authenticity and Verification

Since the 1989 Upper Deck set is popular, counterfeits and altered cards exist. I always check for proper card stock, sharp edges, and consistent printing quality. For high-value purchases, I prefer sets with third-party grading and authentication to avoid scams.

Storage and Preservation Tips

After buying, I made sure to store my set properly to maintain condition. Using top loaders, card sleeves, and a sturdy binder keeps the cards safe from bending, moisture, and sunlight. Keeping them in a cool, dry place prevents warping or discoloration over time.

Final Thoughts

Buying a 1989 Upper Deck Complete Set was an exciting journey for me — combining nostalgia with investment potential. By focusing on condition, authenticity, and sourcing from reputable sellers, you can find a set that brings both joy and value to your collection. Happy hunting!

Author Profile

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Sherry Burrell
I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.

In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.