For decades, new players only had one or two first-year issue cards. But collecting was booming in the late 1980s and early 1990s. As a result, collectors could pick and choose which rookies they wanted to collect. This was never more true than during the 1989 collecting season. And the big stud that year was Ken Griffey Jr. Here are his 5 best rookie cards.

1989 Bowman 

Image via PWCC

In the 1940s and early 1950s, the Bowman gum company produced some of the industry's most popular cards. The brand was purchased by Topps and discontinued in 1956. In 1989, Topps decided to bring back the cards in a larger-than-normal format. The are many key rookies in the set like Gary Sheffield, John Smoltz, Robin Ventura, and of course, Ken Griffey Jr.

While the set was mass-produced, the larger size made the cards less likely to end up in a case or binder and they were more likely to get corner dings. Still, the best investment for a Griffey Jr. rookie would be a PSA 10. Copies in this condition can be found on eBay for around $250.

1989 Donruss 

Image via PWCC

Based in Irving, Texas, the Donruss company began producing cards in the 1960s and 1970s, though these issues were focused on entertainment. In 1981, Donruss joined Fleer and Topps as the 3 companies to produce baseball cards. Like the other companies, Donruss produced massive amounts of their cards hurting collectibility.

Like with other companies, it is recommended that collectors purchase Griffey Jr.'s first Donruss offering in a PSA 10. PSA graded 20,215 of the cards in an 8 and 12,541 in a 9. There are only 1,926 of the Donruss Griffey Jr. rookies rated as a 10 and they can be had online for around $325.

1989 Fleer 

Image via PWCC

Along with Topps and Donruss, Fleer was one of the biggest producers of cards during the 1980's. Their 1989 set was noted both for its gray pinstripe design and its mass production. This is one of the most readily available first-year cards for the Mariners legend. In fact, there are more than twice as many 89 Fleer cards graded in a PSA 10 as there are Donruss.

Still, collectors may be eager to pick up one of the 5,149 PSA 10 Fleer Griffey Jr. rookie cards that exist in the marketplace. You can pick one up for around $135.

1989 Upper Deck 

Image via PSA

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, this was the card that every hobbyist needed to have in their collection. As soon as he came up, Griffey Jr. appeared to be the next Mickey Mantle or Willie Mays. And in addition to his prodigious talent, he injected fun and swagger into the game.

Like all the other base sets from this year, Upper Deck's first offering was mass-produced. To this day, however, collectors don't care when it comes to this card. Despite a plethora of supply, a PSA 9 Griffey rookie goes for $230 and a PSA 10 sells for a little over $2,000.

1989 Topps Traded Tiffany 

Image via PSA

The biggest brands all produced Ken Griffey Jr. rookie cards by the thousands. So collectors looking for a more exclusive version of the kid's first card should look to Tiffany versions. This variant, part of the Topps brand, features much lower quantities, better card stock, and a glossier finish.

Griffey Jr. is card number 41 in the Topps Traded Tiffany set and PSA has only graded 334 of the cards as a PSA 10. As a result, they are quite expensive with a gem mint copy going for around $3,200.

*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.