A Heartbreaking Pull:
In a recent video on Rob Opens Wax, I took on the challenge of opening a 1989 Bowman baseball pack. As many collectors know, this set marked Bowman’s return to the baseball card scene after a 34-year hiatus, and it’s packed with rookies and stars, most notably the iconic Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. I was excited at the chance of pulling this piece of baseball history from a fresh pack — but fate had other plans.
Bowman’s History and the 1989 Set
Bowman, originally a powerhouse in the baseball card industry during the late 1940s and 1950s, was a rival to Topps until Topps acquired Bowman in 1956. Bowman went on a decades-long hiatus until 1989 when it re-entered the market, aiming to recreate its vintage allure with larger cards than Topps’ standard size.
The 1989 Bowman set features 484 cards and stands out for its design choice, which evoked a sense of nostalgia, hearkening back to its original 1950s design. The set is particularly known for its rookies, including Hall of Famers like Ken Griffey Jr., John Smoltz, and Gary Sheffield. While the oversized cards made them difficult to store in traditional 9-pocket pages, the excitement of chasing these rookie cards made the set immensely popular.
The Big Pull… and the Big Letdown
As I worked through the pack, the anticipation built — each card bringing me closer to the potential holy grail of the 1989 Bowman set: the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. And then, there it was. The iconic card, depicting a young Griffey, beaming with promise. But my excitement was short-lived.
Instead of a pristine gem that could’ve been a cornerstone of any collection, the card was ruined. Wax from the pack had completely adhered to the front of the card, marring Griffey’s face and rendering the card effectively destroyed. It was a gut-wrenching moment for any collector, the kind that makes you wonder “What if?”
But, as any seasoned card opener knows, that’s part of the game. Sometimes you hit big, and other times, even when you do, fate can play a cruel hand. Still, there’s always the thrill of the chase, and that’s why we keep going back to these vintage packs.
Why Bowman 1989 Remains a Classic
Despite the heartbreaking result of my Griffey pull, the 1989 Bowman set is still one of my favorites to open. Its mix of rookies, legends, and the challenge of handling its oversized cards make it a unique part of the hobby. The nostalgia factor alone, combined with its role in introducing a new generation of collectors to Bowman, keeps it relevant and exciting for card enthusiasts today.
In this video, though the Griffey rookie didn’t make it into my collection in mint condition, the fun of opening a 1989 Bowman pack still brought back great memories, and it just fuels the fire for the next pack. You never know what you’ll find next!
