Tom Gordon
Baseball • 1989 Score Baseball
Sport & Year
Baseball • 1989
Brand & Set
Score - 1989 Score Baseball
Card Number
#617
Card Type
Rookie Card
Rarity
Base
Parallel Variant & Language
Base • English
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Grade
Excellent (EX 5) to Near Mint (NM 7)
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $0.25 - $1.00; PSA 10: $30 - $50; PSA 9: $10 - $15
Recent Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies typically range from $0.50 to $2.00 plus shipping. Graded Gem Mint (PSA 10) copies have historically sold in the $40 range, though demand remains low due to high production volume.
Condition Details
The card exhibits noticeable left-to-right centering bias (heavier white border on the right). There is visible softening on the top-right and bottom-right corners. Minimal edge wear is visible, and the surface appears relatively clean, though common for this era, light surface scratches or wax stains on the reverse may exist.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for grading. This card was mass-produced during the 'Junk Wax' era. The estimated cost of grading (approx. $15-$25 per card) significantly exceeds the market value for any grade below a perfect Gem Mint 10. Given the centering and corner wear observed, it is unlikely to achieve a high enough grade to be profitable.
Card Description
The card features Tom Gordon in his Kansas City Royals away blue uniform and cap. He is shown in a pitching motion with a blurred stadium background. The top header is yellow with red text stating '1989 ROOKIE' next to the orange Score logo. A blue footer contains his name, position (P), and 'ROYALS' set within a red semi-circle design.
Notable Features
Features the '1989 Rookie' designation; Tom Gordon (nicknamed 'Flash') is a 3-time All-Star and World Series Champion whose career spanned 21 seasons. Notable as the father of MLB player Dee Strange-Gordon.
Authentication Notes
The card appears to be an authentic original from the 1989 Score set. There are no known counterfeiting concerns for this specific card due to its very high production numbers and low individual market value. The paper stock and print halftone patterns are consistent with authentic 1989 Score production.
Scanned: 2026-04-22T05:11:41.517515