1989 Topps Andy Van Slyke All-Star #387
Collectible sports trading card, commercially printed on cardboard stock • Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. (Design Department); photography by staff photographer
Style & Movement
Late 20th-century commercial graphic design, specifically 'Junk Wax Era' sports ephemera
Medium & Technique
Four-color offset lithography (CMYK) on white cardstock with a gloss varnish finish
Creation Period
1989
Dimensions & Format
2.5 inches by 3.5 inches; Standard trading card vertical (portrait) orientation
Subject Description
A portrait of Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andy Van Slyke in an All-Star subset design. He is depicted in his black Pirates uniform holding a baseball bat, set against a bright cyan background with stylized 'All Star' typography and a waving banner.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good (approx. PSA 4-6). Visible centering issues (favors the top-left), slight corner wear, and minor edge chipping are present.
Estimated Market Value
$0.25 - $2.00 USD (Ungraded)
Auction Estimate
$0.01 - $5.00 USD (As part of a lot or bulk collection)
Provenance History
Mass-produced consumer product; typically acquired via retail wax packs or secondary market trading.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of the 1980s baseball card boom. While not a 'rookie card,' it captures a three-time All-Star at the peak of his career and reflects the iconic Topps design aesthetic of the late 1980s.
Notable Features
Features the 1989 Topps 'All Star' subset branding with the distinct wavy flag/banner motif and yellow-bordered nameplate.
Condition Issues
Softness around the corners, slight surface scuffing on the blue field, and 'off-center' printing alignment common for this production era.
Conservation Recommendations
Storage in a PVC-free plastic sleeve (penny sleeve) and a rigid top-loader or semi-rigid holder; store in a cool, dry place away from direct UV sunlight to prevent fading.