I’ve always had a soft spot for "oddball" sets. In my view, the hobby often overlooks the charm of these small-box and food-issue releases from the 80s and 90s. Today, we’re diving into the 1989 Woolworth Baseball Highlights, but first, let’s take a trip down memory lane.
If you grew up in the 70s and 80s, you likely remember the organized chaos of a Woolworth’s. It was the ultimate variety store—think of it as a less structured version of a modern-day CVS or Walgreens. My local Woolworth’s was attached to the mall, and I can still vividly recall seeing stacks of baseball cards on their shelves before the chain finally closed its doors in the 90s. All that's left in my collection to remember that store is this little box set.
As the name implies, the 1989 Woolworth Baseball Highlights set serves as a time capsule for the standout moments and achievements of the 1988 Major League Baseball season. This was a year largely defined by the extraordinary pitching prowess of Orel Hershiser, who almost single-handedly carried the Los Angeles Dodgers to a World Series championship.
The two cards at the top are the only complaint I have with this set. Someone obviously used the same photo to commemorate Orel being named the NLCS MVP and NL Cy Young award winner. The bottom two cards commemorate Orel's World Series MVP and his 3-hit shutout in game 2. He also went 3-3 at the plate that game.
Kirk Gibson is featured on two distinct cards that commemorate his spectacular contributions to the Dodgers' championship run.
The first card celebrates his outstanding 1988 regular season, where he earned the NL MVP award.
His second card in the set immortalizes one of baseball's most iconic moments: Kirk Gibson's stunning, improbable pinch-hit walk-off home run in Game 1 of the World Series. Facing future Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley of the Oakland Athletics, Gibson's dramatic blast sealed a series-defining victory for the Dodgers.
Tim Belcher, who was a rookie in '88, is honored with two cards in the set for his NLCS performance and win in game 4 of the WS.
Four more Dodgers made the checklist for their various feats during the 1988 World Series. I'd write more about their accomplishments, but Dodger fatigue is setting in. :)
Thankfully, this set isn't just about the Dodgers. A trio of A's pitchers show up for their accomplishments during the ALCS and WS. Gene Nelson was honored with a card for becoming the 1st AL pitcher in 16 years to steal a base.
Jose Canseco had a fantastic year, earning him the AL MVP and his second card commemorates his first career grand slam in game 1 of the World Series.
Another pair of A's made the checklist. Walt Weiss was the AL Rookie of the Year in 1988 and McGwire belted a 9th inning home run in game 3 of the WS to win the game.
A pair of Twins made the checklist! The Twins had a much better year in 1988 than in 1987 but still missed the playoffs. However Frank Viola won the AL Cy Young and Jeff Reardon had 40 saves to become the first pitcher to reach that mark in both leagues (he also pitched for the Expos).
The Reds finished 7 games behind the Dodgers in 1988 but they still had some positive things happen such as Chris Sabo winning the NL Rookie of the Year, Tom Browning pitched a perfect game against the Dodgers and John Franco had 13 saves in the month of July.
This is my favorite card of the set. It looks like Gary Carter is looking for a popup in the sun.
For some reason Pat Tabler was added to the checklist. Apparently he was really good when the bases were loaded as he had 8 chances at the plate and managed a hit in 7 of those.
Looking for a cheap Randy Johnson rookie card? Well here you go! He got a card in this set simply for being the tallest player ever in baseball.
I don't remember anyone ever comparing Kevin McReynolds to Rickey Henderson, but he had 21 consecutive stolen bases in 1988. Greg Jefferies established a rookie record by collecting 9 hits vs the Dodgers in the NLCS.
Doug Jones had 15 consecutive saves. Back in 1988 that was a lot.
George Bell hammered 3 home runs on opening day. In 1988 big things were expected from Bell because the year prior he hit 47 homers. He finished 1988 with only 24 home runs.
Wade Boggs collected 200 hits in 1988, his 6th straight season doing so.
Andre Dawson reached double figures in both HR's and stolen bases for the 12th consecutive season.
Here's a look at the card back. Bright and easy to read. Until now I never knew Mickey Hatcher led all batters in the '88 World Series with a .368 average.
Finally, the box. Yep for only $2.79 this set could have been yours in 1988! It's not much more today.
There you have it. I like to call these 33-card sets "mini Tiffanys" due to their nice, glossy finish and because they were also printed in Ireland where Tiffanys were produced. This particular set offers Dodgers fans eight extra cards for their personal collections, fantastic photography, and a bonus Randy Johnson rookie card. It's hard to find another box set that delivers this much value.
Until next time, happy hunting!
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