Skip to main content
1 / 2
About This Card

This 1989 Bowman #459 card features San Diego Padres player Carmelo Martinez. A standard issue from the 1989 Bowman baseball set, offering a piece of late-80s collecting history.

Carmelo Martinez

1989 • Bowman

Major League Baseball • San Diego Padres


Seller Offer

$2.99

1 available
Active-Listing Market: $0.99
202% above
Updated 10 days ago
Based on eBay Active Listings · 14 listings sampledLowest eBay Listing at Last Check: $0.99 · View on eBay
Condition

Excellent

Card Number

459


Loading express checkout
Primary Seller

SuperCatch

New

Shipping Calculated at Checkout

30-day Returns

Market & Price History

  • $0.99
    Source
    Asking Prices
    Trend
    -1%
    Price Details
  • $1.29As of 4/13/2026
    Source
    Evidence Type Unavailable
    Trend
    Price Details

30-day Price History

Raw / Ungraded

eBay Active Listings · Asking Prices evidence · captured Oct 31, 2026

Each point is the last stored observation that day for this printing, condition, grader, autograph status and source. Gaps mean no observation; guide estimates and asking prices are not completed sales.
Product Overview

Description

The 1989 Bowman #459 card features Carmelo Martinez, capturing a moment in the career of the San Diego Padres player during the 1989 season. As part of the 1989 Bowman baseball set, this release remains a recognizable entry for hobbyists focusing on late-1980s memorabilia. The card presents Martinez in his Padres uniform, serving as a tangible link to that specific era of the sport. Collecting from the 1989 Bowman set appeals to those who appreciate the distinctive aesthetic of late-80s sports card design. This card, numbered 459, fits into the broader narrative of the set, which documented many players across the league during a transitional period for baseball. For investors and completists, integrating cards like the Carmelo Martinez 1989 Bowman #459 into a set provides a complete picture of the era's roster composition. While some focus on high-end parallels, the base cards of the 1989 Bowman set offer an accessible entry point for building a comprehensive collection. The value lies in the historical context of the player and the team, rather than just the card itself. By focusing on verified products like the 1989 Bowman #459, collectors can trust the integrity of the item's identity. Whether you are looking to complete a team set or add a Padres-related piece to your portfolio, this card represents a solid component of the 1989 Bowman collection. The enduring popularity of the Bowman brand ensures that these cards remain relevant in the modern market. When evaluating cards from this period, understanding the set's structure is key. The 1989 Bowman release was one of the few major sets available at the time, making its base cards significant for historical preservation. Carmelo Martinez, as featured here, offers a glimpse into the depth of the San Diego Padres roster during that year. Collectors often seek out these cards to fill gaps in their sets or to support a specific team's history.

Last Listing Activity

11/1/26

Seller Action
Have one of these to sell?

We'll pre-fill the product details from this catalog entry, so your listing lands on this exact page. Just add photos of your copy, pick its condition, and set your price.

Product Specs

Card Details

The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.

Catalog Profile

The core identity of the card within the set.

Year

1989

Brand

Bowman

Card Number

#459

Featured Subject

The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.

Print Details

Production details and format-specific attributes.

Material

Card Stock

Language

English

Available Offers

Available Offer for This Card (1)

Compare prices, grades, photos, and shipping from approved sellers.

Seller

SuperCatch

Verified Seller
Featured Offer

New

Condition

Excellent

Seller Price

$2.99

Shipping Extra
Collector Ownership

Owned by Collectors

See how many public collections currently include this card.

0 collectors have this card

SuperCatch Expert Analysis
Market Value Insight

Carmelo Martinez's 1989 Bowman card occupies a modest tier within his overall cardography, reflecting his status as a solid but non-marquee contributor during the late 1980s Padres era. As a base issue from the 1989 Bowman set — a product known for its oversized format and collector nostalgia — this card trades at the lower end of the market with minimal condition premium unless graded PSA 9 or higher. Compared to flagship stars from the same set, Martinez's card sees limited competitive demand, though it holds appeal for Padres team collectors and late-80s completionists.

Rarity Breakdown

The 1989 Bowman set was produced in significant quantities, making this a standard base card with no serial numbering, short print designation, or parallel variants. Graded population reports reflect very few high-grade submissions, as most collectors have not prioritized this card for professional grading — meaning a PSA 10 example, while uncommon, does not carry the same scarcity-driven premium as a low-pop star card. Raw copies are widely available, and the single active listing in the current market underscores the limited transactional volume this card generates.

Investment Outlook

Martinez retired after the early 1990s and has not experienced the Hall of Fame candidacy or cultural resurgence that typically drives long-term card appreciation. With only one active listing, market momentum is essentially flat, and grading submission trends show little institutional interest in elevating this card's profile. Collectors focused on investment upside would find limited catalysts here, though it remains a stable, low-cost acquisition for vintage Padres or 1989 Bowman set builders.

AI-Generated Editorial Analysis

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 1989 Bowman #459 card a rookie card for Carmelo Martinez?

No, the 1989 Bowman #459 card is not considered a rookie card for Carmelo Martinez. Rookie cards are typically issued in the year a player makes their major league debut, and this card was released during his established career with the San Diego Padres.

What makes the 1989 Bowman set distinct in sports card collecting?

It remains a popular choice for vintage collectors due to its nostalgic aesthetic and widespread availability during that era.

How does Carmelo Martinez fit into the San Diego Padres history featured in this card?

Carmelo Martinez was a utility player for the San Diego Padres during the 1989 season. This card documents his time with the team, offering collectors a piece of the roster from that specific year in franchise history.