The 1989 Bowman Dave Smith #317 card captures the Houston Astros pitcher during a pivotal era of MLB history, offering collectors a tangible piece of baseball heritage.
$0.99Over the last 30 days, stored prices ranged from $0.99 to $0.99 across 2 capture days. Change between Aug 21, 2026 and Sep 4, 2026: 0%. Compares the same source, grade and signed status. Capture days are not completed-sale counts.
18
Asking prices
Based on eBay Active Listings
Source observation date unavailable
Raw / Ungraded
$1.29As of 4/13/2026
3
Evidence type unavailable
Based on eBay Sold Listings (RAW)
Source observation date unavailable
Price History
Loading price history
Product Overview
Description
The 1989 Bowman Dave Smith #317 card serves as a distinct entry in the landscape of late-1980s baseball collectibles. Released during a time when Bowman was re-establishing its presence in the trading card market, this card represents a specific moment in the career of Dave Smith, who was an integral part of the Houston Astros pitching staff. For collectors, this card is often viewed as a foundational piece for those focusing on team sets or the broader 1989 Bowman base set.
Card number 317 features Smith in his Astros uniform, providing a visual record of the team's roster during that specific season. The aesthetic is clean and direct, reflecting the design priorities of the era where the player's image and identity were the primary focal points.
Collecting this card often appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate the nostalgia of pre-1990s baseball cards. The late 80s era produced some of the most recognizable designs in the hobby, and Bowman's 1989 issue is frequently cited for its approachable layout. Whether you are completing a Houston Astros team set or building a collection focused on the 1989 draft class, this card holds a place in the hobby's history. It stands as a reliable component for those who value the structural integrity of complete base sets from this period.
Investing in or collecting cards from 1989 requires an appreciation for the era's printing techniques and design choices. The 1989 Bowman Dave Smith #317 card offers a straightforward connection to that history. It allows collectors to engage with the sport's past through a tangible artifact that has been preserved through decades of hobby activity. For serious collectors, maintaining a complete set of this release is a common goal, making individual cards like this number 317 essential pieces in the puzzle. The enduring popularity of the 1989 Bowman set ensures that these cards remain relevant among collectors who prioritize historical completeness over modern gimmicks.
Last Listing Activity
20 minutes ago
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.
See how many public collections currently include this card.
0 collectors have this card
SuperCatch Expert Analysis
Market Value Insight
The 1989 Bowman Dave Smith sits firmly in the low-tier range of his overall cardboard footprint, consistent with common base cards from that era's mass-produced Bowman revival set. Smith was a reliable closer for the Astros across the 1980s, but his career arc doesn't generate the kind of collector demand that pushes base issues above entry-level pricing. With only a single active listing in the current market, price discovery is extremely limited and likely reflects a thin, illiquid segment of the market.
Rarity Breakdown
This is a standard base card from the 1989 Bowman set, which was produced in significant quantities as part of Topps's relaunch of the Bowman brand — no serial numbering, no parallel variants, and no short-print designation. Population report data from grading services shows minimal submission volume for this card, which is typical for low-demand commons from high-print-run late-1980s sets. The raw-to-graded ratio skews heavily toward ungraded copies, and grading submission is rarely economically justified at this price tier.
Investment Outlook
Dave Smith retired in 1992 and has not generated renewed collector interest through Hall of Fame consideration or significant career retrospectives, limiting upside momentum on his cardboard. The 1989 Bowman set as a whole carries some nostalgic appeal among vintage Bowman collectors, but that sentiment is concentrated on key rookies and stars rather than relievers of Smith's profile. Grading submission trends show virtually no activity for this card, and without a catalyst — such as a Hall of Fame vote or mainstream media attention — market momentum is expected to remain flat.
