The 1986 Fleer Update baseball card set was released as a supplement to Fleer’s main 1986 baseball card set. Fleer had lost the exclusive license to produce Topps baseball cards starting in 1986, so they decided to produce two different sets that year – their main set in the spring and then an “Update” set in the fall to feature any players who were traded or had significant stats after the initial release. The Update set ended up being much more significant than just a few added cards, as it included many key rookie cards and featured players who were involved in major postseason events. With 198 total cards, the 1986 Fleer Update set stands out as one of the most memorable limited series in baseball card history.
One of the biggest storylines of the 1986 season was the emergence of the New York Mets and their World Series championship. Fleer captured this perfectly with the Update set, as several key Mets players who led them to the title had memorable rookie or updated cards. Pitcher Ron Darling’s rookie card from the Update set is one of the most iconic from that era. As a member of the dominant Mets’ starting rotation, Darling’s card captured him in his breakout season. First baseman Keith Hernandez also had a popular card in the set showing him as a key veteran leader for the Mets. Reliever Roger McDowell contributed greatly to the Mets’ bullpen and had a nice card as well.
The Boston Red Sox’s run to the American League pennant was also well-represented. Future Hall of Famer Wade Boggs had one of his best statistical seasons and his card from the Update set portrays him as one of the game’s premier hitters. Outfielder Dwight Evans also had an excellent year, making his card a highlight. Pitcher Bruce Hurst emerged as an ace for the Red Sox staff and his rookie card in the set remains a popular, affordable option for collectors.
Rookie cards were a major part of what made the 1986 Fleer Update set so collectible. Future all-stars and Hall of Famers like Mark McGwire, Barry Larkin, and Mike Mussina all had their first baseball cards featured. McGwire’s iconic rookie card showing his powerful swing became a highly-sought after piece. Larkin’s smooth defensive skills were captured in his rookie card, foreshadowing a great career. Mussina, still early in his journey, flashed promise on his rookie that he would become a standout. Other notable rookies included Will Clark, Lenny Dykstra, and David Cone.
Veteran superstars also had memorable cards in the Update set. Nolan Ryan, in his final season before retirement, dominated on the mound as he always did. His card from this set is a classic. Don Mattingly, already an established star, smacked 33 home runs and hit .322 on his way to being named American League MVP. His card portrayed him as one of the game’s most feared hitters. Pitchers Fernando Valenzuela, Orel Hershiser, and Bob Welch were all having outstanding seasons for the Dodgers and had popular cards as well.
Beyond just the players, the 1986 Fleer Update set also featured innovative design choices. The cards utilized a white border around colorful action photos of the players, a clean and attractive style. Biographies on the back provided stats and info to highlight each star. The set was also one of the earliest to feature foil stamped logos on the fronts of the high number cards (#181-198). This added a premium feel and further differentiated the Update from the main 1986 Fleer set released earlier. The cards also included playoff statistics and results, capping off the season’s storylines perfectly for collectors.
When all the factors are considered – the postseason-focused content, rookie card goldmine, superstar veterans, innovative design, and commemoration of iconic 1986 teams – it’s easy to understand why the 1986 Fleer Update baseball card set has become such a revered part of the hobby. The timing was perfect to memorialize memorable players and performances from that memorable season. For collectors and investors even today, cards from this limited-edition release continue to be a worthwhile long-term basketball in any collection.
