The 1986 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic releases in the company’s long history. While not quite as valuable as some previous years, it does contain several cards that any serious collector would want in their collection. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the key rookie and star player cards from the 1986 Topps set that still hold relevance today.
One of the biggest rookie cards in the entire set is card number 121, which features New York Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden. Coming off winning both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards in 1985, Gooden was one of the most hyped young players in baseball at the time. His iconic action shot of him mid-windup makes this one of the most visually appealing rookie cards ever. In top-grade condition, a PSA 10 copy can sell for over $1000 due to its iconic status. Gooden went on to have several dominant seasons and helped lead the Mets to a World Series title in 1986, making this one of the defining rookie cards of its era.
Another star-studded rookie card is number 661, which showcased California Angels outfielder Wally Joyner. While not as well known today, Joyner was among the game’s most promising young hitters in 1986 after winning the AL Rookie of the Year award in 1985. His card also features an eye-catching action shot. Joyner went on to enjoy a long, productive major league career and this card remains a coveted piece for Angels and 1980s collectors. High-grade versions can still command over $100 due to its status as a key rookie from this set.
One of the most valuable cards in the entire 1986 Topps set is card number 125 featuring Chicago Cubs third baseman Ryne Sandberg. At the time, Sandberg was already established as one of the best all-around players in baseball and had finished third in 1985 NL MVP voting. His signature slick-fielding style and burgeoning offensive production made him a fan favorite on a struggling Cubs team. His iconic smiling close-up photo only added to the appeal. PSA 10 copies have sold for over $2000 in recent years due to Sandberg’s enduring popularity and the card’s sharp image quality making pristine grades attainable. It remains one of the iconic representations of the smooth-swinging third baseman’s playing career.
Moving over to the American League, card number 704 featuring Boston Red Sox designated hitter Don Baylor also holds enduring appeal. A two-time AL MVP at the time, Baylor was one of baseball’s most dominant power hitters of the early 1980s. His ‘86 Topps card captures him in the midst of his fearsome home run swing. Though not quite as acclaimed today, Baylor remained a force at the plate for several more seasons. High-grade versions can still cross the $100 mark. It’s especially desirable for collectors of either the Red Sox or cards representing 1980s sluggers.
Shifting gears to pitching, card number 609 highlighting Boston Red Sox ace Roger Clemens is another highly coveted piece from 1986 Topps. Already beginning to emerge as one of the game’s most intimidating hurlers, Clemens earned his first Cy Young award in 1986 while helping lead the BoSox to the World Series. His card shows him dealing with his famously intimidating scowl. PSA 10 copies today sell for well over $1000 due to Clemens’ all-time great career and this card capturing him at the brink of his prime years. It became one of the defining representations of the Rocket’s early days in Boston.
Moving to the National League, number 66 featuring New York Mets ace Dwight Gooden and fellow standout pitcher Ron Darling also holds value. The photo shows both hurlers in the clubhouse, representing the vaunted young 1-2 punch at the top of the Mets’ staff that would help lead them to 108 wins. High-grade versions often sell for well over $100. It perfectly captures a moment from the Mets’ resurgent 1986 championship season.
Of course, the biggest star in all of baseball during the mid-1980s was Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Darryl Strawberry, as represented by his card numbered 320. As arguably the premier power hitter in the game at the time, Strawberry’s fierce batting stance and muscular physique made him a superstar on and off the field. His card remains one of the most iconic from the entire decade. Pristine PSA 10 copies can sell for over $1000 today. It ranks among the premier rookie cards from the 1980s.
In wrapping up, the 1986 Topps set overall remains a highly collectible release due to all the future Hall of Fame talent and rookie stars it featured amid the dominance ofDon Mattingly, Wade Boggs, and others. While not as valuable as some earlier years, copies of the major star cards profiled here like Gooden, Sandberg, Clemens, and Strawberry continue to hold strong secondary market prices many decades later. For any serious baseball card investor or collector, owning at least a few of these seminal 1980s pieces is highly recommended.
