The 1987 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues in the modern era of the hobby, largely due to the presence of Ken Griffey Jr.’s historic rookie card in the set. Many collectors overlook or are unaware of Donruss’ sub-set from that year titled “The Rookies” which featured 12 additional rookie cards outside of the main 132-card base set.
While not as famous or valuable on average as Griffey’s base card #156, the dozen rookie cards from The Rookies subset have grown in popularity and prestige over the past 30+ years among collectors. Many consider it the most pivotal and star-studded rookie card class outside of Griffey in the whole ’80s decade. Featuring future Hall of Famers, MVPs, and impact players who went on to have fantastic careers, 1987 Donruss The Rookies provided a spotlight on some truly special talents just starting out in The Show.
The first rookie in the subset is #T1 Archi Cianfrocco of the Detroit Tigers. A catcher, Cianfrocco had a relatively short and unremarkable MLB career playing from 1987-1993 for four different teams. His card isn’t very sought after today but provided the opening slot for the more notable rookies to come in the subset.
In the #T2 position is Boston Red Sox pitcher and future 300-game winner Roger Clemens, who had a monster 24-year career and is considered one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. Clemens went on to win 7 Cy Young Awards and capture two World Series titles. His iconic glare pictured on his rookie card from The Rookies makes it highly coveted by collectors today. Graded gem mint examples can sell for thousands.
Houston Astros outfielder/DH Glenn Davis has the #T3 card in the subset. Davis enjoyed eight solid major league seasons, making three All-Star teams early in his career before injuries derailed him. He’s likely best remembered today for being part of the historic trade that sent pitcher Mike Scott to the Astros. Gem mint Davises can sell in the $100-200 range.
The #T4 card features Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Chase Utley in his true rookie issue before moving to the Philadelphia Phillies. Over a 16-year career primarily with the Phils, Utley established himself as one of the best hitting second basemen of all time and a key member of Philadelphia’s 2008 World Series championship team. His 1987 Donruss RC remains a very popular and historically important rookie card.
Mark McGwire’s iconic rookie is #T5 in The Rookies. As the burgeoning slugger for the eventual World Champion Oakland A’s, McGwire blasted 49 homers in his first full season in 1987, a rookie record at the time that foreshadowed his record-breaking home run chase with Sammy Sosa in 1998. Despite controversies, Big Mac’s early career dominance and mammoth home runs made his rookie one of the most explosive RCs from the decade. Higher grades can reach values over $1000.
Texas Rangers hurler Nolan Ryan holds down the #T6 position in the subset. Arguably the hardest thrower in baseball history, Ryan authored one of the game’s greatest careers spanning 27 seasons with a record 5,714 strikeouts. While playing the tail end of his career in the ’80s with Texas, Ryan’s rookie card from this set remains a consistent seller for collectors given his status as a pitching legend. Lower minted examples can sell for hundreds.
Future Hall of Famer and 12-time All-Star Ryne Sandberg has the #T7 rookie card. As the budding young second baseman for the Chicago Cubs, “Ryno” went on to author a fantastic career hitting over .285 with over 300 home runs and winning the 1984 NL MVP. His smooth left-handed swing and dazzling defensive skills made him a fan favorite. Higher graded Sandberg rookies can reach values well over $1000.
Atlanta Braves fireballing righty Bruce Sutter is featured in the #T8 position. A dominant reliever during his days with the Cubs and Cardinals, Sutter racked up 300 career saves and an impressive 1.98 ERA during his 12-year MLB tenure. He was the first-ever closer elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame exclusively for his relief work. Sutter’s iconic wind-up has made his rookie a very steady yet affordable option for collectors for years.
The #T9 card highlights Toronto Blue Jays slugging first baseman Fred McGriff. Over 19 seasons with five different franchises, “Crime Dog” crushed 493 home runs and made five All-Star teams while being known for his consistent production and leadership abilities. Despite short of the 500 HR milestone for automatic HOF entry, McGriff remains a borderline candidate today among fans and analysts for his excellent career stats. His 1987 RC is a true sleeper pick in the subset.
Perhaps the biggest star of The Rookies subset outside Griffey, Orel Hershiser inhabits the #T10 position. After breaking out with a record 59 consecutive scoreless innings during the 1988 season culminating in World Series MVP honors, Hershiser went on to author a very solid 18-year career highlighted by All-Star appearances and 204 career wins. His rookie flasher is one of the most iconic from the decade and can demand prices over $1000 graded gem mint.
The penultimate #T11 card is San Diego Padres third baseman Gary Sheffield. Over 22 MLB seasons playing for nine franchises, Sheffield slugged 509 career home runs and made eight All-Star teams while gaining a reputation for his elite bat speed and power numbers. His rookie is a popular and often affordable option for collectors given his Hall of Fame caliber stats and longevity in the sport.
Wrapping up The Rookies subset is #T12 Kansas City Royals fireballing righty Kal Daniels. Daniels had a relatively short and uneventful three-year MLB career and his card doesn’t carry much nostalgia or demand. It capped off a truly special collection of impact rookies featured outside of the base ’87 Donruss set that launched the careers of Hall of Famers, MVPs, and award-winning players who thrilled fans for decades.
In total, The Rookies subset featured several true superstars and iconic players who went on to define the late ’80s and ’90s eras. While Griffey’s base card garners top dollar, the dozen rookies within this celebrated mini-set have grown tremendously in prestige and collectability over the years. For students of the game and vintage baseball card collectors, 1987 Donruss The Rookies was a seminal release that introduced a highly successful rookie class for the ages.
