The 1987 Fleer baseball card set was truly unique and memorable in the hobby. Unlike modern cards, the 1987 Fleer set stands out as revolutionary for its time due to breaking the monopoly Topps had long held over the baseball card market. Up until 1987, Topps had been the sole producer of major league baseball cards for decades. That year Fleer leapfrogged the competition by obtaining the rights to produce professional baseball cards featuring active players.
The 1987 Fleer set marked the first time since 1955 that any company other than Topps was allowed to print cards with photos of current MLB players in uniform. This was hugely consequential as Topps had dominated the baseball card industry for over 30 years prior. Fleer’s entrance as the first true competitor brought new excitement and collectors rushed to obtain cards from both manufacturers for the first time. The set is also notable for pioneering modern size and design standards that became the industry norm going forward.
One of the defining characteristics of 1987 Fleer cards was their thinner stock and larger dimensions compared to previous issues. At 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, they were significantly bigger than the standard Topps size of the era. This enabled Fleer to feature larger action photos on a thinner card stock. While initially jarring to collectors used to Topps, the bigger size soon became popular. It allowed for clearer close-up images that showed more detail compared to Topps’ portraits. The thinner stock also made for easier storage in boxes versus the thicker cardboard that Topps used.
Another noteworthy aspect was the simple yet colorful design approach Fleer took. Rather than clutter the front with lots of text like Topps tended to do, Fleer opted for a clean look highlighted by the player photo. They placed the team name across the top in a stripe and the player’s name and position at the bottom. Fleer logos appeared in the corners while the back contained the traditional stats tableau. Overall it was a modern aesthetic that helped the cards stand out on store shelves next to Topps’ more traditional designs.
Collectors were also treated to quality photos thanks to Fleer’s partnership with photographer James Spence. He took crisp action shots during spring training that highlighted each player’s skills. Many considered his photography a cut above what Topps offered most years. Coupled with Fleer’s larger size, the photos really popped off the cards. Icons like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens truly jumped out at you in their rookie seasons thanks to Spence’s lens.
Of course, one of the main appeals for collectors was chasing stars both old and new knowing Fleer had rights to include active MLB players. Rookies like Gregg Olson, Barry Larkin, and Mark McGwire were hot commodities in the 1987 Fleer set. But veterans like Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, and Tony Gwynn added star power too since their uniforms and accomplishments were familiar to fans. The thrill of opening packs came from not knowing whether you’d uncover a rookie phenom or seasoned favorite.
Naturally, the debut of two competing card manufacturers drove up collectible fever. Both Fleer and Topps inserted higher end chase cards to entice collectors too. Fleer featured retro rookie reprints of legends as their ’87F’ parallel inserts. Topps countered with their ‘Sports Flair’ inserts showcasing spectacular action shots of popular stars. The ’87 Fleer Glossy All-Stars’ parallel was another colorful must-have parallel. Rivalry only added to the excitement as collectors chose sides or aimed to complete runs from both competing sets.
In the end, the 1987 Fleer set smashed Topps’ grip on the baseball card market. Their pioneering larger size and photography became the new standard copied by competitors. While imperfect in places like tough-to-read fonts, the set paved the way for future innovations. Most importantly, it injected new life and competition into an entire industry previously dominated by one company. The choice it brought collectors and excitement it generated remains unmatched to this day. For breaking new ground and ushering in changes still felt over 30 years later, 1987 Fleer cards retain their importance and respect in the hobby.
The 1987 Fleer baseball card set was truly revolutionary and a watershed moment in the industry. By introducing competition for the first time since 1955, collector fever reached new heights. Its larger size, clean designs, and top photography set new precedents that shaped the baseball card market. Landmark rookies, parallels, and high-end chase cards also appealed greatly to collectors. Most of all, the 1987 Fleer issue shattered Topps’ long-held monopoly and ensured baseball cards would never be the same. For all these reasons, it remains one of the most iconic and historically significant releases in the hobby.
