The 1987 Fleer baseball card set was unique in the hobby for being Fleer’s first glossy card issue since 1980. After transitioning to a plain paper stock for several years in the early 1980s, collectors were excited to see Fleer return to the flashy look of their premium 1970s sets with the 1987 release. The set had several iconic rookie cards and visual aesthetic improvements that made it a fan favorite among collectors both then and now.
Fleer debuted colorful new designs on glossy cardboard stock for their 1987 offering. Each card had a white border surrounding a team color panel on the left side with the player’s photo. All numbers and text were printed in black ink with team logos above the images. An etched Fleer logo appeared in the bottom right corner alongside the copyright. With 384 total cards issued, it was the same size as Topps’ flagship set that year. However, Fleer’s glossy sheen and vivid hues gave the images a much livelier pop that collectors praised.
Several notable rookies appeared in the 1987 Fleer set. Perhaps the most iconic was Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie card, which showed the Mariners phenom smiling in his distinctive batting stance. Already heralded as a can’t-miss superstar, Griffey’s Fleer RC became one of the most valuable modern rookie cards after he went on to a Hall of Fame career. Other impact rookies included Bobby Witt, Mark McGwire, and Ben McDonald. Brian Harper also had an RC in the set as he broke in with the Twins that season.
In addition to rookie stars, the 1987 Fleer set highlighted several established all-time great players. Roger Clemens’ dominant season was represented with his Red Sox uniform. Wade Boggs appeared smiling for the Red Sox as well. Ozzie Smith dazzled in the Cardinals uniform that helped him earn the nickname “The Wizard.” Rickey Henderson’s speed and flair came through on his A’s card. These dominant players from the 1980s added tremendous collecting appeal and nostalgia for the era to the 1987 Fleer release.
Beyond the talented players featured, the visual design improvements of the 1987 Fleer set made it stand out. Gone were the plain stock paper cards of recent years prior. Returning to glossy cardboard gave Fleer’s colorful designs a sharpness and brilliance unseen since their earlier 1970s releases. The bright team colors and sharp player photos practically popped off the cards. Combined with hobby figures like rookie Griffey and all-time greats Clemens and Boggs, these presentation enhancements kept the 1987 Fleer issue a coveted collector item for fans.
When released in 1987, a sealed wax box of 36 packs with 11 cards per pack retailed for around $15. Today unopened 1987 Fleer boxes in pristine conditioned can sell for over $500 due to rarity and demand. Likewise, premier rookie cards like Ken Griffey Jr. have reached prices upwards of $10,000 PSA Gem Mint 10 condition. Even common players from the set often sell for $5-10 each in graded mint condition. Its desirable mix of rookie stars, Hall of Famers, and innovative glossy design cemented 1987 Fleer as one of the most iconic and valuable mainstream sports card releases ever produced.
For collectors then and now, the 1987 Fleer baseball card set represented a return to form after duller early 1980s issues. Fleer brought back the flashy aesthetics collectors loved from their classic 1970s offerings. Featuring rookie stars like Ken Griffey Jr. along with crime greats like Roger Clemens, it showcased the era’s top talent in brilliant high-gloss photos. While not quite as large as Topps’ behemoth set each year, Fleer’s creative designs and premium feel gave it enduring appeal. Over 30 years later, the 1987 Fleer baseball cards remain a pinnacle of the modern hobby both for nostalgia and strong lingering demand in the marketplace. Its fresh look launched a new era of glossy Fleer issues that still tantalize collectors worldwide.
