The 1987 baseball season marked some memorable rookie debuts with stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Mark McGwire, and Larry Walker making their big league entrance. The rookie cards from sets released that year featuring these future Hall of Famers are among the most valuable in the hobby.
Several factors contribute to the high demand and value of 1987 rookie cards nearly 35 years later. Griffey, McGwire, and Walker all went on to have outstanding careers and cement their statuses as all-time greats. Their rookie cards are some of the first widely available issues featuring these players at the beginning of their journeys. The 1987 Fleer, Donruss, and Topps sets also had smaller print runs compared to releases in later decades.
Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie card from the 1987 Donruss set is undoubtedly the most desirable and valuable from that year. In gem mint 10 condition, this iconic card regularly sells for thousands of dollars and has reached above $10,000 in auction. Even well-worn lower graded copies still command three-figure prices.
What makes Griffey’s rookie so especially coveted is his electric rookie season with the Seattle Mariners in which he hit .284 with 16 home runs and 47 RBI in only 110 games played. Scouts and fans immediately recognized his prodigious five-tool talents. He would go on to have a Hall of Fame career proving he was worth the hype on his rookie card. The excellent photography of “The Kid” also makes this one of the most aesthetically pleasing cards ever designed.
Continuing their streak of star rookies, the 1987 Topps set featured debut issues for both Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds. “Big Mac’s” iconic rookie has also proven to be extremely investment-worthy long term. In graded mint 10 condition, it can sell for thousands of dollars as well. His monster 70 home run 1998 season where he broke the single season record only added to the mystique surrounding this card issued when he slammed 49 homers in his first big league action for the Athletics in 1987.
While Barry Bonds didn’t fully blossom into the home run king he became until later in his career, his early promise is apparent on his flashy 1987 Topps rookie card. High grade copies still change hands for hundreds of dollars. Bonds broke out with a .289 average and 24 homers in his first MLB season depicted here. This highlights the potential value of rookie cards issued years before players hit their primes, assuming they deliver on expectations.
Larry Walker’s popular 1987 Topps rookie doesn’t command four-figure prices like Griffey and McGwire’s but remains highly sought after nonetheless. This is owed to his stellar 17-year career predominantly spent with the Montreal Expos and Colorado Rockies. His .965 OPS in 132 games as a 23-year-old rookie gave a hint of what made him a worthy 2017 Hall of Fame inductee. Mint condition Walker rookies can sell for over $500 on the secondary market three decades later.
Outside the superstar trio, other key 1987 rookies seeing strong collector demand and values for their debut issues include Lenny Dykstra, Cecil Fielder, and Devon White. “Nails” Dykstra burst out of the gates with a .325 average in his initial campaign with the Mets portrayed on his affordable but scarce 1987 Topps and Donruss rookies. Power hitter Cecil Fielder announced his arrival with 51 RBI in only 97 games as depicted on his $100-250 rookie card from those same sets.
Devon White booked his ticket to Cooperstown with his outstanding defense in center field over 17 seasons. His smooth lefty swing and speed stood out right away during his Gold Glove winning debut year with the Angels as his ‘87 Fleer and Donruss cards hold $50-100 valuations. Though not future Hall of Famers, these three veterans provided value as quality Major Leaguers making their rookie issues desirable for team and player collectors.
Rookie cards for pitchers like Roger Clemens, David Wells, and Dennis Eckersley also gained popularity from the 1987 crop. “Rocket” Roger began his storied career with a 13-4 record and 2.97 ERA seen on moderately priced rookie issues. David Wells made a strong first bid for “Boomer” status going 6-4 with a 3.15 ERA seen in his affordable initial cards.
Later known primarily for his relief work and Oakland Athletics clubs of the early 1990s, Eckersley’s rookie season as a starting pitcher for the Cleveland Indians is chronicled on $40-75 valued cards after an 11-11 record and 3.03 ERA performance. Meanwhile, catcher Sandy Alomar Jr.’s offensive potential was on display with a .277 average in limited action as a rookie seen in affordable initial cards preceding his six All-Star selections.
Over three decades later, maintaining high grades remains crucial to maximizing returns on any vintage baseball card investment especially for the stars of 1987. Even well-loved examples showing obvious signs of youthful handling can still attract significant interest from collectors pursuing player collections or experiencing nostalgia for the late 80s rookie class. With the likes of Griffey, McGwire and Walker entering Cooperstown while others had quality careers, demand doesn’t appear to be slowing for these memorable initial issues any time soon.
