The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable releases from the vintage 1980s era. With a massive 792-card base set that featured every player on major league rosters at the time, the ’87 Topps offering had no shortage of stars, prospects, and memorable moments frozen in cardboard. Sifting through to select the true standouts from such a massive release is a challenge, but some cards clearly rise above the rest due to the players featured or historical significance. Here’s a look at some of the best 1987 Topps baseball cards based on their popularity, aesthetics, and lingering collectible value decades later:

Ozzie Smith (#1) – As the cover boy and card number one, “The Wizard’s” electric defensive skills and showmanship made him an ideal choice. He was also coming off his first Gold Glove award in 1986. This card remains one of the most iconic in the set and one of Smith’s most memorable.

Roger Clemens (#98) – “The Rocket” was already establishing himself as the top power pitcher in baseball. His postseason breakout and Cy Young win the year prior added to the hype surrounding this card. With his leg kick frozen in time, it captured the fiery competitiveness that would fuel his Hall of Fame career.

Dwight Gooden (#165) – “Dr. K” was arguably the biggest star in the game in 1987 coming off his Cy Young season in ’86. His smooth delivery and boyish good looks made him a fan favorite. This card has held its value extremely well thanks to Gooden’s status as a true superstar during his dominant run with the Mets.

Kirby Puckett (#234) – Puckett was coming into his own as an All-Star caliber player, and his high motor, enthusiasm, and leadership qualities were vividly on display. As a beloved Twin, this card always resonates strongly in the Minnesota/Midwest collector market.

Mark McGwire (#306) – Aside from the mammoth home runs, “Big Mac” was also known for his outgoing personality and boyish grin. This action shot epitomized his fun-loving spirit and gave fans an early hint of how feared his prodigious power would become.

Eric Davis (#369) – “Buddy Boy’s” pure tools and smooth left-handed swing were mesmerizing. Long before injuries slowed him, this card captured the five-tool talent that nearly won NL MVP honors for the Reds in 1987.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#395) – Though not quite the superstar he’d become, Cal’s workmanlike consistency was already apparent. As a hometown Baltimore Oriole, this card became popular among collectors in the Delmarva region. It also signified Ripken’s eventual ascension among the game’s top all-around shortstops.

Wade Boggs (#421) – “The Chicken Man” was synonymous with his meticulous approach and hit-every-pitch mentality. Never one to showboat, this straightforward action shot perfectly suited his no-nonsense style while highlighting his batting prowess for the World Champion Red Sox.

Orel Hershiser (#464) – After his record-setting regular season and World Series MVP performance secured the ’88 Dodgers title, this card value skyrocketed. Even before that, Hershiser was garnering attention as one of baseball’s most sophisticated right-handers.

Nolan Ryan (#511) – By 1987, Ryan was already a living legend but still churning out big strikeout seasons at 40 years old. This image from his final season with the Astros perfectly captured the intensity and fearlessness that made him an icon of the game.

Don Mattingly (#575) – “Donnie Baseball” was the heart and soul of the Yankees in the late 80s, combining classic lefty swing skills with Gold Glove defense. This straightforward action shot represented the simple Yankee dignity and consistency that made Mattingly a fan favorite.

Jose Canseco (#634) – Canseco’s dazzling 40/40 season in 1988 has drawn most attention. Even before going 40/40, his overpowering tools, charisma, and trailblazing style were turning heads. This card foreshadowed the slugger’s impact on revitalizing baseball interest and launching a new offensive era.

Pedro Guerrero (#685) – While overshadowed on stacked Dodgers clubs, Guerrero was one of the more consistent players in the game, combining a smooth right-handed swing with defensive versatility. This card highlighted his underrated skills and remains one of the undervalued gems from ’87 Topps.

Rickey Henderson (#710) – Even before setting the stolen base record, Henderson’s game-changing speed and swagger lit up the field. The action shot format here maximized capturing his explosive talents at the peak of his A’s career before moving to the Yankees.

In totality, the 1987 Topps baseball card set gave collectors an unforgettable snapshot of the most talented players, up-and-coming stars, and riveting storylines that defined the late 1980s game. While some cards like Clemens, Gooden, and Canseco have soared to new heights, others continue flying under the radar despite showcasing all-time greats in their primes. Diversified collecting brings opportunities to build historical and personalized connections to this legendary release.