The 1987 Topps baseball card box was one of the most iconic and desirable baseball card sets of the 1980s. released at the height of the baseball card boom, the 1987 Topps set captured the stars and moments of that baseball season in vivid color photos on cardboard. Containing 792 total cards across 22 packs per box, the 1987 Topps issue highlighted a mix of established superstars and exciting young rookies that enticed collectors to purchase boxes hoping to complete the full set or find valuable rookie cards.
Released in late spring of 1987 ahead of the new Major League Baseball season, the 1987 Topps set showcased many of the biggest names in baseball at that time. Home run king Dave Winfield of the New York Yankees graced the very first card in the set. Others like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Cal Ripken Jr., and Roger Clemens appeared prominently in the early cards. Rookie cards for future Hall of Famers like Barry Larkin and Tom Glavine also intrigued collectors scouring packs for finds. The true rookie gems were decidedly two pitchers – Ben McDonald of the Baltimore Orioles and Tom Gugliotta of the St. Louis Cardinals. Both were highly touted prospects and their rookie cards in the 1987 Topps set would prove to be quite valuable in the years to follow.
Beyond stars and rookies, the photography and card designs of the 1987 Topps issue exemplified the artistic aesthetic of late 80s baseball cards. Bright colors popped off the cardboard, often set against simple solid color backgrounds. Action shots showed players mid-swing, windup, or catch. Headshots offered clear views of each player with crisp details on uniforms. Topps also incorporated fun touches like rainbow stripe borders on selected cards. The card stock was sturdier than prior years, which kept the photos and statistics sharply formatted even with repeated handling. Overall it imparted a classic, clean look befitting the Topps brand at its commercial peak.
In terms of organization and statistics, the 1987 Topps baseball cards followed familiar Topps conventions. The set began with team cards showing player lineups on the front, with basic club stats on the back. Numbers on individual player cards ascended in order of each player’s team. Statistics included from the 1986 season centered on batting averages, home runs, RBI, and won-lost records for pitchers. Backs of rookie cards notated a player’s position, height/weight, and brief scouting reports. Checklists at the end compiled highlights from the set in an easy reference format. Gum was included in each pack, as was Topps’ tradition since 1938 when they started making baseball cards.
As the height of the “junk wax” era of the late 1980s, production numbers of 1987 Topps boxes were high. That did not diminish the collecting frenzy – especially among young boys – to acquire this iconic release. Boxes retailed for around $15-20 each when first sold at hobby shops and major retailers in 1987. Inside each wax box were 22 wax packs with 11 cards per pack. The high print run means unopened boxes in good condition can still be found today, generally selling in the $50-100 range depending on overall condition of the box and packs. But as the years passed, appreciation has grown for the vintage quality, design, and players represented in this classic 1980s issue from Topps. Key rookie cards like Ben McDonald, Tom Glavine, and others that rose to stardom command higher prices for their 1987 Topps versions today. Meanwhile, the full base set remains a fun and mildly challenging one for collectors to complete from the bargain bins.
The 1987 Topps baseball card set perfectly encapsulated the sport’s exciting stars, compelling rookies, and cultural phenomenon of the card collecting hobby during its commercial peak era. More than 30 years later, it maintains an iconic status for those who grew up opening its packs or put together its 792-card puzzle as kids. While abundant in numbers from its original production, the 1987 Topps issue continues finding new admirers and still provides enjoyment for collectors to reminisce through its timeless photography, designs, and notable players featured from that 1987 MLB season. It assuredly stands among the most beloved and recognizable Topps releases ever made.
