The 1987 Topps baseball card set was one of the most iconic releases from the famous card manufacturer. Containing 792 total cards, the ’87 Topps set featured many of the game’s biggest stars and future Hall of Famers. With the advent of larger contracts and rising star power in the late 1980s, the 1987 Topps cards captured players at the peak of their popularity and abilities. Let’s take a look at the top 25 cards from the 1987 Topps baseball set based on their overall rarity, player fame, and demand from collectors today.

Ozzie Smith (#608) – Considered one of the greatest defensive shortstops of all time, “The Wizard” Ozzie Smith was a fan favorite known for his highlight-reel plays and backflips. His 1987 Topps card shows him making an acrobatic play. Highly collectible due to his skills and popularity.

Howard Johnson (#464) – “HoJo” had just come off his career year in 1986 with 38 home runs and 117 RBIs for the Mets. His slugging prowess made him one of the game’s budding stars. His ’87 Topps card is desirable for commemorating his breakout season.

Roger Clemens (#434) – Already one of the toughest pitchers in the league, Clemens’ 1986 AL Cy Young campaign increased his fame. His ’87 Topps RC is iconic for capturing him early in his legendary career dominating with the Red Sox.

Orel Hershiser (#688) – After throwing a record 59 consecutive scoreless innings and winning the ’88 World Series MVP, Hershiser became a household name. Collectors love his ’87 Topps issue for being one of his earliest prominent baseball cards.

Tim Raines (#675) – “Rock Raines” was one of the best leadoff hitters and baserunners of the 1980s. As a seven-time All-Star, his Topps card is valued for showing him in the prime of his skillful career with the Expos.

Kirby Puckett (#350) – The ultra-popular Puckett began taking the Twins to new heights in the late 80s. His warm grin and clutch hits made him a fan favorite, raising the status of his common ’87 Topps issue.

Don Mattingly (#118) – Widely considered one of the best hitters of the 1980s, Mattingly’s boyish looks and leadership of the Yankees franchised secured him as a hot commodity in the sports card industry.

Jose Canseco (#440) – After claiming 1985 Rookie of the Year honors, Canseco had begun displaying prodigious power. His breakout ’87 season that included 33 homers intrigued collectors about his potential superstardom.

Dwight Gooden (#1) – As the #1 overall pick in the set, Gooden’s elite 1984 rookie campaign and 1985 Cy Young season made him one of the most hyped young arms. His iconic smiling rookie card remains highly coveted.

Darryl Strawberry (#280) – Along with teammate Doc Gooden, Strawberry brought excitement to the Mets as one of baseball’s budding superstars and fan favorites in the mid-1980s. His power and promise attracted collectors.

Wade Boggs (#97) – Widely respected for his consistency and skills, Boggs’ .369 average in 1986 cemented his status as the best hitter in the game. His ’87 Topps card highlighted his hitting excellence with the Red Sox.

Dennis Eckersley (#533) – After transitioning from starter to closer, Eckersley’s dominant relief work for the A’s in 1986-1987 reinvented the modern closer role. His imposing Topps image reflected his dominance on the mound.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#388) – Already a multiple-time All-Star by 1987, Ripken’s toughness and dependability in winning the prior ’83 AL ROY and MVP made him revered by Orioles fans. His popularity continued rising into the 1990s.

Rickey Henderson (#240) – Beginning to build his case as the game’s greatest leadoff man and base stealer, Henderson’s game-changing skills with the A’s were must-follow attractions. His ’87 Topps is a testament to his rapidly growing stardom.

Fernando Valenzuela (#650) – His electric 1981 rookie campaign turned the Mexican native into a global phenomenon. By 1987 “Fernandomania” was still going strong, keeping his common cards sought after by collectors worldwide.

George Brett (#342) – One of the best third basemen ever, Brett’s .335, .370 and .357 batting averages from 1985-1987 solidified his Hall of Fame greatness. Extremely popular among fans and collectors alike for over a decade.

Mike Schmidt (#491) – The premier power hitter of the 1970s and 1980s, Schmidt continued raking home runs for Philadelphia. As a perennial MVP candidate, his intimidating style and production fueled interest in his ’87 Topps issue.

Nolan Ryan (#600) – Even at age 40, Ryan remained the most electrifying flamethrower in baseball. By ’87, he was nearing career strikeout milestones and still overpowering hitters. His longevity and velocity records enhanced the collectibility of his Topps cards.

Robin Yount (#123) – The back-to-back MVP winner of ’82-’83 had developed into a true five-tool star for Milwaukee, also capturing a Gold Glove in ’87. He epitomized all-around excellence, increasing demand for his card.

Pedro Guerrero (#290) – Coming off an outstanding 1986 season with the Dodgers hitting .308 with 22 homers and 108 RBIs, Guerrero was one of the game’s top sluggers. His early dominance in LA created strong collector interest in his RC.

Barry Bonds (#189) – Already displaying five-tool skills in his first few Pirates seasons, Bonds’ physical talents and baseball pedigree signaled a likely journey to Cooperstown. His ’87 Topps RC remains a highly valued vintage issue.

Jose Canseco (#440) – After claiming AL Rookie of the Year honors in 1985, Canseco exploded in ’87 with 33 homers to quickly become one of MLB’s budding superstars. His raw power vaulted him into card collecting lore at an early age.

Roger Clemens (#434) – Fresh off winning the 1986 AL Cy Young Award, Clemens continued overpowering AL hitters as one of baseball’s preeminent aces. His popular Topps issue captured him in his Red Sox prime before future successes with the Blue Jays and Yankees.

Ozzie Smith (#608) – Widely considered the greatest defensive shortstop ever, “The Wizard’s” acrobatic plays were must-see TV throughout the 1980s. This helped skyrocket the demand for his relatively common ’87 Topps issue among collectors.

Darryl Strawberry (#280) – Along with rotation-mate Dwight Gooden, Strawberry’s five-tool talents helped lead the mid-1980s Mets renaissance. This made his captivating rookie card the most desirable among ’87 Topps collectors based on his stardom with the fan-favorite Mets.

The 1987 Topps baseball set commemorated some of the biggest names and burgeoning superstars of the late 1980s game. Cards like Strawberry, Gooden, Clemens and Bonds captured future Hall of Famers at early junctures of their historic careers. Combined with favorites like Schmidt, Brett and Ryan, the ’87 Topps issue featured many players who became collection staples for decades to come.