The 1987 Topps baseball card set was the 66th year Topps released baseball cards and marked some notable anniversaries and career milestones for players. That year’s 792-card base set featured colorful player and team photos on the front with stats and career highlights on the back.

The 1987 set paid homage to baseball’s 75th anniversary with classic action shots of legends like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Walter Johnson. It also commemorated 150 years since the formation of the National League with cards featuring iconic moments from the league’s history. Rookies included future Hall of Famers Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux, who both made their MLB debuts that season.

Topps cards in the 1980s continued the tradition of featuring player headshots with straightforward designs. The 1987 set introduced more vibrant colors and brighter photography compared to earlier years. With players now endorsing brands and appearing in advertisements, their card portraits had a more polished and high-production quality look.

Baseball cards were immensely popular among both kids and collectors in the late 80s. The 1987 Topps release captured a snapshot of the league during an era when legendary stars like Mike Schmidt, George Brett, and Nolan Ryan were in their prime while young talents like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens were emerging. For fans and historians alike, the cards provide a detailed record of that season’s rosters, stats, and storylines.

Some key highlights and notable players featured in the 1987 Topps set include:

Roger Clemens’ card #1, reflecting his status as the reigning American League MVP and Cy Young winner from 1986. His 21-9 record and league-leading 24 complete games and 354 strikeouts further cemented his status as one of baseball’s best power pitchers.

Wade Boggs’ card #2 in recognition of his 1986 batting title with a .357 average, still one of the highest single-season marks of the modern era. Boggs would go on to hit over .300 in 10 consecutive seasons.

Steve Garvey’s card #17, commemorating his 3,000th career hit. The 1982 NL MVP was still a durable corner infielder for the Padres at age 35.

Ozzie Smith’s card #19. Known as “The Wizard” for his dazzling defense, 1987 was Smith’s first season with the NL record for career puts by a shortstop, surpassing Luis Aparicio.

Tim Raines’ card #31. “Rock Raines” was a perennial batting title threat for the Expos, stealing 78 bases in 1987 while hitting .294 with 193 hits.

Nolan Ryan’s card #49. At age 40, “The Ryan Express” was still overpowering hitters with 228 strikeouts for the Astros. He would go on to pitch until he was 46.

Cal Ripken Jr.’s card #51. After breaking Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played streak the previous season, Ripken was cementing his Iron Man nickname and establishing himself as the Orioles’ franchise player.

Don Mattingly’s card #161. The smooth-swinging “Hit Man” led the AL with 145 RBI in 1987 while showing his trademark patience with 103 walks for the Yankees.

Rookie cards for future Hall of Famers Tom Glavine (#661) and Greg Maddux (#656). Glavine went 8-16 for the Braves in his debut while Maddux, still just 20, showed flashes of his control going 4-5 with a 3.18 ERA in limited action for the Cubs.

Topps’ 1987 baseball card release provided an iconic snapshot of the sport during that transitional period. For collectors and baseball historians, it serves as a valuable record of that season’s rosters and statistics while also commemorating careers and milestones of the game’s greats. Even 35 years later, fans can still relive the past through flipping through the colorful cards and rediscovering the stars who helped shape baseball in the late 1980s.