The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most unique issues in the company’s long history due to its small card size. Up until 1987, Topps had standardized on a 2 1/2 by 3 1/2 inch “standard” baseball card size that had been in use since 1951. Citing a need to cut costs, Topps made the drastic decision to shrink the size of its 1987 baseball cards down to a postage stamp-like 1 5/8 by 2 1/4 inches.

While the smaller size was met with widespread backlash from collectors at the time, it has come to be appreciated as one of the more novel designs in recent decades. The reduced card dimensions forced Topps to remove all white borders and squeeze stunning action photos along with player stats and team logos into an incredibly tight space. This resulted in an extremely eye-catching and immersive overall visual presentation even if individual details were harder to see.

Part of what makes the 1987 Topps set so interesting is the wide range of reactions and discussions it has spawned over the decades since its release. While most collectors at the time were frustrated by the smaller card size, others came to appreciate Topps’ push for creativity within tight constraints. Subsequently, the 1987s have developed a strong cult following among collectors who love the ingenious designs and challenge of fitting so much information into a tiny canvas.

There were also valid practical criticisms of the 1987 design. Most notably, the extremely small typefaces and tightly packed stats/text made the cards difficult or impossible for younger collectors with poorer eyesight to read. This likely impacted the set’s popularity among child collectors at the time. The smaller size made the cards prone to more bending, creasing, and wear-and-tear over time which hurts condition. This has caused many surviving 1987 Topps cards to grade more poorly compared to other mid-80s issues.

From a statistical standpoint, the 1987 Topps set includes cards featuring some of the biggest stars in baseball at the time such as Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Rickey Henderson, Ozzie Smith, and Dwight Gooden. The size lends an added uniqueness when viewing rookie cards of future Hall of Famers such as Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz. Iconic stars in the twilight of their careers like Reggie Jackson and Steve Carlton also received cards, capitalizing on their continued popularity.

The front design schematic used on the 1987s was fairly basic but effective – focusing a bright solid color team border around a stark black-and-white action photo. Statistics were listed cleanly in the bottom black area. The backs featured career stats and a brief bio. Gum or wrapper cards from subsets like Traded and Record Breakers provided interesting photographic variety within the constraints. The minute size necessitated simplicity over more elaborate graphical treatments.

While initially a source of frustration, the 1987 Topps small card factor has proven part of their enduring interest and appeal amongst collectors today. Their pocket-sized stature makes for an engaging nostalgia-inducing novelty. Combined with the tight photographic compositions and minimalist designs, they set the standard for creativity within limitations. Values remain strong for star rookies and commons are easily obtainable to complete the unique set. Nearly 35 years later, the 1987s stand out as one of Topps’ most divergent yet memorable annual issues.