The 1987 Topps baseball card set was the 66th annual set released by Topps and one of the most iconic sets of the late 1980s. Nestled inside the iconic blue, yellow, and red wax packaging fans could find 792 individual cardboard treasures awaiting discovery.
Inside each 1987 Topps wax pack collectors would find tantalizing glimpses of their favorite players through the wax paper wrapping. Anxious young fans tore into packs hoping for autographs or rookie cards of future stars. The brand maintained the standard design choices that made Topps sets instantly recognizable each year. Bright team logo designs adorned the borders with player headshots centered above. Fun facts, stats, and career highlights filled in the white space.
What made the 1987 Topps designs unique was the added team wordmark above the player photo. Topps incorporated these team-branded labels to reinforce each player’s affiliation. For the first time, Topps also included pitchers’ handedness indicators on their cards. A small “L” or “R” above the logo helped identify same-named players more easily.
Topps issued cards for all 26 Major League franchises that season. Only 792 of the nearly 800 player slots were filled. Some notable omissions included players on team taxi squads or injured reserve. Rookies and prospects were also absent if they had not yet appeared in a MLB game that year. This added mystique to the hunt for those obscure or missing player cards.
Prior to 1987, Topps series were normally distributed nationwide starting in March after Spring Training. That year, Topps pushed back the release date with plans to debut the full set all at once in early May. This delayed gratification built anticipation among collecting fans of all ages. When the new wax packs finally arrived, it kicked off a summer-long card collecting craze across the country.
A few chase cards in 1987 Topps sticks out as highly sought after by collectors both then and now. New York Mets outfielder Darryl Strawberry’s rookie card (card #1) has always been a key piece for any true set builder. Other noteworthy rookies included Future Hall of Famer Tom Glavine of the Atlanta Braves (card #249) and slugging outfielder Barry Bonds for the Pittsburgh Pirates (card #258).
With the 1987 rookie class being so deep in talent, those early player cards have grown exponentially in value and popularity over the decades. Bonds in particular skyrocketed after breaking the all-time home run record. Although the condition of vintage cards deteriorates with age, high-grade Strawberry, Glavine, and Bonds rookies routinely sell for thousands today.
The centerpiece of any 1987 Topps wax pack had to be the flagship card of New York Yankees legend Don Mattingly. As the reigning American League MVP and batting champ, “Donnie Baseball’s” card (card #1) led off the mammoth 790-card checklist. Mattingly’s iconic mustachioed mugshot, loaded stats, and pinstripes made it an instant classic for the ages. Years later, it remains among the most visually pleasing and historically significant baseball cards of all-time.
Beyond the rookies and stars, 1987 Topps boasted several innovative insert sets that added to the excitement. The “Tommy John” surgery subset highlighted players who overcame career-threatening arm injuries. Themed trade/tribute cards paid homage to past players or celebrated franchise anniversaries. Oddball talents like Cardinals third-string catcher Todd Zeile and knuckleballer Charlie Hough also got their due with memorable snapshots.
Perhaps most fascinating were the “Fleer Action” subset highlighting unique action photography. They afforded a glimpse into the game in a way standard posed cards could not. One prime example was Detroit Tigers hurler Jack Morris’ card, which freeze-framed his delivery just at the peak of his windup. groundbreaking moments frozen in time.
Every wax pack from 1987 Topps provided the thrill of discovery. Even now, the durability and artwork retains a certain nostalgic charm. For younger collectors just getting bit by the hobby bug, they offered a tangible connection the players and teams from a pinnacle period for the sport itself. The late 1980s Loma Prieta earthquake put the 1989 World Series on hold, but life went on through America’s favorite pastime as seen in “87 Topps.
For dedicated set builders, a complete 1987 Topps baseball card collection with all variations remains a monumental and historic feat. Thanks to the fun, accessible, and collectible nature of the iconic wax packs that first exposed a generation to the card collecting phenomenon. Even an seemingly insignificant common player held value as one step closer to finishing the master set. For those who tore into packs that season, the 1987 Topps set will always have a cherished place in their baseball memories.
