The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable releases from the late 1980s. It was the 66th series issued by Topps and featured 660 total cards including base cards, manager/coach cards, and rookie/star cards. Some of the biggest names in baseball at the time like Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Ozzie Smith, and Rickey Henderson graced the fronts of packs. While it may not be the flashiest or most sought after vintage set, 1987 Topps holds a special place in the hearts of many collectors for capturing a unique moment in the game.
The design of the 1987 Topps cards had a classic yet understated look featuring a solid color background with white borders on the front. Player names and positions were printed in all capital letters above their photo. Team logos appeared on the upper left while the card number was found on the lower right. On the back, stats from the previous season were provided along with a short career recap. One of the standout aspects was the inclusion of team colors as accent shades around the borders and text. It had a clean and straightforward aesthetic that allowed the photos to shine.
Some notable rookies found in the 1987 Topps set included Mark McGwire, Barry Larkin, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine. While they may not have been the biggest stars yet, collectors knew they had potential Hall of Famers on their hands. McGwire’s iconic home run prowess would later be on full display. Larkin brought smooth defense and timely hitting to Cincinnati for years. Maddux and Glavine anchored rotations that led the Braves dynasty of the 1990s. Even lesser known rookies like Lenny Dykstra and David Cone had value as they developed into quality major leaguers.
Managers, coaches, and executives were also featured for the first time in 1987 Topps. Icons in the dugout like Whitey Herzog, Tommy Lasorda, and Earl Weaver received their own cards. It was a nod to their important roles in the game and provided a fun retrospective for fans. Dick Williams, who led the A’s dynasty in the 1970s, was included despite not actively coaching in 1987. The manager/coach cards created an expanded checklist and sense of completeness for the set.
Some key high number and insert cards that add value and excitement for collectors include the #660 Ozzie Smith MVP Award winner card, #659 All-Star Game card featuring starters and reserves, #658 Rookie All-Stars card highlighting top first year players, and #657 League Leaders statistical achievement cards. There were also special photo variation cards of stars like Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, and Roger Clemens. The inserts provided highlights and honored top individual accomplishments from the previous season.
In terms of player distribution across the teams, the Cardinals, Mets, and Dodgers led the way with over 50 cards each devoted to their rosters and minor leaguers. The Expos, Mariners, and Rangers had among the fewest representations with under 30 cards per club. It reflected the competitive balance and market sizes of each franchise at that time. Regional favorites also received hometown boosts with cards like the #1 Tim Raines for the Montreal Expos and #10 Kirby Puckett for the Minnesota Twins.
In the three decades since its release, the 1987 Topps set has grown in esteem and monetary worth. Rookies of future Hall of Famers like McGwire, Larkin, Maddux, and Glavine are highly coveted. Star cards for sluggers like Boggs, Henderson, and Clemens command top dollar. Even commons of workhorse players from the era can sell for $10-20 in graded gem mint condition. The affordable prices and availability of the base cards make it an accessible vintage set for collectors just starting out. Meanwhile, its historical significance as a snapshot of 1980s baseball ensures the 1987 Topps checklist will remain a foundational part of the hobby for years to come.
While not as flashy as some of the sets before or after, 1987 Topps captured a special moment between the eras of stars from the 1970s and 1990s. Rookies that would shape the next decade of the game received their proper introductions. Meanwhile, veterans still in their primes like Boggs, Smith, and Dwight Gooden graced the cardboard. The clean, understated design let the photos and players shine. Between the stars, prospects, and contextual details, it provided an entertaining and informative journey for fans through that season. The 1987 Topps baseball card set deserves its place among the most revered vintage releases for collectors even decades later.
