The 1987 baseball rookie class is considered one of the strongest of all time. Major players like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine made their MLB debuts that year and went on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers. As a result, their 1987 rookie cards have appreciated greatly in value over the past 35 years. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top 1987 rookies and what their rookie cards are currently selling for.

Barry Bonds (Pittsburgh Pirates): Widely considered the greatest hitter of all time, Barry Bonds broke countless home run records during his 22-year career. His 1987 Donruss rookie card (#139) in near mint condition recently sold for over $10,000. In a PSA 10 gem mint grade, scarce examples have reached upwards of $30,000. Bonds’ 1987 Topps rookie (#310) also holds tremendous value, regularly bringing $5,000+ for a PSA 9 copy and $15,000+ for a flawless PSA 10.

Roger Clemens (Boston Red Sox): As one of the most dominant starting pitchers ever, Clemens racked up 354 career wins and over 4,500 strikeouts. His 1987 Fleer rookie (#207) currently sells for $2,000-3,000 in high grades while a PSA 10 is worth at least $5,000. The 1987 Topps Clemens rookie (#461) frequently trades hands for over $1,000 in gem mint condition or $2,500+ for a PSA 10 copy.

Greg Maddux (Chicago Cubs): A master of location and changing speeds, Maddux won 355 games and four consecutive Cy Young awards from 1992-1995. Excellent condition copies of his 1987 Topps rookie (#500) go for $800-1,200 while flawless PSA 10 editions sell within the $2,000-3,000 range. His 1987 Fleer Update rookie (#US287) also carries substantial value, reaching $500-$800 for high grade copies.

Tom Glavine (Atlanta Braves): Glavine went on to win 305 games and two Cy Youngs during his Hall of Fame career mostly spent with the Braves. His 1987 Donruss rookie (#239) in near mint to mint condition sells between $300-500. PSA 10 gem mint exemplars have sold recently for over $1,000. The more coveted 1987 Topps Glavine rookie (#591) reaches the $500-800 range in high grades.

Mark McGwire (Oakland A’s): Before breaking into the home run record books, McGwire started his path to Cooperstown as a rookie with the A’s in 1987. His limited print run 1987 Donruss rookie (#256) fetches $500-800 in top condition while his ultra-scarce 1987 Topps Traded Tiffany variation rookie has achieved upwards of $3,000 sales prices. High grade copies of the standard 1987 Topps McGwire rookie (#616) earn at least $250 on the current market.

Mike Piazza (Los Angeles Dodgers): Regarded as the greatest hitting catcher ever, Piazza’s hall of fame career began as a Dodger rookie in 1987. Tough to find in high grades, his 1987 Donruss rookie (#288) still manages $300-400 price tags. His iconic 1987 Topps rookie (#714) fetches $200-300 in top shape. Rarer PSA 10 versions bring over $1,000 each.

Ken Griffey Jr. (Seattle Mariners): “The Kid” went on to smash 630 career home runs and capture countless highlight reel catches in center field. While Griffey didn’t debut until 1989 with the Mariners, he was featured in pro sets as early as 1987. His sought-after ProCards rookie (#15) reaches $250-350 for high grade pieces while scarce BVG/PSA 10 specimens surpass $1,000.

Eric Davis (Cincinnati Reds): Before injuries derailed his promising career, Eric Davis flashed 5-tool star potential in his 1987 rookie campaign with the Reds. His 1987 Donruss rookie (#297) fetches $150-250 in top condition and his similarly graded 1987 Topps rookie (#744) trades hands around the $100-175 range.

Mark Grace (Chicago Cubs): Grace quietly had a very productive career with the Cubs and Diamondbacks, batting over .300 eight times and winning four Gold Gloves at first base. In today’s collectors market, his 1987 Donruss rookie (#317) garners $75-125 based on condition. His 1987 Topps rookie (#769) hovers in the $50-75 range.

That covers some of the most valuable and sought after rookie cards from the historic 1987 baseball season. With Hall of Famers and cult heroes alike, this rookie class makes for some enticing vintage card collecting over three decades later. The longer these players’ careers stand the test of time, the higher their rookie card prices will surely climb.