The 1986 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable releases from the company. While it may not be the flashiest or contain the biggest stars of all-time, the 1986 Topps set holds a special place in the hearts of many collectors due to the players and stories it memorialized. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the standout cards and what makes them so desirable among traders and investors to this day.
We’ll start with arguably the most famous card from the ’86 set – card number 1, Roger Clemens. Clemens was just starting to emerge as the superstar pitcher he would become, winning the AL Cy Young award in 1986 after posting a 24-4 record with a 2.48 ERA for the Boston Red Sox. His card captured him in the prime of his career before injuries and controversies would later arise. The Clemens rookie has always been highly regarded and is one of the most expensive common cards from the set on the secondary market.
Another huge star whose card value has grown exponentially is number 62, Barry Bonds. While Bonds was already a star outfielder in 1986 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, collectors could not have predicted he would go on to break the all-time home run record. His card has rocketed up collector guides due to his all-time great career stats and notoriety. Finding a Bonds ’86 rookie in top-graded condition can fetch thousands.
Two other star rookie cards that made their debuts in the 1986 set were #91 Fred McGriff of the Toronto Blue Jays and #144 Mark McGwire of the Oakland A’s. McGriff went on to have a Hall of Fame caliber career hitting over 400 home runs and McGwire’s monster home run chase against Sammy Sosa in 1998 has cemented him as one of the game’s great sluggers, despite controversies later. Both players’ rookie cards are highly sought after.
The 1986 set also commemorated some legendary players in their later career phases. #84 featured an action shot of Nolan Ryan of the Houston Astros, immortalizing one of the greatest pitchers ever still in his prime at age 39. #338 showed a smiling Tim Raines of the Expos, on the verge of a batting title season. #79 gave us one of the classiest cards ever made for Don Mattingly of the Yankees in his early superstar years. Each of these cards captures all-time great players and sells for big money.
Two other huge stars in the twilight of their careers who had memorable ’86 cards were #18 Steve Carlton of the Indians and #144 Dave Winfield of the Yankees. Carlton’s card depicted him in an Indians uniform, a rarity for the legendary Lefty who spent most of his career with the Phillies. Winfield meanwhile was settling in with the Yankees after time with the Padres and Blue Jays. Both future Hall of Famers continue to be popular choices for collectors.
Rookie cards aren’t the only ones that can gain value over time either. #144 Dwight Gooden had a breakout season in 1985 but his ’86 card showed him as the new ace of the Mets staff after winning Rookie of the Year in ’85. Gooden would go on to have some huge seasons and his rising and falling career arc has made this one a favorite. #1 Ozzie Smith’s fun action shot has long been a fan favorite as well for capturing the Wizard at shortstop in his prime.
While stars are great, the 1986 set also memorialized players and moments with incredible stories behind them. #144 Dave Stieb’s card captured him pitching for the Red Sox after being chosen ahead of Roger Clemens in the 1981 draft. #338 Jesse Orosco became the first player to appear on cards for multiple teams after being traded from the Mets to Dodgers midseason. #338 Marty Barrett captured his excitement after hitting a walk-off home run for the Red Sox. Each card tells not just stats but a unique story from baseball’s past.
While production numbers and player values have surely surpassed those from 1986, the cards from that Topps set retain a special nostalgia. From rookie stars to legends in their primes to unique stories, ’86 captured lightning in a bottle and many of those cards remain affordable collectibles today. The combination of talented players, historical significance, and artistic design combine to make many 1986 Topps cards truly timeless in the eyes of the hobby.
