The 1987 Leaf baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year. Following the immense popularity of Topps and Donruss in 1986, Leaf Baseball Cards sought to enter the lucrative baseball card market and make a big splash with their inaugural offering. While it didn’t receive quite the same fanfare as the giants in the industry, the 1987 Leaf set is still fondly remembered today and contains several highly coveted rookie and star player cards that have stood the test of time.
The base card design was quite unique for its time, featuring a vertical player photo on the left with stats and career highlights listed on the right. The photo extended slightly above the borderless white frame, giving the cards a distinctive modern aesthetic. At only 132 cards, the set size was modest but packed with big names from both leagues. Some key rookie cards and star cards from the 1987 Leaf set that have become highly valuable over the decades include:
Mark McGwire Rookie Card – One of the true Holy Grail cards of the 1980s, McGwire’s rookie card from the 1987 Leaf set is iconic. His mammoth home run prowess was just beginning to emerge but collectors recognized his star potential from the start. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples now sell for well over $10,000.
Barry Bonds Rookie Card – Like McGwire, Bonds’ rookie is one of the most iconic and valuable from the 1980s. His Hall of Fame career was presaged even in his early years showcased on this rookie issue. High-grade examples can fetch $5,000+ due to his legendary status.
Greg Maddux Rookie Card – Maddux went on to have one of the best pitching careers in MLB history and his rookie card remains a key piece for any collection. Even in PSA 8 Very Fine condition, examples can sell for over $1,000.
Tom Glavine Rookie Card – Glavine was a star from the start and his rookie card captured the beginning of his stellar career. Like Maddux, even well-worn copies hold value due to his Hall of Fame induction.
Kirby Puckett Rookie Card – The beloved Twins star had his breakout printed in the 1987 Leaf set. While not quite as valuable as the superstar rookies, a PSA 10 can sell for $500-600.
Ozzie Smith – Considered one of the best defensive shortstops ever, “The Wizard” was a fan favorite. His sharp vertical photo and stats are a classic from the set.
Wade Boggs – The hit king had one of the cleanest swings in baseball and his card remains a sharp, undervalued piece for collectors.
Roger Clemens – One of the most dominant pitchers of the late 80s/90s, his intimidating stare down glare was captured perfectly on his Leaf issue.
Dwight Gooden – “Doctor K” was coming off his Rookie of the Year 1985 season and had one of the most visually striking photos in the set.
Don Mattingly – The smooth swinging “Hit Man” was on the verge of back-to-back batting title wins and his card was a must-have for Yankee collectors.
In addition to star rookies and veterans, the 1987 Leaf baseball set also included a host of other young talent that were on the cusp of breaking out such as Will Clark, Mark Langston, and David Cone. The design aesthetic has aged very well and remains a classic vintage look that is recognizable to this day. While it didn’t achieve the same level of popularity as flagship brands in the late 80s, the 1987 Leaf set endures as one of the most complete snapshots of that era in the game. Key rookies like McGwire and Bonds alone make it one of the most valuable vintage issues to collect. For both nostalgia and investment purposes, the 1987 Topps cards remain a highly sought after release by collectors old and new.
