The 1987 Topps baseball card set is widely considered one of the strongest rookie card classes of all time. With future Hall of Famers like Barry Larkin, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine making their Topps card debut, these rookie cards have become highly coveted by collectors.
A key rookie card in the 1987 set is Cincinnati Reds shortstop Barry Larkin’s card #341. Larkin would go on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Reds, winning an MVP award in 1995. As one of the premier shortstops of the 1990s, Larkin’s 1987 rookie card is among the most iconic and recognizable from that year’s set. In high grade, Larkin rookies routinely sell for hundreds of dollars due to his all-time great status.
Another cornerstone rookie card is Atlanta Braves pitcher Greg Maddux’s #390 card. Maddux established himself as one of the best pitchers ever, winning four consecutive Cy Young awards from 1992-1995 with the Braves. His pinpoint control and dominance on the mound make his 1987 rookie one of the most significant in baseball history. High-grade Maddux rookies can sell for well over $1000 given his elite pitching resume.
Tom Glavine, Maddux’s teammate on many great Braves teams, also has a highly sought-after rookie in the 1987 set. Glavine would go on to win two Cy Youngs of his own and was a member of the 1995 World Series champion Braves. As another future Hall of Famer, Glavine’s #154 card remains a key piece for collectors to obtain. Like Maddux and Larkin, mint Glavine rookies demand top dollar.
Other notable rookie cards from the 1987 Topps set include Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo #210, Angels manager Joe Maddon #521, and long-time MLB catcher Charles Johnson #450. While they didn’t achieve the same career heights as Larkin, Maddux, and Glavine, these players’ rookie cards remain popular with collectors given their MLB careers and current industry roles.
The 1987 Topps set also marked the rookie cards of outfielders Lenny Dykstra #144 and Darren Daulton #481 of the Philadelphia Phillies. Dykstra, known as “Nails”, went on to win the 1993 National League MVP and was a key part of the Phillies’ 1993 World Series championship. Daulton was the Phillies’ catcher for many years and also played for their 1980 and 1983 NL pennant winners. Both of these hometown player rookies carry significance.
Even beyond the elite rookie cards, the overall 1987 Topps set contained 792 total cards and featured future stars like Mark McGwire #207, Wally Joyner #386, David Cone #617, and more. It’s considered one of the most complete sets for capturing future Hall of Famers and impact players at the start of their MLB journeys. The vintage feel of the designs also adds to the appeal for collectors decades later.
In high grades, complete sets and individual rookie cards continue to climb in value due to strong collector demand. The 1987 Topps rookie class stands out for capturing so much excellence in one package. As many of the players go on to Cooperstown, their humble beginnings documented in that year’s Topps issue take on greater prestige. For collectors and historians alike, the 1987 Topps set remains a pinnacle of the hobby for presenting such acclaimed rookies all in one concentrated collection.
