The 1987 baseball season was one of change and transition in Major League Baseball. A work stoppage had shortened the 1986 season and new commissioner Peter Ueberroth was working to restore the integrity of the game. On the diamond, young stars like Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire were emerging while pitching legends like Nolan Ryan remained at the peak of their powers. For collectors of 1987 Topps baseball cards, this period holds special significance. Several key rookie cards from the ’87 Topps set have gone on to become hugely valuable due to the success and popularity of the players depicted. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable 1987 baseball cards:
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#31): Widely considered the most coveted baseball card of the modern era, the rookie card of “The Kid” Ken Griffey Jr. has become iconic. Even as a rookie, Griffey Jr. displayed prodigious talent and five-tool abilities that would make him a 13-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glover over his illustrious career. In pristine Mint condition, Griffey Jr.’s ’87 rookie now regularly commands prices well over $10,000 and the record sale price stands at over $25,000. Recent PSA/Beckett Magazine valuations for this card in Mint condition range from $15,000 to $22,000, a true rarity among the sports collecting world.
Mark McGwire Rookie Card (#168): As one of the game’s preeminent power hitters who would go on to break the single-season home run record, McGwire’s first Topps card is undoubtedly one of the most significant from the 1987 set. Copies in Mint condition routinely sell for $3,000 to $5,000 today, with the occasional pristine copy topping $10,000 at auction. Even in well-worn Excellent condition, Big Mac’s rookie proves a strong mover, often selling around the $1,000 mark or more due to high memorabilia and collector value. The steroid era slightly dampens prices compared to the untainted Griffey but this historic cardboard still holds great worth.
Jose Canseco Rookie Card (#126): As one of the leaders of “Bash Brothers” Oakland A’s teams alongside McGwire, Canseco blazed his way onto the scene by winning 1986’s Rookie of the Year award. His power and style embodied the growing excitement around baseball at that time and certainly was capitalized on by the market for his first Topps issue. Canseco rookies in Mint grade now bring $1,000 to $3,000 but have seen highs around $5,000 for true pristine specimens. Even Very Good or Excellent copies retain $200-$500 in value based on his 40/40 club membership and importance in late ’80s/early ’90s MLB history.
Tom Glavine Rookie Card (#92): Not always flashy but ultra-consistent as evidenced by his 305 career wins, two Cy Youngs, and World Series ring, Glavine became one of baseball’s best pitchers of the 1990s and 2000s. As a rookie, he flashed promise in his debut campaign for the Atlanta Braves. Thanks to his sustained excellence and Atlanta fanbase, his 1987 rookie remains a strong mover. Near Mint copies typically sell in the $150-$350 range today while crisp examples top out around $500. For Braves PC collectors, Glavine rookies retain solid interest and collectibility.
Greg Maddux Rookie Card (#497): While 1987 was not technically Maddux’s debut season in Chicago, it marked his first Topps issue before blossoming as an elite pitcher later in his career. Winning four straight Cy Youngs from 1992-1995 defined the peak of one of the best control artists ever seen. Naturally, his ’87 cardboard increased in demand and now commands around $75-150 for sharp Near Mint copies up to a recent high of $400 for an immaculate PSA/SGC example. Strong pitchers from championship eras will likely only gain steam with time.
Ozzie Smith Rookie Card (#99): One of the greatest defensive shortstops to play provided highlight-reel wizardry for over 18 seasons, primarily for the Cardinals. So highly regarded for his glovework that he earned the nickname “The Wizard,” Smith also slashed a respectable .262/.337/.328 career line. His rookie card enjoys steady interest as a result and values have crept up substantially in recent years. Mint versions now trade hands between $250 to $500 at auction while clean Near Mint copies fall in the $50-$150 range. Thrill-seekers may keep pursuing pristine grades at even higher prices.
Beyond these headliner rookies, other valuable ’87 Topps gems include Darryl Strawberry’s sweet swing on full display (#141), well-centered Dwight Gooden cards (#221-224) capturing “Doc’s” dominance at a young age, and the Kirby Puckett rookie (#494) that encapsulates a key piece of Twins history. For astute collectors, opportunities still exist to find affordable copies of these seminal cards in lower grades too before prices escalate further. The 1987 Topps set rewards those willing to hunt and hold onto a piece of baseball’s storied past for the future.
