The 1987 Fleer baseball card set saw Fleer produce their third annual baseball card issue after returning to the baseball card industry in 1986 following a long hiatus. The 1987 set featured a design that shifted away from the more bold and colorful style of the 1986 set towards a cleaner and more classic look that incorporated team logos more prominently. The set totaled 792 cards and featured rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Gregg Maddux, John Smoltz, and Craig Biggio. While not as iconic or valuable as some other vintage sets from the 1980s, the 1987 Fleer cards have maintained popularity and collector interest due to the star players and designs featured. As a result, the set overall retains significance and solid value in the current baseball card market.
One of the biggest storylines and highlights from the 1987 Fleer set was the inclusion of rookie cards for pitching sensations Greg Maddux and John Smoltz, who would both go on to have Hall of Fame careers and bring championships to the Atlanta Braves. Maddux’s rookie card can still fetch prices well over $100 in NM-MT condition due to his record-setting career achievements and status as one of the best pitchers of all time. Meanwhile, John Smoltz rookie cards have increased in value in recent years after his election to Cooperstown, with PSA 9 copies now changing hands for $500-650. Other notable rookies included in the set were Jeff Bagwell, Tom Glavine, and Kenny Rogers.
The 1987 Fleer design incorporated cleaner lines and fonts compared to the 1986 issue. The photos took up more relative space than in previous years and team logos appeared in banners at the top, a style that would remain standard for Fleer sets going forward. While straightforward, collectors appreciated the classic baseball card appearance. Standout veteran stars that saw their better known cards released in the 1987 Fleer set include Nolan Ryan, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Kirby Puckett, and Tony Gwynn. Graded gem mint 10 copies of star cards from this set can sell for hundreds of dollars depending on the particular player featured.
Relative to the 1980s Fleer flagship sets that preceded it like 1981, 1982, and 1983, the 1987 issue is somewhat less iconic and recognizable to the general public. This has likely helped maintain the overall set value as it receives less attention and competition compared to the most high-profile vintage releases. Factors like the star rookie cards of Maddux and Smoltz along with the inclusion of veteran stars like Ryan and Boggs in their prime have made the 1987 Fleer set appreciated by collectors. In raw non-graded condition, a complete set sells for $300-500 depending on quality, while higher grade sets have brought prices of $1000-1500 at auction.
Individual standouts from the 1987 Fleer issue beyond the aforementioned rookies include the star shortstop Ozzie Smith’s sharp looking card where he is portrayed diving for a ball. Graded mint copies in the PSA 8-10 range will fetch $50-150. Then there is the Wade Boggs card showing him at the plate in mid-swing, which is one of the cleaner and more iconic images from the entire set. Mint condition Boggs cards start at $50 and increase significantly in Gem Mint PSA 10 condition up to $300-500 now. The Nolan Ryan card that portrays him on the mound winding up is an always popular piece for Astros and Rangers collectors. PSA 9 copies of this card are obtaining prices just under $100.
Continuing to gain appreciation over the past decade especially is rookie third baseman Craig Biggio’s card from the 1987 Fleer set, which depicted him batting from the left side of the plate. Biggio went on to have a Hall of Fame worthy career mostly spent with the Houston Astros franchise after debuting in 1988. This makes his rookie card as the starting catcher significant for Astros collectors and fans. High-grade PSA 9 or BGS 9 copies routinely bring in $150-300 at auction nowadays due to Biggio’s status. And with him being inducted into Cooperstown in 2015, interest and value in his rookie could remain steady or continue climbing in the years ahead for this underrated but very star-studded Fleer issue.
While overshadowed by some of the more iconic flagship sets from the early 80s boom period, the 1987 Fleer baseball card set holds solid collector value and interest. This is largely because it features the rookie cards of pitching greats Greg Maddux and John Smoltz, and also prominent cards showing stars of the day like Wade Boggs, Nolan Ryan, and Tony Gwynn in their prime. A complete set can be acquired for a reasonable price compared to other vintage releases. Meanwhile, graded examples of the top rookie and star player cards continue to climb in value and will remain a great long term football investment for savvy collectors. Overall the 1987 Fleer baseballs cards was a quality issue that still retains relevance over 30 years later.
