The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic releases in the hobby’s history. While it did not feature any superstar rookies, the ’87 Topps set showcased many of the game’s biggest names from that era. With 792 total cards, it was one of the largest sets Topps had produced to date. While every card from the ’87 Topps set holds nostalgia and value to collectors, some stand out more than others. Here are some of the most notable, valuable, and best cards collectors seek out from the 1987 Topps baseball card release.
Perhaps the most coveted card from the 1987 Topps set is the Roger Clemens rookie card. While Clemens had debuted in the majors in 1984, 1987 was the first year Topps included him in their base set, making it his true “rookie” card. Clemens would go on to have an incredible 24-year career winning 354 games and 7 Cy Young Awards. In pristine mint condition, his ’87 Topps RC now sells for thousands of dollars. Another huge star who had yet to reach his prime was Dwight Gooden. His ’87 Topps card shows him pitching for the New York Mets early in his career. Gooden’s rookie season was arguably one of the greatest ever for a pitcher in 1985. A PSA 10 Gem Mint copy of his ’87 Topps card can fetch over $1000.
The 1987 Topps set also featured several other future Hall of Famers in their prime, including Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, Mike Schmidt, and Nolan Ryan. Schmidt’s card stands out, as he is depicted in the midst of his epic home run swing that would result in him becoming the NL’s all-time home run leader that season. Schmidt and Ryan both overcame injuries late in their careers to make it to Cooperstown, cementing their place among the game’s legends. Boggs’ ’87 Topps card shows him in the midst of his incredible season where he would bat .363, the third highest single season batting average of all-time.
Two of the biggest stars of the late 80s were featured prominently in the ’87 Topps set as well. The card of Toronto Blue Jays slugger George Bell depicts him in the middle of an epic home run swing during his 1987 MVP season where he led the AL in home runs and RBIs. Bell’s MVP campaign helped lead the Blue Jays to their first-ever playoff appearance. Arguably the most exciting young player of 1987 was Oakland A’s outfielder Jose Canseco. His rookie season saw him belt 33 home runs, drive in 117 runs, and steal 40 bases on his way to winning the Rookie of the Year award. Canseco’s explosive rookie campaign helped fuel Baseball’s reemergence from the 1994 player’s strike. His ’87 Topps rookie card is a key piece for any vintage baseball card collection.
While stars of the day like Schmidt, Boggs, and Ryan hold value, perhaps no card from the ’87 Topps set rivals the iconic Kirby Puckett rookie card. Puckett debuted with the Minnesota Twins in 1984 but was not included in Topps’ set until 1987, making it his true rookie card. Puckett would go on to have a brilliant 12-year career hitting .318 lifetime while leading the Twins to World Series championships in 1987 and 1991. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2001. In pristine mint condition, Puckett’s ’87 Topps rookie now sells for over $10,000, easily making it the most valuable card from the set.
The 1987 Topps set also included several other notables in their early careers. The cards of Mark McGwire (his first Topps card), Barry Bonds, and Frank Thomas are key pieces for any collector of those all-time great sluggers. Other potential Hall of Famers like Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and Tim Raines had their rookie cards in the 1987 Topps set as well. Raines’ speedy base-running made him a fan-favorite, depicted stealing second base on his rookie card. The cards of talented young hurlers like David Cone, Dwight Gooden, and Dave Stewart also hold value as they went on to have stellar careers.
In addition to star players, the ’87 Topps set also featured memorable manager and team cards. The Baltimore Orioles team card stands out, as the 1987 squad won the World Series led by manager Earl Weaver in his final season. The Detroit Tigers’ team card is also notable as they made their first postseason appearance since 1984. And the Chicago Cubs’ team card depicts beloved manager Jim Frey and his “Boys of Zimmer” squad that was a surprise contender that season.
While it didn’t have any true rookie “superstars”, the 1987 Topps baseball card set remains a pivotal release that captures a unique moment in the game. Featuring many future Hall of Famers and MVPs in their prime, it documents a transitionary period after the 1994 strike. The iconic cards of Kirby Puckett, Roger Clemens, Jose Canseco, and others continue to be highly sought after by collectors today. With its massive checklist of nearly 800 cards and timeless photos, the 1987 Topps set endures as one of the most beloved issues in the hobby’s history.
