The 1987 baseball card set featured stars from that era such as Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Ozzie Smith, and Jose Canseco on the cover. Within the set are several key rookie cards and cards of established players that have gained value in the decades since. Here are some of the top 1987 baseball cards that could be worth something based on their condition and demand in the collecting market:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card – Widely considered one of if not the most valuable modern rookie card in existence, Griffey’s rookie from the 1987 set is iconic. In pristine near-mint to mint condition, examples have sold for well over $100,000. Even well-centered excellent or very good conditioned copies can fetch thousands. Griffey became one of the game’s greats and his rookie remained highly sought after throughout his career and after.

Mark McGwire Rookie Card – McGwire’s explosive home run chasing feats in the late 90s created huge nostalgia and demand for his rookie card. In top grades like a PSA 10, his 1987 card has reached over $20,000. Very good or excellent copies still sell for hundreds to low thousands due to the power hitter nostalgia.

Tom Glavine Rookie Card – The smooth lefty went on to a Hall of Fame career and 300 wins. His rookie is the key card from the set for Atlanta Braves collectors. PSA 10 editions have topped $1500 with most graded very good to excellent copies selling in the $50-300 range based on demand.

Greg Maddux Rookie Card – Another pitching great, Maddux sported pinpoint control and savvy over many years. While not as valuable as some others, high grade PSA 10 versions of his rookie have still sold for over $1000. Very good-excellent range from $50-250.

Ben McDonald Rookie Card – The Orioles flamethrower showed promise but arm issues curtailed his career. Still, his rookie remains popular with Baltimore fans and collectors. A PSA 10 recently sold for almost $800 with very good and better priced between $50-200.

Wally Joyner Rookie Card – The smooth swinging first baseman had several productive seasons. His card retains interest from Anaheim Angels collectors. Perfect PSA 10s have reached $500-600 range with very good and higher copies selling around $50-150.

Eric Davis Rookie Card – Davis was an electrifying 5-tool player plagued by injuries. When healthy he was a star for Cincinnati. Collectors remember his peak years fondly. PSA 10s have surpassed $300 with very good+ priced around $50-150.

Kevin Mitchell Rookie Card – Mitchell had huge power potential shown by his 1990 49 HR season. As a rookie for the Padres, his card is of interest to San Diego collections. PSA 10s have neared $300 with very good+ valued $50-150.

Dwight Gooden Rookie Card – Dr. K’s sophomore campaign or third year cards hold more appeal today. Still, some seek out his true rookie for NYC collections. PSA 10s have broken $200 while very good+ sell in the $50-150 range.

Ozzie Smith Rookie Card – A surefire Hall of Famer, The Wizard began his storied career with the Padres. High grade PSA 10 versions have reached $500-600. Very good and better usually fetch $50-200 based primarily on his great play and persona.

Alan Trammell Rookie Card – A classy player who won a World Series MVP, Trammell wore Detroit across his chest for 20 years. His rookie card retains following amongst Tiger diehards. PSA 10 recently saw high bid of $275 with very good+ around $50-150 range normally.

While not all 1987 rookie cards have retained monster value long term, there are several stars from that year whose cards have held substantial collector interest and price points in high grades. Factors like a player’s career performance and nostalgia play huge roles in the sustained demand for cards like Ken Griffey Jr, Mark McGwire, Ozzie Smith, Dwight Gooden, and others over decades since their debut seasons. In general, 1987 rookie cards and other keys from players of that vintage graded very good or better have the potential to be worth collecting and holding long term based on baseball history and hobby trends. Near-mint to mint PSA 10 examples of stars can reach four or even five-figure prices. But prices at all levels remain influenced by supply and demand dynamics in the trading card market.

In closing, while it can be very challenging to profit directly from sports cards as investments, 1987 and other vintage releases provide an avenue for fans to connect to baseball memories and affordably explore the early careers of legends. Condition remains vital to any potential value, but condition alone does not guarantee profitability – tracking market conditions and finding the right buyers is important when considering liquidating card holdings over time. For collectors who simply enjoy owning tangible pieces of baseball from the 1980s, lower grade 1987 cards can still spark nostalgia while retaining some monetary worth relative to production costs from over 30 years ago.