The 1987 Fleer baseball card set was the sixth series of cards produced by Fleer after they entered the baseball card market in 1981. The 1987 set marked several notable firsts and showcased rising young stars who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers.
Fleer produced 660 cards in the 1987 set. The design featured a white border around each card with the team logo in the upper left corner and the player’s name and position below. In the center was a color photo of the player in action. On the reverse, stats from the previous season were listed along with career highlights. Fleer continued its tradition of including rookie cards, stars of both past and present, and highlighting up and coming talent.
One of the most notable aspects of the 1987 Fleer set was that it featured the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz. Griffey’s explosive talent was already evident as he smashed 16 home runs in just 56 games for the Seattle Mariners in 1986 after being drafted number one overall. His rookie card would go on to become one of the most iconic and valuable in the hobby. Glavine and Smoltz, teammates on the Atlanta Braves, also debuted in the majors in 1987 and their cards predicted they would become cornerstones of one of baseball’s greatest pitching rotations.
Another key first for Fleer in 1987 was the inclusion of Update and Highlights inserts. These additional cards featured stats and highlights from after the initial printing of the base set. This allowed Fleer to acknowledge and commemorate achievements and milestones that occurred late in the previous season. Update and Highlights inserts became a staple of Fleer sets going forward and added to the excitement of the product by giving collectors a chance to obtain cards for players’ best seasons.
Some other notable rookies in the 1987 Fleer set included future 300-game winner Greg Maddux, slugger Mark McGwire, and all-time hits leader Pete Rose’s son Pete Rose Jr. Stars of the day like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Tony Gwynn, and Roger Clemens continued to be featured prominently after establishing themselves as elite talents. Veterans like Hank Aaron in his final season and Nolan Ryan approaching career milestones also received due recognition as all-time greats.
Beyond the players, another hallmark of the 1987 Fleer set was the inclusion of the first ever manager cards. Cards were produced to honor managers like Whitey Herzog, Sparky Anderson, and Dick Williams. This showed Fleer expanding its scope beyond just the on-field product to acknowledge the importance of leadership behind the scenes. Manager cards have remained a staple in sets ever since.
When it was released in 1987, the Fleer baseball card set retailed for $1 per pack with 11 cards inside. Due to the star power and rookie card attractions within, it achieved wide popularity among collectors. Today, in near mint condition, a complete 1987 Fleer set can sell for over $1,000. Key individual cards like Griffey’s rookie have been known to fetch over $10,000 in gem mint condition. The set is regarded as one of the most iconic of the 1980s and a high point in the Fleer brand’s storied baseball card history.
By highlighting future Hall of Famers, acknowledging achievements throughout the year, and continuing to pay tribute to stars new and old, the 1987 Fleer baseball card set showcased the past, present, and future of the game. Its innovative additions like Update/Highlights inserts and manager cards also set precedents that enriched the collecting experience. Above all, the 1987 Fleer set immortalized the early careers of legends like Griffey, Glavine, and Smoltz, cementing its place as one of the most memorable and valuable releases in the entire hobby.
