The 1986 Sportflics baseball card set was one of the most iconic and valuable releases of the 1980s. While it did not feature the same star rookies as the iconic ’87 set, the ’86 Sportflics set contained many hall of famers and all-time greats at or near the peak of their careers. For collectors and fans of the era, the ’86 Sportflics set serves as a who’s who of baseball in the mid-1980s.
One of the top cards from the ’86 set is the Roger Clemens card. Clemens was just entering his prime in 1986, winning the American League Cy Young award after posting a 24-4 record with a 2.48 ERA and 238 strikeouts for the Boston Red Sox. The iconic photo on the Clemens card shows him mid-windup, his powerful right arm cocked back and fierce intensity on his face. This was the first glimpse many collectors got of the Rocket in the early stages of what would become one of the greatest pitching careers in baseball history. In high grade, the Clemens ’86 Sportflics fetches upwards of $100 due to his Hall of Fame status and the iconic nature of the card’s photo.
Another highly sought after ’86 Sportflics card is that of Wade Boggs. As arguably the greatest hitter of the 1980s, Boggs’ card captured him at the peak of his abilities for the Red Sox. In 1986, Boggs hit .357 with 24 home runs and 118 RBIs, winning the American League batting title for the third consecutive season. His sweet left-handed swing is immortalized on the card, showing why he earned the nickname “The Hitman.” Boggs’ impeccable batting stance and swing made him one of the most recognizable hitters of the era. High grade Boggs ’86 Sportflics cards now sell for $75-100 due to his Hall of Fame career and iconic photo on this particular issue.
Two other huge stars from the 1986 Boston Red Sox who have valuable Sportflics cards from that set are Jim Rice and Dwight Evans. Rice’s card features a classic high leg kick as he unleashes his powerful right-handed swing. In 1986, his final great season, Rice hit .305 with 29 home runs and 105 RBIs, showing he was still a force in the middle of the Red Sox lineup. High grade Rice ’86 Sportflics cards can fetch $50-75. As for Evans, his card depicts “Dewey” in the midst of an elegant, twisting swing from the left side of the plate. In 1986, Evans hit .255 with 22 home runs and 105 RBIs playing Gold Glove-caliber defense in right field as well. Top-graded Evans ’86 Sportflics cards sell in the $40-60 range.
The dominant New York Mets of the mid-1980s are also well-represented in the ’86 Sportflics set. One of the most iconic is the card of ace right-hander Dwight Gooden. As a 21-year-old phenom in 1986, “Doc” went 24-4 with a league-leading 1.53 ERA and 268 strikeouts to win the National League Cy Young Award. The photo on his card shows his loose, high-kicking delivery with that unforgettable follow-through. In pristine condition, the Gooden ’86 Sportflics routinely fetches $75-100. Darryl Strawberry, the Mets’ power-hitting right fielder, also has a very desirable card from the ’86 set. His card captures his classic open stance and uppercut swing that produced 26 home runs in 1986. High grade Strawberry ’86 Sportflics cards sell for $50-75.
Two other stars from the dominant 1986 Mets who have valuable Sportflics cards are pitcher Ron Darling and third baseman Ray Knight. Darling’s card features his smooth over-the-top delivery as he unleashed his darting sinker and slider to opponents. In 1986, Darling went 17-9 with a stellar 2.81 ERA primarily working behind Gooden and Sid Fernandez in the Mets’ rotation. Top Darling ’86 Sportflics cards sell between $40-60. As for Knight, his card depicts him crouched at the hot corner, glove poised to make a play. Knight hit a career-high .290 in 1986 and was named World Series MVP after hitting .391 with 2 homers to lead the Mets to a World Championship over the Red Sox. High grade Knight ’86 Sportflics are valued at $30-50.
The 1986 Sportflics set also featured iconic cards of superstars from other playoff teams and division winners from that season. The Houston Astros’ division-winning squad is represented by cards of pitcher Mike Scott and first baseman Glenn Davis that can fetch $30-50 in top condition. Scott’s card captures his unique sidearm delivery that helped him lead the NL with a 2.22 ERA and 306 strikeouts en route to the Cy Young Award. Davis’ powerful left-handed swing is immortalized as he hit .270 with 22 homers and 105 RBIs as the Astros’ cleanup hitter.
Two other valuable ’86 Sportflics cards depict stars from the AL West-winning California Angels. Pitcher Donnie Moore’s card shows his deceptive delivery from the stretch that made his sinker so tough on hitters before personal issues derailed his career. In 1986, Moore saved 32 games with a 2.36 ERA out of the Angels’ bullpen. Top graded Moore ’86 Sportflics cards sell for $40-60. Outfielder Brian Downing’s card features his smooth right-handed swing that produced 22 home runs and 102 RBIs as one of the best designated hitters of the 1980s. High grade Downing ’86 Sportflics cards fetch $30-50.
While stars from pennant winners and division leaders dominate the ’86 Sportflics checklist, there are also desirable cards featuring all-time greats who were in the latter stages of their careers but still impactful players. A few examples include the cards of Hall of Fame pitchers Nolan Ryan and Tom Seaver. Ryan’s card with the Houston Astros shows his famous high leg kick and rocket right arm as he struck out 107 batters in only 109.1 innings pitched at age 39. High grade Ryan ’86 Sportflics cards sell between $40-60. Seaver’s card has him in a Chicago White Sox uniform, displaying his trademark knee-buckling 12-6 curveball just one year before his retirement. Top Seaver ’86 Sportflics cards sell for $30-50.
While it may not have featured the star rookies and future Hall of Famers of Sportflics sets like 1987, the 1986 release serves as a veritable who’s who of baseball in the mid-1980s. Featuring iconic photos of all-time greats like Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Dwight Gooden, and more during the peak of their abilities, high grade versions of their ’86 Sportflics rookie cards remain highly coveted and valuable for collectors today. For fans and collectors of the 1980s era, the 1986 Sportflics set perfectly captures the look, feel and superstars of baseball during that memorable period of the sport’s history.
