The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the 1980s. With 792 total cards, the ’87 Topps set featured many of the game’s biggest stars from that era and included several highly sought after rookie cards. While not quite as renowned as the iconic 1952 Topps or 1968 Topps sets, 1987 Topps cards hold a special place in the hearts of many collectors due to the talented players featured and memorable designs. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most noteworthy cards and storylines from this classic Topps release.

Perhaps the headliner of the ’87 Topps set is card #1 – Roger Clemens of the Boston Red Sox. Widely considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time, Clemens was in his prime during the late 1980s and would go on to win the American League Cy Young Award in 1986 and 1987. His ’87 Topps card shows “The Rocket” mid-windup with his signature high leg kick. The card’s iconic image and subject matter make it one of the most desirable in the set and it routinely fetches hundreds of dollars in high-grade.

Another superstar pitcher featured prominently is Orel Hershiser of the Los Angeles Dodgers on card #198. In 1988, Hershiser would put together one of the greatest seasons by a pitcher in MLB history by posting a 2.26 ERA and setting a new record with 59 consecutive scoreless innings. His ’87 issue portrays “Bulldog” in the windup for the Dodgers and is a must-have for Dodgers and 80s card collectors. Like Clemens, graded high copies can sell for well over $100.

Rookie cards are always a big draw for collectors and the ’87 Topps set included debut issues for several future Hall of Famers. Perhaps the most storied is card #340 featuring a young Ken Griffey Jr. donning the iconic Mariners silky uniform. Griffey would go on to have a legendary 22-year career and is considered one of the most talented outfielders in MLB history. High-grade Griffey Jr. rookies in the $100-200 range are fairly common today, but mint copies can fetch thousands due to his popularity and on-field success.

Another outstanding rookie is #432 Tim Raines of the Montreal Expos, known as “Rock.” Raines went on to a stellar 23-year career primarily with the Expos and White Sox and was one of the game’s premier base stealers, swiping 808 bags in his career. His electric speed and slick defensive skills made him a fan favorite. Raines’ rookie card remains quite affordable even in top-grade, selling for $50-100.

Card #451 marks the debut of slugging first baseman Mark McGwire playing for the Oakland A’s. Little did collectors know at the time that “Big Mac” would go on to smash the single-season home run record. His prodigious power and memorable home run chase with Sammy Sosa in 1998 make McGwire one of the most iconic players of the 1990s steroid era. High-quality versions of his rookie card can fetch $300-500 today.

Another highly sought after rookie is #592 featuring pitcher Tom Glavine in an Atlanta Braves uniform. Glavine would go on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Braves, winning 305 games and two Cy Young Awards. He was the ace of the dominant Braves rotations in the 1990s that won 14 straight division titles. Glavine’s rookie remains one of the more affordable stars from the ’87 set at $50-150 graded.

In addition to star rookies, the ’87 issue featured many established veterans and other young talent like Will Clark on card #99, Bo Jackson on #222, Barry Larkin on #254, and Randy Johnson on #678. The designs were classic Topps with solid photography and a clean white border. Overall condition of the set is above average for 1980s cardboard.

The 1987 Topps baseball set holds a hallowed place in the hobby for good reason. Not only did it capture the games’ biggest talent of that era in their prime, but it also distributed invaluable rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Griffey Jr, Glavine, and Raines. For collectors, assembling this entire 792-card set in high-quality remains a very challenging and rewarding long-term project. Examples of the top rookie and star cards will always be in high demand and hold value due to the talent featured and memorable photography from one of the greatest years in the sport.