The 1987 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the 1980s. With its innovative design, photography, and rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, the ’87 Donruss set remains a highly collectible part of baseball card history. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most notable, valuable, and best cards from the 1987 Donruss baseball card collection.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1) – Widely considered the most valuable card from the ’87 Donruss set, Griffey’s rookie is one of the most iconic in the hobby. Even in lower grades, Jr.’s card still fetches hundreds of dollars. High-grade Griffey rookies have sold for well over $10,000. The card features amazing action photography of a young Griffey making a leaping catch. This card started the Griffey card craze that lasted throughout the 1990s.
Greg Maddux Rookie Card (#138) – Maddux would go on to have one of the greatest pitching careers in MLB history, winning 4 Cy Young awards. His rookie card isn’t as valuable as Griffey’s but still holds great significance. High-grade Maddux rookies can sell for over $1,000. The card features a classic Maddux pitching pose that became synonymous with his career.
Tom Glavine Rookie Card (#206) – Another future Hall of Fame pitcher, Glavine’s rookie has gained value in recent years. Like Maddux, it doesn’t command Griffey prices but is still a highly sought after ’87 Donruss card. Near-mint to mint Glavine rookies can sell for $300-500. The card highlights Glavine’s smooth left-handed delivery that made him a stud for decades.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card (#277) – While not quite as valuable as the three previous cards mentioned, “The Big Hurt’s” rookie still holds value in the hobby. High-grades have sold for $400-600. Thomas would go on to have one of the best hitting careers of all time and is remembered as one of the game’s most feared sluggers.
Barry Larkin Rookie Card (#295) – Larkin was one of the best all-around shortstops of his era, winning the 1995 NL MVP award. His rookie card isn’t his most valuable but remains highly collectible for Reds fans and Larkin completists. Near-mint to mint copies can sell for $150-250.
Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (#311) – Alomar enjoyed a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Blue Jays and Orioles, known for his slick defense and ability to hit for average and power from the second base position. His rookie is one of the more affordable from the ’87 Donruss set, with high-grades selling in the $75-150 range.
Wade Boggs (#23) – Already an established star by 1987, Boggs’ card remains popular for Red Sox and number collectors. His iconic batting stance and plate discipline made him one of the best hitters of the 1980s. High-grade Boggs cards can sell for $50-75.
Ozzie Smith (#53) – Arguably the greatest defensive shortstop ever, Smith was a wizard with the glove throughout the 1980s. His card is a favorite of Wizard and Cardinals collectors alike. Near-mint to mint copies sell in the $40-60 range.
Kirby Puckett (#69) – Puckett was a six-time All-Star and led the Twins to two World Series championships. As a fan favorite in Minnesota, his card holds great value for local collectors. Puckett rookies can be acquired for $30-50.
Dwight Gooden (#110) – “Doc” Gooden was one of the most electrifying pitchers of the mid-1980s. His dominant rookie season and 1984 Cy Young award made his cards extremely popular. High-grades sell for $25-40.
Roger Clemens (#146) – Already one of the game’s best hurlers in 1987, Clemens’ rookie year cards remain very collectible. Near-mint copies can be found for $20-30.
Don Mattingly (#177) – The smooth-swinging Yankees first baseman was a fan favorite of the late 1980s. Mattingly cards hold value for both Yankees collectors and those seeking number parallels. High-grades sell for $15-25.
Cal Ripken Jr. (#183) – Not quite a rookie, Ripken was already an established star by 1987. His iconic consecutive games played streak added to his card’s popularity. Near-mint Ripkens can be had for $12-18.
Orel Hershiser (#234) – After winning the 1988 World Series MVP and Cy Young, Hershiser became one of the premier righthanders of the late 1980s/early 90s. His cards remain affordable at $10-15.
This covers some of the most notable, valuable, and best cards to look for when collecting the iconic 1987 Donruss set. From rookie gems of future Hall of Famers to established 1980s stars, this 35 year old set remains a highly collectible part of baseball card history with cards that continue to gain value over time.
