The 1987 baseball season was one of great change and excitement in Major League Baseball. New stars were emerging while long-time greats began winding down their legendary careers. This was also reflected in the baseball card releases of that year. While the iconic stars of the past still held prominent spots in the sets, new rookie cards and stars-in-the-making began to take center stage. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable and valuable baseball cards from the 1987 season.
One of the biggest stars of the 1987 season was Oakland A’s slugger Mark McGwire. In just his second full season, McGwire launched an MLB-leading 49 home runs to lead the A’s to a playoff berth. Not surprisingly, McGwire’s rookie card from Topps is one of the most sought-after cards from 1987. In near-mint condition, McGwire’s rookie card can fetch prices upwards of $1,000. While not quite as valuable as some other rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, McGwire’s established himself as one of the game’s premier power hitters right out of the gate.
Another young slugger who had a breakout season in 1987 was Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Fred McGriff. Known as “Crime Dog,” McGriff blasted 36 home runs in just his second season, finishing third in AL MVP voting. McGriff’s rookie card from Donruss is also highly coveted by collectors. Graded mint copies can sell for over $500. McGriff went on to have a Hall of Fame worthy career and his rookie card remains a key piece for 1987 collectors.
While the 1987 rookie class drew much attention, the season was also a transition period for baseball’s elder statesmen. The Baseball Card magazine “Traded” set featured what would be the final baseball cards for a few future Hall of Famers. One of the most iconic is the Traded Nolan Ryan card, featuring the flame-thrower in a Houston Astros uniform. By 1987, Ryan was in the twilight of his career split between the Astros and Astros. His Traded card sells for upwards of $300 in top condition due to its rarity and subject.
Another future Hall of Famer who appeared in his final card in 1987 was San Diego Padres closer Goose Gossage. Like Ryan, Gossage’s “Traded” issue shows him with the Padres, the team he finished his career with after stints with Pittsburgh, New York Yankees, and Chicago White Sox. In pristine condition, Gossage’s final card can sell for over $200. For collectors looking to commemorate the careers of these all-time greats, their 1987 “Traded” cards hold significant nostalgic and monetary value.
While rookie and final cards drew plenty of interest, the true icons of 1987 still reigned supreme in the sets. No player was more iconic than New York Mets third baseman and 1987 NL MVP Darryl Strawberry. Strawberry’s flagship Topps and Donruss cards can be acquired for $50-75 in top-rated condition. Another ’87 standout was Toronto slugger George Bell, who followed up his 1987 AL MVP and World Series title by being well-represented across sets. Bell’s Topps and Donruss issues regularly sell for $25-50.
Two other superstars who remained highly coveted in ’87 sets were Oakland Athletics pitcher Dennis Eckersley and Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tom Browning. Eckersley’s rise to dominance as a closer after struggling as a starter made his ’87 commons highly sought after. In near-mint condition, Eck’s Topps card sells for $15-25. Browning, meanwhile, took home Cy Young honors in ’87 after posting a 20-9 record and 2.53 ERA. His flagship cards can be acquired for $10-20, making them affordable standouts for collectors.
In terms of chase cards and big hits, two of the most valuable from 1987 were the Topps Traded Tiffany Rod Carew and Donruss Preferred Darryl Strawberry. Carew appeared in his final season in 1987 split between the Angels and Twins, making his ’87 Traded Tiffany issue extremely scarce. High-grade copies have sold at auction for over $1,000. Strawberry’s ’87 Donruss Preferred card features a stunning photo and glossy finish, with gem mint 10-graded versions fetching up to $800. For the true high-end collector, these chase cards represented the pinnacle of the ’87 season.
In summing up, 1987 marked both transitions and arrivals of future stars in Major League Baseball. This was reflected in the hobby through memorable rookie cards of McGwire, McGriff and others as well as final cards for all-time greats like Ryan and Gossage. Iconic veterans like Strawberry and Eckersley also remained highly popular. Whether seeking affordable stars or high-end keys, the 1987 season produced cards that resonate strongly to this day for collectors, investors and fans alike. The stars and stories of ’87 left an indelible mark on both the diamond and in the card collecting hobby.
