The 1987 baseball card season was one of the most memorable in the modern era. Led by superstar rookies like Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire, the ‘87 crop featured many iconic rookie cards and memorable moments captured on cardboard. With the rise of the junk wax era in full swing, production numbers were through the roof. But several standout rookie cards and key veterans from the period have stood the test of time.
Perhaps the most coveted rookie card from 1987 is none other than Barry Bonds of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Bonds would go on to have one of the greatest careers in MLB history and his rookie is still highly sought after today. Sporting Pirates powder blue and famous number 25, the Bonds rookie highlighted his impressive physique and smooth left-handed swing. While production numbers were high for ‘87 cards overall, the Bonds rookie remains one of the most valuable modern rookie cards on the market. Graded mint condition copies can fetch thousands.
Another huge star rookie card from 1987 was Mark McGwire of the Oakland A’s. Big Mac blasted onto the scene with 49 home runs in his first full season, foreshadowing his record-breaking power displays later in his career. McGwire’s rookie card from Donruss showcases his muscular build and demonstrates why he was already being dubbed one of the premier power hitters in the game. High-grade versions can still demand over $1000. Both the Bonds and McGwire rookies are must-owns for any serious baseball card collector.
While rookies often drive the hobby, legendary veterans remained highly sought after as well. One of the most iconic cards from 1987 was the Nolan Ryan Express card from Score. At age 40, Ryan was still blowing away batters with 100 mph heaters for the Houston Astros. The Express card captured Ryan mid-windup, muscles straining as he prepared to unleash another blistering fastball. Over 30 years later it remains one of the most visually striking baseball cards ever produced.
Another standout veterans card was the Cal Ripken Jr. card from Fleer. Featuring a clean-shaven Ripken in an Orioles batting stance, it highlighted his smooth lefty swing during his MVP 1987 season. Ripken would go on to break Lou Gehrig’s famed consecutive games played record, making any card from his early years that more historically significant. Higher grade copies of the ‘87 Fleer Ripken have also cracked the $1000 price point.
Rookies and veterans weren’t the only storylines that year. Donruss captured perhaps the most iconic baseball card image ever with its Ozzie Smith Backflip card. The snapshot perfectly captured the Wizard of Oz mid-backflip after making an acrobatic play in the field. It’s a testament to Smith’s otherworldly defensive skills and highlight reel plays that have made him a fan favorite for generations. High-grade versions remain a grail card for many collectors.
While the 1987 Donruss and Fleer sets are most remembered today, other notable issues from the period included Topps, Score, and Upper Deck. The flagship Topps set that year featured future Hall of Famers like Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, and Roger Clemens. Score provided creative photography and die-cuts. Upper Deck also emerged on the scene with their premium cardboard and sharper photography. Each offered memorable rookie cards and snapshots from that memorable MLB season.
While 1987 marked the peak of the junk wax era in terms of production, several truly iconic cards were also produced that have stood the test of time. Rookie cards of Bonds, McGwire, and veterans like Ripken, Ryan, and Smith remain highly coveted by collectors decades later. Their memorable images and connection to baseball history have cemented them as some of the most important cards from the modern era. For those seeking cards from one of the hobby’s most recognizable seasons, 1987 delivers on several fronts.
