The 1986 baseball card season was one of the most iconic years in the history of the hobby. Legendary players like Roger Clemens, Mike Schmidt, and Rickey Henderson were entering their primes and producing some of their best seasons to date. Several of the rookies from 1986 would go on to have Hall of Fame careers as well. When looking back at the best baseball cards from 1986, there are certainly many choices to consider but a few stand out above the rest.
One of the undisputed best baseball cards from 1986 is the rookie card of Roger Clemens on the Boston Red Sox. Clemens was already establishing himself as one of the premier pitchers in baseball in 1986 after winning the AL Cy Young Award in 1986. His rookie card from Fleer is one of the most iconic and valuable cards ever produced. In gem mint condition, ungraded Clemens rookie cards regularly sell for well over $10,000 today. What makes it so desirable is that it captures Clemens at the very beginning of what would become a legendary 24-year career. He would go on to win 7 Cy Young Awards and be regarded as one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history. For collectors, Clemens’ rookie card is truly a piece of baseball history.
Another phenomenal rookie card from 1986 is that of Barry Bonds from Topps. While Bonds was just starting his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1986, collectors could already see his immense talent and potential. His smooth left-handed swing and athleticism were on full display. Bonds would go on to have a Hall of Fame career that saw him break Hank Aaron’s all-time home run record. High grade Bonds rookies in PSA 10 condition have sold for over $30,000 in recent years. It’s one of the most iconic rookie cards ever due to Bonds’ legendary status. Even back in 1986, savvy collectors knew Bonds was destined for greatness.
A third rookie card that stands out among the 1986 crop is that of Mark McGwire on Topps. While McGwire didn’t have the career longevity of Clemens or Bonds, his prodigious power was on full display from the very beginning. In his rookie season of 1986, McGwire blasted 49 home runs which was a rookie record at the time. His rookie card perfectly captures the sheer muscle and strength that allowed him to hit monster home runs. High grade McGwire rookies today sell for $4,000-$6,000 depending on condition. He would go on to smash the single season home run record of 61 in 1998, making his rookie card a must-have for any baseball card investor.
In addition to those phenomenal rookie cards, 1986 Topps had legendary veterans producing some of their best seasons to date as well. One of those stars was Mike Schmidt of the Philadelphia Phillies. In 1986, the 37-year old Schmidt smashed 37 home runs and drove in 119 runs on his way to being named National League MVP. His iconic action photo on the 1986 Topps card is a true piece of Phillies history. High grade Schmidt ’86s today sell for over $1,000. He perfectly encapsulates the 1980s Phillies dynasty and cemented his Hall of Fame status that season.
Another veteran star who shined in 1986 was Rickey Henderson of the Oakland A’s. In one of his finest offensive seasons, Henderson batted .314 with 33 home runs, 66 stolen bases, and 129 runs scored. His dynamic speed and athleticism translated perfectly to his ’86 Topps card. Even in his late 20s, Henderson looked like he was still in his prime. Today, a PSA 10 Rickey Henderson ’86 can sell for over $3,000. He showcased why he is regarded as the greatest leadoff hitter and base stealer in MLB history.
While the aforementioned cards from Clemens, Bonds, McGwire, Schmidt, and Henderson receive the most attention, there were many other stars and future Hall of Famers featured on 1986 baseball cards as well. Cards of Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, and Kirby Puckett also hold significant value today. And the rookie cards of future stars like Will Clark, Mark Langston, and David Justice also remain popular with collectors. The 1986 Topps and Fleer sets featured some of the most iconic players, photos, and designs in the modern era of the hobby. For collectors, investors, and historians, the best 1986 baseball cards will always hold a special place in the landscape of the hobby.
When discussing the best baseball cards from 1986, the rookies of Clemens, Bonds, and McGwire along with the veteran standouts of Schmidt and Henderson truly stand above the rest. They captured legendary players at the beginnings of their careers or in some of their finest individual seasons. Over 35 years later, their cards remain hugely popular with collectors and continue increasing in value every year. The 1986 season was a special one for baseball, and its accompanying card issues immortalized some all-time great players. For these reasons, the cards of Clemens, Bonds, McGwire, Schmidt, and Henderson will always be remembered as quintessential pieces from one of the most iconic years in the history of the hobby.
