The late 1980s was an iconic time for baseball cards. Players like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, and Greg Maddux were just entering their primes and becoming household names. Wax packs were still widely available in stores. The design and photography of cards also evolved during this period. If you’re looking to build a collection focusing on the late 80s, here are some of the best baseball cards to target from 1987-1989:
1987 Topps Traded – This set showcased players who were traded mid-season in 1986. Some notable rookies included Mark McGwire, Lenny Dykstra, and Rob Dibble. The design featured a blue and white color scheme with a photo on the front and stats on the back. Graded gem mint examples of McGwire’s rookie card now sell for thousands.
1988 Fleer – Fleer’s design this year had a clean look with a blue and white border surrounding each player photo. Ken Griffey Jr’s iconic rookie card from this set is arguably the most valuable card of the late 80s. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $100,000. Other top rookies included Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and Barry Larkin.
1989 Upper Deck – The arrival of Upper Deck revolutionized the baseball card industry. They used high quality cardboard stock and focused on sharp photography. Many consider the 1989 set to have some of the best overall card designs ever. Ken Griffey Jr’s impressive rookie season made his card highly sought after as well. Graded mint copies can fetch over $1,000. Star rookies like Chipper Jones and Tom Glavine also debuted in this set.
1987 Topps – The flagship Topps set maintained its classic design and feel but photography improved. Some key rookie cards included Mark McGwire, Lenny Dykstra, and Ben McDonald. The base cards have held their value well over the years and graded gems can sell for hundreds. This was also the final year for the classic “Traded” subset.
1988 Topps – Perhaps the most iconic design of the late 80s era. Bright team colors popped against the white borders. Star rookies included Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and Barry Larkin. The photography and production quality was also very high. Near mint copies of star rookie cards can sell for $50-100.
1989 Bowman – The revival of the Bowman brand brought back classic designs from the 1950s. The focus was on younger stars and prospects. Chipper Jones, Tom Glavine, and Greg Maddux all had their first mainstream rookie cards in this set. It has developed a strong cult following over the years. Near mint copies can sell for $20-50.
1987 Donruss – Donruss used a simple yet effective design with team logo panels on the borders. Mark McGwire and Lenny Dykstra rookie cards led the way. The photography and production held up well. Near mint common cards sell for under $10 but stars can reach $50-100 graded.
1988 Donruss – The design was similar to 1987 but photography improved. Rookies included Glavine, Maddux, and Larkin. Near mint common cards are inexpensive but stars can reach $50 graded. The “Traded” subset also provided some key player movement updates.
1989 Score – Score focused on action shots set against colorful artistic backgrounds. Rookies included Chipper Jones, Tom Glavine, and Greg Maddux. Near mint common cards sell for under $10. Stars can reach $20-50 graded. The “Traded” subset also had some notable player moves.
The late 1980s was a golden age of baseball cards that produced some of the most iconic rookie cards and designs ever. While values aren’t quite what they were during the 1990s boom, top rookies from 1987-1989 sets by Topps, Fleer, and Upper Deck can still sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars graded mint. Even common cards hold nostalgic appeal and affordable prices. For builders of a late 80s collection, focusing on the flagship releases as well as stars and top rookies is a strategy that will yield many memorable and investable cards.
