The 1987 Topps baseball card set was one of the most iconic releases from the legendary card manufacturer. While not quite as valuable as some other vintage sets from the 1980s, the ’87 Topps cards featured many future Hall of Famers and are still highly sought after by collectors today. With 792 total cards in the base set, there was no shortage of star power and memorable rookie cards to find in wax packs over 30 years ago. Let’s take a closer look at some of the true gems from the 1987 Topps set.
One of the most valuable rookie cards from 1987 Topps is none other than Toronto Blue Jays slugger José Canseco. As the reigning American League Rookie of the Year and MVP, Canseco was already a household name going into his second big league season. His rookie card, found in the very first series of the ’87 set, highlighted his monster 40 home run, 124 RBI campaign from 1986. In top-graded gem mint condition, a PSA 10 Canseco rookie will fetch well over $1,000 due to his status as one of the original “Bash Brothers” and the emergence of the steroid era in the 1990s.
Another rookie card that has stood the test of time is that of Cincinnati Reds fireballer Rob Dibble. As the National League Rookie of the Year in 1991, Dibble established himself as one of the hardest throwers in baseball during his prime. His ’87 Topps RC showed promise of what was to come, and high-grade versions can sell for $300-500 today. Dibble’s card is a must-have for Reds collectors and those seeking the top rookie pitchers from the late 80s/early 90s era.
Of course, no discussion of the 1987 Topps set would be complete without mentioning the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux. Both hurlers debuted with the Chicago Cubs that year after being drafted 2nd and 23rd overall in 1984 and 1986, respectively. While they had not yet reached superstardom, discerning collectors knew they had potential greatness. PSA 10 copies of their RCs can sell for $150-250 each. When paired with their teammate Rafael Palmeiro’s solid rookie issue from the same set, these Cubs cards represent one of the best pitching trios in baseball card history.
Staying in the National League, another trio of future Cooperstown inductees had their rookie cards in 1987 Topps – Gary Sheffield, Barry Larkin, and Tim Raines. Sheffield’s monster power potential was evident from the start with Miami, while Larkin was already a budding all-around star shortstop for the Reds. Raines, meanwhile, was in his prime as one of baseball’s best leadoff hitters and base stealers with Montreal. High-grade versions of these cards can reach $100-200 each today.
Of course, no vintage card set would be complete without stars of the day. Ken Griffey Jr was already one of the game’s brightest young talents by 1987. Though not technically a rookie card since he played in 1986, his second year card in the set with Seattle remains a classic. The same holds true for cards of Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, and Roger Clemens, who were superstars leading their respective franchises. Graded gems of these iconic stars can sell for well over $500.
While stars were the main draw, 1987 Topps had other memorable inclusions like Reds fireballer Rob Dibble’s rookie card. Other notable rookie and star player issues included Mark McGwire, Rickey Henderson, Ozzie Smith, Dwight Gooden, and Nolan Ryan. The set also featured fun oddball cards like “Feats” that highlighted unique single-game accomplishments. Overall production and design were top-notch, as Topps was really hitting their stride in the late 1980s.
In the end, the 1987 Topps baseball set had something for every type of collector. From young stars and future Hall of Famers, to iconic veterans and fun oddballs, it captured a great snapshot of the late 1980s MLB landscape. While not as expensive as some other vintage sets, the ’87 Topps cards remain highly collectible with a perfect mix of star power, design quality, and nostalgia. The rookie cards of José Canseco, Tom Glavine, and others are still some of the most sought after issues from the entire decade. For both casual fans and serious investors, the 1987 Topps set endures as one of the finest releases in the hobby’s history.
