The 1987 baseball card season featured some of the most iconic rookie cards and veteran stars from that era. While 1987 may not be among the most highly sought after vintage years, it did produce several cards that have grown enormously in value over the past few decades. For collectors looking to add some valuable 80s cardboard to their collections, here are some of the most noteworthy 1987 baseball cards to consider:
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie (Upper Deck #1) – Widely considered one of if not the highest valued 1987 baseball card, Griffey’s rookie UD card has been a steady climber in price in recent years. As one of the most beloved players of his generation and a true five-tool phenom, the demand for Griffey’s first card has never waned. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples routinely fetch well into the five-figure price range, with PSA 9s also commanding thousands. Even in raw ungraded condition, pristine copies can sell for $500+ due to Griffey’s iconic rookie status and popularity. This legendary card set the standard for the modern baseball card rookie phenom.
Roberto Alomar Rookie (Donruss #156) – Much like Griffey, Alomar’s elite all-around play and 12-time All-Star career has kept interest high in his rookie card decades after the fact. The sharp horizontal Donruss design pairs well with a photo showing Alomar’s smooth fielding skills. Graded PSA 10 specimens are valued north of $2,000, with PSA 9s still selling for four figures. Raw copies in mint condition still hold value in the $100-200 range thanks to Alomar’s Hall of Fame caliber career. This is one of the more affordable options for a true star’s rookie from the late 80s market.
Griffey Jr. Rookie (Fleer #418) – While not his most iconic issue, Griffey’s solo rookie appearance in 1987 Fleer holds nostalgic appeal due to being so scarce in higher grades. Pristine PSA 10 examples have cracked five figures, far outpacing the regular Fleer set. Even PSA 9s hover around $1,000 due to rarity. Locating a true gem copy will require diligent searching. The off-center alignment of many Fleer ’87s have prevented this card from reaching Upper Deck levels, but it remains highly valued in the Griffey rookie collecting world.
Barry Bonds Rookie (Topps Traded #T26) – Before Bonds became known as the game’s all-time home run king and controversial PED figure, he was one of baseball’s finest young outfielders tearing up the Pirates in the late 80s. His late-season call-up rookie card from Topps Traded, while not scarce, nonetheless features the five-time MVP in Pirates gold and remains one of his most iconic early issues. Pristine PSA 10 copies have reached up to $800, with PSA 9s still commanding three figures. Raw near-mint examples are very affordable starting around $20-30 for collectors seeking a piece of baseball history at a budget price.
Bo Jackson Rookie (Bowman #1) – Regarded as one of the greatest pure athletes of all time due to his dual NFL/MLB career, Jackson’s rookie baseball card has grown steadily in demand in recent years. Printed on high-gloss stock by Bowman, it depicts Bo swinging amidst streaks suggesting his blinding speed. PSA 10s have cracked four figures, while flawless PSA 9s still pull five-digit bids. Even well-centered raw near-mint examples can sell in the $100+ range, a testament to Jackson’s athletic mystique and the allure of a true dual-sport pioneer’s first card.
Mark McGwire Rookie (Topps Traded #T20) – With a swing that would one day shatter baseball’s single-season home run record, McGwire got his first cardboard in a 1987 Topps Traded release shown clouting a towering blast for the A’s. The imposing slugger would go on to hit 335 career home runs over 12 seasons before his admitted PED usage later in his career. Pristine PSA 10 copies eclipse $1,000 in value, and PSA 9s still attract bids over $500. Even well-centered raw examples hold worth starting at $50-100 given McGwire’s prodigious early power and notoriety.
Tom Glavine Rookie (Donruss #78) – An elite left-handed starter who would go on to capture two Cy Young Awards and 305 career wins, Glavine has developed a strong following among rookie card collectors. His lanky delivery is captured smoothly in his Donruss rookie. Pristine PSA 10 copies command over $400, with PSA 9s in the $150 range. Locating a high-grade Glavine rookie isn’t easy but it represents an accessible option for a true Hall of Famer’s first card from the late 80s market.
Kirby Puckett Rookie (Topps Traded #T73) – As a six-time All-Star and beloved Twins great, Puckett’s rookie from Topps Traded evokes nostalgia from fans of 1980s Minnesota baseball. Whether shagging flies in the alley or lofting line drives, Puckett displayed all his tools in this early issue. Pristine PSA 10 specimens fetch over $500, while PSA 9 gold mine examples sell for $150-200 range. Clean raw copies hold value starting at the $50-75 level given Puckett’s iconic status in Twins history before his tragic early passing.
Roberto Clemente Final Card (Fleer Update #U9) – Sadly, this would prove to be the final baseball card produced of Roberto Clemente before his tragic death in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 while assisting earthquake relief efforts. The legendary Pirates star and 15-time All-Star is shown rounding third base with his graceful running style. Pristine PSA 10s have reached over $3,000, though most sell under $1,000. Well-centered raw examples still hold worth over $100 for collectors wanting a piece of one of the games greatest humanitarians and players.
Steve Avery Rookie (Fleer Update #U10) – One of baseball’s top young left-handers of the early 1990s, Avery won 18 games and made his only All-Star team as a 21-year-old Brave in 1991. His flowing delivery is captured with promise in his sparse 1987 Fleer Update rookie. High grades PSA 10 and 9 can reach $200 and $100 respectively, showing staying power for a quality starter’s earliest issue from the vintage period.
This covers some of the most notable high-dollar 1987 baseball cards to pursue for any collector looking to add valuable pieces from the 1980s era to their collection. While other options exist, these selections feature a mix of all-time great players, popular hometown heroes, and young stars on the verge of breakouts. With strong demand sustained for decades, 1987 produced many cards that remain worthwhile long-term holds for appreciating assets from the heyday of the vintage sports card market.
