The 1987 Topps baseball card set was the 66th series issued by Topps and featured cards of major league baseball players and managers. Some of the more notable cards from that year included:
Ryne Sandberg (#183) – The Chicago Cubs second baseman was considered one of the best all-around players in baseball in the late 1980s. His 1987 Topps card shows him fielding a ground ball, highlighting his gold glove defensive skills. That year, Sandberg would go on to win the NL MVP award, batting .297 with 19 home runs and 81 RBIs. His 1987 rookie card is one of the most valuable from the 1980s.
Ozzie Smith (#498) – Known as the “Wizard” for his flashy defensive plays at shortstop, Ozzie Smith was a staple for the St. Louis Cardinals throughout the decade. His 1987 Topps card depicts him backhanding a ground ball. At the time, Smith was regarded as the best defensive shortstop in baseball history with his patented backhand stab being his signature move. He would go on to win the 1987 NL Gold Glove Award.
Roger Clemens (#158) – The Boston Red Sox ace was establishing himself as one of the game’s most dominant pitchers. His 1987 Topps card showed him mid-windup, representative of his blistering fastball that was tops in the majors. That season, Clemens would go 24-4 with a 2.97 ERA and establish a new single season strikeout record with 291 Ks, winning the AL Cy Young and MVP awards. He was clearly the most feared pitcher in baseball at the time.
Don Mattingly (#519) – As the captain and heart of the New York Yankees, Don Mattingly was one of the most popular players in baseball during the late 1980s. His 1987 Topps card depicted him taking a big cut at the plate, highlighting his prodigious power from the left side of the plate. That season, Mattingly hit .327 with 35 home runs and 115 RBIs, winning the AL batting title and his fourth consecutive Gold Glove at first base award.
Kirby Puckett (#274) – The young Minnesota Twins centerfielder was coming into his own as a star player. His 1987 Topps card showed him diving for a sinking line drive, demonstrating his excellent range in the outfield. That year, Puckett hit .314 with 17 home runs and 94 RBIs, earning his first career All-Star selection and foreshadowing a Hall of Fame career anchored by his dynamic defensive skills and clutch hitting.
Jose Canseco (#552) – As a member of the Oakland Athletics, Canseco was just beginning to emerge as one of baseball’s most dynamic power hitters. His 1987 Topps card pictured him rounding the bases after one of his 40 home runs on the season, which set the new single season record for home runs. Canseco’s monster power swing changed the game and ushered in the steroid era. He would go on to win the 1987 AL Rookie of the Year and MVP awards.
Cal Ripken Jr. (#262) – The durable Baltimore Orioles shortstop was beginning to establish himself as the most dependable player in baseball. His 1987 Topps card showed him fielding a ground ball, exemplifying his excellent defensive instincts. Ripken was just beginning his record-setting streak of consecutive games played that would last until 1998. That 1987 season he played in all 162 games while batting .307 with 21 home runs and 84 RBIs.
Dwight Gooden (#121) – As a 22-year old phenom with the New York Mets, “Doc” Gooden possessed one of the most unhittable fastball-curveball combinations in baseball history. His 1987 Topps card captured him mid-windup, accentuating his blazing heater that year when he went 17-6 with a 2.84 ERA and 268 strikeouts. Gooden’s dominating performances helped lead the Mets to a surprise World Series appearance that year against the Minnesota Twins.
The 1987 Topps baseball card set featured some of the biggest stars and emerging talents in the game during a pivotal time for Major League Baseball. Cards like Sandberg, Smith, Clemens, Mattingly, Puckett, Canseco, Ripken and Gooden highlighted players who were not only among the best in 1987, but went on to have Hall of Fame careers and helped propel the sport to new heights in attendance and popularity during the late 1980s. For collectors and fans of the decade, the 1987 Topps set remains one of the most notable of the era.
