The 1987 Ralston Purina baseball card set was one of the most widely collected issues during the late 1980s. Produced by the Fleer Corporation under license from Ralston Purina, the 1987 set showcased current major league players and had widespread distribution through boxes of Ralston cereal. The widespread distribution and high number of popular stars made the 1987 Ralston Purina set one of the most desirable issues for collectors during that time period.
Some key details about the 1987 Ralston Purina baseball card set:
The set contained 344 cards total, including 330 base cards and 14 rookie/prospect cards. All cards were produced as glossy photo cards in standard baseball card size of approximately 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches.
Distribution was primarily through boxes of Ralston cereals like Chex, Cookie Crisp, and Lucky Charms between March and August 1987. While not quite as widely distributed as some issues from Topps or Donruss, the Ralston set had some of the best reach of any licensed/promotional sets from that era.
Design featured a color team photo in the foreground with player stats and franchise logo in the background. Simple but effective design that allowed the large photos to really showcase each player. Backs contained stats and career highlights written in a style meant to appeal to both kids and adults.
Roster included almost every notable major leaguer from 1986, making it a who’s who of stars from that season. Names like Mike Schmidt, Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, and Rickey Henderson all received prominent cards that are now highly desired by collectors.
Top rookie class highlighted rising young talent like Mark McGwire (card #150), Wally Joyner (#170), and Barry Larkin (#213). These rookie cards would take on increasing value as their careers developed.
Distribution method led to a large population in circulation initially. Repeated openings of cereal boxes over the years have damaged many of the original cards. Higher grade specimens have become increasingly difficult to find still in pristine condition.
Some key individual cards from the 1987 Ralston Purina set:
Mike Schmidt (#1) – Perennial star third baseman of the Phillies and future Hall of Famer. One of the most iconic cards in the set and highly sought after by Phillies and Schmidt collectors.
Ozzie Smith (#11) – “The Wizard” was just entering his prime as the dazzling defensive shortstop for the Cardinals. This early Ozzie card is a favorite among Cardinals and defensive specialist collectors.
Cal Ripken Jr. (#19) – One of the most consistent players of the late 80s and early 90s. His early Ralston card captures him as an All-Star before his legendary consecutive games streak.
Roger Clemens (#36) – The soon-to-be Rocket was in his early years with the Red Sox but already showing ace potential. His Ralston is one of the key early Clemens rookie cards.
Wade Boggs (#64) – One of the best pure hitters of the 1980s and a mainstay for the Red Sox. His Ralston is a very popular card for Boston collectors.
Kirby Puckett (#143) – Emerging Twins star outfielder who would become one of the sport’s most beloved players of the late 80s and early 90s.
Mark McGwire (#150) – Even without knowing his future, this rookie of the Athletics would prove to be prophetic. One of the bestselling cards in the set.
Rickey Henderson (#165) – Already establishing himself as the sport’s premier leadoff hitter and baserunner during his years with the A’s. Iconic Henderson rookie card.
The 1987 Ralston Purina baseball card set still holds nostalgia for collectors due to its wide 1980s distribution paired with memorable young stars and future Hall of Famers. While condition issues abound, higher grade examples remain highly sought after by both vintage collectors and fans of the individual players featured. The brand recognition of Ralston paired with top talent like Schmidt, Ripken, Clemens, and Henderson ensured this issue would develop a loyal following among collectors in the coming decades.
