The 1987 Topps baseball card set was a hugely popular release that featured iconic players and rookie cards that have stood the test of time. Issued during the sport’s golden era, the ’87 Topps set contained 792 total cards and featured many of the game’s biggest stars during the primes of their impressive careers. Now over 30 years later, the 1987 Topps set remains a highly coveted and collectible set for both casual collectors and serious hobbyists alike.
One of the biggest storylines of the 1987 season was the pursuit of Roger Maris’ single season home run record of 61 set in 1961. That chase captivated the baseball world as Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire launched an assault on the record during his breakout season. McGwire crushed an MLB leading 49 home runs in 1987 and his formidable power display made him one of the set’s most sought after rookie cards. Other notable rookies found in the ’87 Topps set include future Hall of Famer Craig Biggio as well as Vince Coleman, Wally Joyner, and Gregg Olson.
Beyond the rookie talents, the 1987 Topps set was loaded with established superstars who were household names of the era. Hall of Famers like Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, Mike Schmidt, and Kirby Puckett each had iconic cards in the set. George Brett, Ozzie Smith, Dave Winfield, and Tony Gwynn were also among the game’s biggest offensive talents and their ’87 Topps cards remain well known in the hobby. Pitching legends Nolan Ryan, Steve Carlton, and Tom Seaver were still lighting up radar guns despite entering the later stages of their legendary careers. Collectors also look to pull cards of pitching aces like Dwight Gooden, Roger Clemens, and Joe Magrane from the ’87 set.
Beyond the talented players, Topps produced memorable photography and creative designs that added to the allure and nostalgia of the 1987 baseball card release. Bright yellow borders surrounded colorful action shots while team logos were prominently featured at the bottom of each card. Stat lines laid out key offensive and pitching numbers from the previous season to provide context of each player’s production. Backs of the cards contained biographical information and further career highlights to inform fans. Topps showed off its photographic skills by capturing moments both on and off the field to bring these players to life within the confines of each simple baseball card.
As the 1980s progressed, card collecting became a mainstream American pastime for both children and adults. Baseball cards were integrated into bubble gum, snack foods, and more to reach wider audiences. The rise of the sport on television through national broadcasts and highlight shows like ESPN’s SportsCenter only fueled more interest in players, statistics, and the accompanying card sets. More collectors meant higher initial print runs for sets like the 1987 Topps baseball card series. Decades of handling and exposure have thinned out the surviving population of intact ’87 Topps cards available in the current marketplace. The nostalgia and players featured make it a highly searched for set by collectors today.
While raw examples of common players can still be acquired for affordable prices, the most coveted rookie cards, stars of the era, and higher graded copies command top dollar. In gem mint condition, a PSA 10 grade Mark McGwire rookie now sells for well over $10,000. The Kirby Puckett and Tony Gwynn rookie PSA 10s have cracked the $4,000 mark as well. Even raw copies of those rookies can fetch a few hundred dollars. Hall of Fame talents have increasingly climbed upwards of $100 in raw form depending on the player. The combination of star power, design aesthetic, and nostalgia for the late 80s era have cemented the 1987 Topps baseball card set as a seminal release.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, the vintage baseball card market became sharply defined by the rise of third party grading through Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services (BGS). Slabbed or encapsulated examples became the preference in the marketplace as grading brought transparency to condition and holder labels lent authenticity. Grading also helped stabilize prices within assigned numeric tiers tied to mint status. PSA and BGS reinvigorated collecting by drawing in a new generation and emphasizing preservation of the classic cardboard. Their certification methods proved a boon for sets like 1987 Topps that evoke plenty of childhood memories and connect collectors across generations.
While the 1987 Topps set has endured for decades, not all of its stars maintained iconic status over the long run. For example, once-heralded rookies like Shawn Abner or Steve Adkins never panned out in the majors despite perceived promise. Their cards hold little value today. Conversely, hidden rookie gems outside the big name first years have seen renewed appreciation during modern vintage booms. Obscure first cards of Tom Glavine and David Justice have gained traction in recent years. Context also plays a role, as cards of role players on legendary franchises like the late 80s Mets and A’s rosters carry interest solely due to team affiliation. Overall condition reigns most important, but quirks and unique pieces add spice to the fun of collecting this storied baseball card release.
Now in its fourth decade since initial distribution, the 1987 Topps baseball card set shows no signs of slowing down as a targeted commodity for both novice and advanced collectors alike. Its iconic photography, powerful rookie class, and array of superstar talents remain a window to an era when the sport captured America’s imagination. While rarer high-grade specimens command premium escalating prices, affordable condition ranges satisfy nostalgic thrill-seekers browsing the discount bins too. The 1987 Topps set is a cornerstone within the vintage card world that will retain high demand and appreciation for the foreseeability future as a bridge between baseball’s past and present.
