Tag Archives: 1987

VALUE OF 1987 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set holds significant nostalgia and value for collectors and fans of the period. Issued at the height of the junk wax era, the cards were mass produced and readily available. Over 30 years later, key rookie cards and stars of the era have gained appreciation from collectors.

The 1987 Donruss set totals 792 cards including future Hall of Famers like Nolan Ryan, George Brett, Mike Schmidt, and Carlton Fisk. The design features a bold photograph on a colored border along with statistics on the reverse. While production numbers were enormous, grading has allowed top condition examples of stars to maintain and increase in worth.

Rookie cards are always of high interest to collectors seeking to capitalize on a player’s career accomplishments years later. The 1987 Donruss set featured the rookie cards of several future all-time greats like Tom Glavine, Gregg Maddux, and Ken Griffey Jr. Griffey’s iconic upper deck rookie is the most valuable card of the era, but his Donruss rookie also holds value due to his status as a true superstar and MLB home run king. Near mint to mint condition copies in the $200-400 range reflect his consistent high demand.

Maddux and Glavine also found enormous success winning a combined 8 Cy Young awards between 1992-2008. Their rookie cards have seen appreciation mirroring their brilliant careers. A PSA 9 or BGS 9 graded Maddux fetches $75-150 while a similar graded Glavine brings $50-100 due to his slightly lesser Hall of Fame resume. Collectors recognize these cards as capturing the beginning of legends. Also debuting in 1987 was Terry Pendleton, who won the 1991 NL MVP award. His rookie remains fairly affordable around $15-25.

Of course, the true elite veterans and superstars of the 1980s hold the most value in the 1987 Donruss set as well. Condition is key, as lower grade copies can be obtained cheaply. A PSA 10 Nolan Ryan is worth $1,500-3,000 given his status a pitching icon and still holder of many career records. An uncommon PSA 10 or SGC 10 1988 traded Mark McGwire rookie would sell for over $5,000 reflecting the rarity of high end graded versions of his first card.

Other stars with expensive gem mint copies include Mike Schmidt PSA 10 ($1,000), George Brett PSA/SGC 10 ($800), Don Mattingly PSA 10 ($700), Wade Boggs PSA 10 ($400), and Rickey Henderson PSA 10 ($350). Two-time MVP winner Ryne Sandberg has a PSA 10 valued at $250-400. Collectors appreciate true time-capsule specimens of these all-time great players in pristine condition.

Overall team and subset cards add diversity and often hold value attached to accomplishments. The Boston Red Sox 1987 Donruss team card is particularly sought after by collectors for capturing the World Series championship squad. A high grade PSA/BGS 9 fetches $150-250 given their storied franchise history and unique capturing of a title year. The Diamond Kings subset also endures as a premium vintage subset with key Hall of Famers like Cal Ripken in top condition worth around $100 raw.

While 1987 Donruss cards flooded the market during the era, the lasting results of certain players’ careers have allowed top rookies, stars, and accomplished teams/subsets to retain relevance and appreciate over the decades. As one of the most widely produced vintage sets, condition is paramount, with PSA/BGS/SGC slabbing further validating high grade examples. For fans of the 1980s and those collecting career milestones, the 1987 Donruss set yields affordable keys with long term potential linked to baseball history from that memorable period.

1987 METS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set featured cards for all 26 Major League Baseball teams from that season, including the New York Mets. Coming off their World Series championship in 1986, expectations were high for the Mets in 1987. While they failed to repeat as champions that year, the 1987 Topps set remains a nostalgic reminder of that era for Mets fans and collectors. Several key Mets players from that team have cards that hold value for collectors today. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top 1987 Mets cards and what they are currently worth in the collectibles market.

One of the most valuable 1987 Mets cards is that of star outfielder Darryl Strawberry. As one of the cornerstone players of the 1986 championship team, Strawberry’s popularity and on-field production made his rookie card highly sought after. In near mint to mint condition, Strawberry’s 1987 Topps rookie card regularly sells for between $80-150. Given his status as a true rookie star for the Mets, along with the rarity of finding high-grade copies of his card over 30 years later, Strawberry’s 1987 RC remains one of the most valued individual cards from the set.

Another highly-priced 1987 Mets card belongs to future Hall of Famer Gary Carter. As the veteran catcher and leader of the ’86 squad, Carter was enormously popular in New York. His 1987 Topps card often trades hands for $30-50 in top condition. While not in the same rookie card stratosphere as Strawberry, Carter’s presence in the Mets’ dugout and his prolific 17-year playing career maintain interest in his 1987 issue. Additional star position players like Keith Hernandez, Mookie Wilson and Howard Johnson also have mid-range valuable commons in the $10-25 range.

On the pitching side, oft-injured but talented righty Dwight Gooden leads the way for 1987 Mets hurlers. As the phenom who won both the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in 1985, “Doc” Gooden was a fan favorite during this era. Near-mint to mint copies of his ’87 Topps card are valued between $50-75. Gooden’s on-field dominance and hype as one of the game’s true spectacle starters at the time makes his cardboard cutting highly coveted. Fellow ace Ron Darling joins Gooden in the $10-25 common range, with lesser pitchers like Sid Fernandez, Rick Aguilera and David Cone in the $5-15 range depending on condition.

Outside the key stars and regulars, there are a handful of less common but still valuable 1987 Mets rookie cards. Perhaps the most notable is pitcher David West. As the #1 overall pick from the 1986 draft, West had high expectations placed upon him coming into the 1987 season, his true rookie year in pro ball. Unfortunately, injuries hampered West’s career and he never panned out as hoped. His rookie card is quite scarce in high grade and has sold in the $75-150 range. Relief pitcher Randy Niemann, utilityman Alfredo Griffin and shortstop Rafael Santana also have lower-print rookie issues that can be worth $25-50 to dedicated Mets collectors.

When considering team sets as a whole, the 1987 Topps Mets rookie and star roster makes their cards among the most consistently collected from that year’s flagship release. Strong nostalgia remains for the players, styles and fashions of the mid-1980s MLB era. For investors, high-demand common cards of stars like Strawberry, Gooden and Carter offer relatively affordable opportunities to own important pieces from this seminal period in Mets history. And true condition-sensitive keys like the David West rookie provide added allure for advanced collectors pursuing the set. All in all, the 1987 Topps Mets maintain relevance and value more than 30 years since they first entered hobbyists’ hands.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS BARRY BONDS

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set featured rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Barry Bonds and Greg Maddux. This set contains 660 total cards and showcases the players, managers, and teams from the 1986 MLB season. One of the most sought after rookie cards from this set is that of Barry Bonds.

Barry Bonds made his MLB debut in 1986 with the Pittsburgh Pirates at just 22 years old. Though he only hit .223 with 7 home runs in his rookie season, scouts knew Bonds possessed incredible talent and physical abilities that foreshadowed future stardom. His rookie card from the 1987 Topps set was the first trading card issued featuring the young outfielder.

At the time, Topps was the undisputed king of baseball cards and their 1987 set was one of the most popular releases of the late 1980s. The front of Bonds’ rookie card shows him in a Pirates road gray uniform, bat on his shoulder with a serious expression. He is listed as an outfielder and his stats from 1986 are prominently displayed on the back. The card design was the classic thick, white border Topps style that baseball card collectors had come to know and expect each year.

As Barry Bonds’ career progressed, it became clear he was on a Hall of Fame trajectory. His blend of power, speed, elite defense, and consistency ranked him among the game’s all-time greats. Bonds went on to smash the single season and career home run records that were previously held by Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth. He won a record seven NL MVP awards and helped lead the Giants to 3 pennants and a World Series championship in his 22-year career.

Naturally, as Bonds established himself as perhaps the greatest player of his generation, perhaps of all-time, the value of his rookie card skyrocketed. The 1987 Topps Barry Bonds rookie is one of the most valuable baseball cards in existence today, routinely fetching tens of thousands of dollars in near-mint or mint condition grades. Even well-centered, sharp examples in lower grades still demand premium prices well into the thousands due to his legendary career and the card’s iconic rookie status.

More than 30 years after its original printing, Bonds’ 1987 Topps card remains endlessly collectible and desirable. It serves as a permanent reminder of the phenom that captivated the baseball world from his debut through setting homerun records that may never be broken. Limited production numbers from the 1980s, along with the sustained impact and notoriety of Barry Bonds himself, ensure this will remain one of the crown jewels in any serious baseball card collection for generations to come.

Outside of Bonds, the 1987 Topps set itself contains several other intriguing rookie cards and stars from that era. Future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux had his first card issued, showing off his deceptive overhand delivery as a 21-year old pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. Other rookie cards included Mark Grace, Gregg Jefferies, and Bobby Thigpen. Superstar veterans like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Tony Gwynn, and Rickey Henderson also graced the ’87 Topps checklist in their baseball card primes.

Beyond the iconic rookie cards, the 1987 Topps set acts as a veritable time capsule of 1980s MLB. Team logos, uniforms, and stadium backdrops showcase the look of the era. Digital photography and innovations in card production were still years away, lending the ’87s an intrinsically vintage aesthetic. For collectors and fans today, flipping through the 660 cards immerses you in the players, teams and historic moments from baseball’s late 20th century golden age.

In summarizing, the 1987 Topps baseball card set lives on as one of the most collectible issues of the entire 1980s due to standout rookie cards of Bonds and Maddux. Barry Bonds’ rookie especially holds legendary status, as his career achievements propelled it to seven-figure value levels for pristine copies. Both the individual cards and complete set transports baseball enthusiasts back to 1986 and provides irreplaceable artifacts from one of the game’s most memorable eras.

1987 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET VALUE

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable vintage card sets from the late 1980s. Consisting of 792 total cards, including player cards, manager cards, team checklists and more, completing the 1987 Donruss set in mint condition can be a lofty goal for collectors. For those who do acquire a full pristine 1987 Donruss collection, it often holds significant monetary worth.

Released towards the end of the 1980s baseball card boom era, Donruss employed innovative card designs and photography in 1987 that made the set highly popular among fans and collectors at the time. Featuring cards of superstar players like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Kirby Puckett and Roger Clemens, the vintage allure and nostalgia associated with 1987 Donruss has only grown stronger over the past 30+ years. As a result, demand and prices for a complete 1987 Donruss set in top condition have steadily increased in the collector marketplace.

When exploring the potential value of owning an intact 1987 Donruss collection, it’s important to first establish the exact definition of a “complete” set. For 1987 Donruss, this means acquiring all 792 total cards in the base set, including the coveted traded set which features stars who changed teams during the 1986-87 offseason like Kirk Gibson and Andre Dawson. Excluding parallel or specialty inserts, a true pristine 1987 Donruss master set consists only of these original 792 cards.

In terms of condition, the highest monetary value is attributed to 1987 Donruss complete sets that grade PSA 10 or SGC 10 across all cards. These would represent perfect “mint” status with sharp corners, clean surfaces and centered printing. Even one sub-10 grade could potentially decrease the overall worth. Securing a 1987 Donruss set at this cream-of-the-crop preservation level requires impeccable care from the original collector as well as a small degree of good fortune across nearly 800 cards.

Estimating the price tag of a 1987 Donruss master collection in this “perfect” PSA 10/SGC 10 condition is challenging due to infrequency of sales data availability. It is likely in the range of $20,000-$30,000 based on comparable vintage basketball and football sets that have crossed auction blocks. The demand from dedicated vintage card investors tends to bid values of complete pristine sets in the five-figure range or higher.

A PSA/SGC graded 1987 Donruss set containing mostly gem mint 9s and 10s with just a handful of sub-9 cards could still fetch $15,000-$20,000 from avid collectors. This represents the upper echelon of condition levels that are attainable and still maintains excellent eye appeal as a prize centerpiece display set. Retaining 99%+ of the cards at PSA/SGC 9 or above is an incredible feat in itself given the usual wear from decades of appreciation and handling by previous collectors.

Towards the lower bounds of condition thresholds that complete 1987 Donruss sets have still sold for, raw examples containing primarily very fine to near mint 8s across the board have auction results in the $8,000-$12,000 range. While carrying noticeable soft corners or centering issues that preclude top grades, these sets still retain solid eye appeal and completeness that collectors have been willing to spend five figures on. Anything below consistent very fine condition starts dipping the set value down under $5,000.

Prices continue descending for 1987 Donruss master sets the further condition quality slips, whether due to soft corners, creases, fading, incomplete rosters or other detriments. Still, a set missing only a few tough cards could possibly fetch $3,000-$5,000 depending on the specific scarcity of replacements needed. Anything with many missing cards would see values at the $1,000-2,500 range at best.

Acquiring and preserving a complete 1987 Donruss baseball card set takes dedication and resources, but can yield a prized vintage asset holding tremendous appreciation potential through the collector marketplace. Consistently strong grades especially in the PSA/SGC 9-10 range signify mint preservation and lift the worth of this iconic 1980s cardboard into the high four or even five-figure territory – an impressive return for a few dollars invested in packs three decades ago.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET WORTH

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The 1987 Topps Baseball Card set is one of the most iconic and valuable vintage baseball card sets from the late 1980s. With 792 total cards in the base set that includes players, managers, umpires and record breakers, finding a complete 1987 Topps set in mint condition can be quite rare and hold significant worth. Let’s take a deeper look at what makes this particular set so collectible and valuable when found complete and in top condition.

Released in 1987 as the main flagship baseball card issuer’s product, Topps continued its tradition of featuring every major league player on cardboard. Some of the biggest stars of 1987 that were highlighted in the set include Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Kirby Puckett and Rickey Henderson. The design of the cards that year featured a blue border with white team logo in the upper left hand corner. On the back, it listed the player’s stats from the 1986 season below their photo.

One of the things that adds to the mystique of the 1987 Topps set is the inclusion of some truly iconic and historically significant rookie cards. Hall of Famer Barry Larkin, Mark McGwire, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and David Justice all had their MLB rookie cards in this set. Finding those particular rookie cards in pristine condition can exponentially increase the worth of a complete 1987 collection.

Beyond the star players and rookie cards of that campaign, there were also 70manager/coach cards and 36 record breaker/record holder cards mixed into the base issuance. This added more variety and statistical historical value to an already packed release. The manager cards featured skippers like Whitey Herzog and Dick Williams while the record breaker tallied hallowed MLB benchmarks.

In terms of rarity, the base 1987 Topps set has 792 total cards as previously stated. To have a true “complete” set, one must also track down the additional insert cards issued that year like the photo variation parallels and foil stamped subsets. Accounting for all special parallel and inserts, the total number of unique 1987 Topps cards climbs to 821. So finding a collection with each and every one present is an enormous challenge.

Grading is also an important consideration when assessing the worth of an intact 1987 Topps set. Only the crispest, sharpest examples that earn the elusive pristine Gem Mint 10 grade from services like PSA or BGS would be considered for the absolute pinnacle pricing. Most high-end intact sets fall into the Mint 9 or Near Mint-Mint 8 range which is still exceptionally collectible but will impact final valuation versus a true perfect 10 graded set.

So in summary – what is a complete 1987 Topps baseball set worth? When in top-of-the-line Gem Mint 10 condition across the entire release of 821 total unique cards, including all special insert cards parallels, a flawless collection could realistically achieve an asking price in the range of $30,000-$50,000 US depending on market conditions. For a set at the Mint 9 level, expect $20,000-$30,000. In today’s inflated vintage sports card market, it’s likely the values mentioned could be even higher for the right buyer. Condition is absolutely critical and finding a set this large fully intact is indeed a monumental task. This makes 1987 Topps an iconic year that earns bragging rights for any dedicated collector who can check it off their want lists.

The 1987 Topps Baseball Card set holds a revered place in the collecting hobby due to its inclusion of future all-time greats, its historically significant rookie cards, and its overall massive base set count. When a collector can obtain a true “complete” run including all parallels and inserts across the entire 821 card checklist, they will undoubtedly own one of the crown jewels of the vintage market. With prices ranging from $20,000 at the low-end to potentially over $50,000 for a perfect 10 example, owning this prized complete 1987 Topps set is a monumental achievement and valuable sports collectible asset.

UNOPENED TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1987

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered by many collectors to be one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the 1980s. With 712 total cards in the base set and additional rookie cards, stars, and Hall of Famers, unopened 1987 Topps wax packs and boxes hold significant nostalgia and investment potential for savvy collectors if kept in pristine condition. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these 35 year old cards so desirable today when left factory sealed.

Topps had been the lone license holder for major league baseball cards since returning to the industry in the late 1950s. Through the 1970s and early 80s, they established themselves as the premier brand for the modern collecting era. By 1987, the popularity of sports cards was at an all-time high. Kids and adults alike were snatching up packs at record rates, driving astronomical print runs into the millions per issue by Topps. Despite the high print quantities, the 1987s hold perceived value due to capturing a pivotal time in the hobby before the late 80s/early 90s crash that nearly destroyed the entire business.

Part of the mystique around 1987 Topps unopened is that the era represents the final “junk wax” period before scarcity became more prevalent. Still, for an unopened wax pack or factory sealed box to survive in pristine condition for over three decades is quite rare. The packaging materials were fairly low quality and not intended to withstand the test of time. Any hint of creasing, discoloration or breaks in the cellophane shrink wrapping detracts significantly from the perceived freshness and investment grade designation. Hence, examples rated gem mint are extremely hard to find and command big premiums from collectors.

Inside these 1987 packs lie 61 familiar cardboard rectangles that shaped an entire generation of fans. The designs were classic 1980s Topps with team logo borders wrapping compelling action photos. Some considered the images a step below the highly photorealistic photography of prior years, but the nostalgia effect cannot be denied. Rosters included future Hall of Famers like Wade Boggs, Cal Ripken Jr., Ozzie Smith as well as huge stars like Dwight Gooden, Kirby Puckett, and Dave Winfield. The coveted #1 Mickey Mantle and #713 Don Mattingly rookie cards added even more luster.

While scarcity wasn’t as paramount in 1987, the packs still hold a magic element for collectors who rip them open in search of stars, rookie gems or oddball variations. Perhaps they’ll discover an elusive error card only found in one per every several thousand packs. The gamble and surprise keeps the allure alive much like it did for children in the 80s. Regarding investing long term, sealed packs and boxes avoid risks of damage or tampering that can diminish potential returns versus raw singles over time. Condition sensitive issues like 1987s are best preserved fresh to preserve and ideally enhance financial value.

Flash forward to today and there is no doubt the vintage hobby is red hot. Prices across the board for unopened wax from the junk wax era into the 1990s have skyrocketed the past few years. The 1980s held a stranglehold on nostalgia which is now firmly transferred to the spending power of aging Gen X collectors with money to spend. 1987 Topps in sealed form can easily fetch hundreds and often thousands of dollars depending on quantity and condition grade from leading authenticators. The rarest gem mint factory sealed cases have crossed the $10,000 threshold.

All in all, those blue, red, and white labeled packs of 1987 ToppsCards still sing their Siren song to collectors young and old. They represent a familiar feeling of mystery, childlike wonder and connection to baseball’s biggest stars of the 1980s. With scarcity, condition sensitivity and monetary investment potential, there’s no denying their staying power and rightful place among the treasures of the vintage wax era. For 35 years after production, they remain a proven commodity able to bring both joy and profit to those who preserved them in their original untainted state.

1987 BASEBALL CARDS BECKETT

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The 1987 baseball card season marked a pivotal year in the evolution of the hobby. Major League Baseball players were still riding high on growing salaries and popularity in the post-strike season of 1986. The upper deck company had only just begun producing cards in 1987, shaking up the landscape that was dominated for decades by Topps.

It was also a seminal year for the Beckett Baseball Card Monthly price guide. Then only in its third year of publication, the guide was still working to gain widespread acceptance among collectors. The state of the growing secondary market and demand for certain star players was rapidly evolving. Beckett strove to provide the most accurate and up-to-date values for collectors seeking to understand how to properly assess their growing collections.

Some of the most notable rarities and stars featured in the 1987 sets included rookie cards for future Hall of Famers Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and Frank Thomas. The Upper Deck company debuted by only producing 1 million total cards, making even common players quite scarce compared to the mass-produced issues from Topps. This served to inject new excitement and competition into the annual card releases.

In the 1987 Beckett guide, a common Frank Thomas rookie card from the Pacific set was listed at a value of $1. While humble beginnings, this presaged what that card would become as “The Big Hurt” developed into one of the game’s most feared sluggers. A near-mint condition Thomas rookie reached $7 in the February 1988 issue. Just one year later in February 1989, that same card had skyrocketed to $30 as Thomas’ dominance grew.

The Trout card market today reaches values unthinkable in 1987. But even then, certain young superstars created immediate buzz. In the ’87 Beckett, an ungraded Ken Griffey Jr. rookie fetched $5. This number increased steadily issue over issue as Griffey showed tantalizing flashes of what was to come. By 1990, that same Griffey rookie listed for $35 in near-mint condition before exploding exponentially from there.

Other notable early values and increases documented in the 1987-1989 Beckett guides included the 1st Edition Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck rookie jumping from $7 to $20 to $60 in the same time period. A Mark McGwire rookie listed at $3 and rose steadily each year thereafter. And a Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps in average condition went for an eye-popping $700, already cementing its status as the holy grail card.

While star rookies and iconic vintage cards commanded big numbers, the bulk of 1987 and prior year cards held relatively little monetary worth. Average common players across all brands and years ranged from a few pennies to around $1 near-mint. This made sets highly completion-able for collectors of all budgets. But it also meant the risk of cards ending up in the nickel box was high without proper care and storage.

The late 1980s saw rising interest in vintage cards from the 1950s thanks to the first golden era revival books published. Within a couple years, that nostalgia would spill over significantly into 1960s hobby as well. In November 1987, Beckett listed a 1969 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie at just $3. But by February 1989 it had jumped to $15 as Ryan’s career milestones mounted and 1960s sets gained mainstream popularity.

As the 1980s drew to a close, Beckett also began documenting the emerging phenomenon of error cards. Mispunched stats, swapped photos, and off-centered variations added intrigue and chase to the annual releases. While the monetary value of most error cards remained modest, their scarcity intrigued collectors. This presaged what the error card market would become in future decades.

The 1987 season marked both continuity and change for the baseball card industry and collectors. Beckett helped navigated the transition by establishing reliable early pricing benchmarks that still hold relevancy today. While the monetary figures pale in comparison to current record prices, the evolutionary story of cards like Frank Thomas, Ken Griffey Jr., and Mark McGwire chronicled in those late 80s issues hold nostalgic significance for veterans of the hobby.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL ERROR CARDS

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most notorious for errors and anomalies found among collectors. While all mass-produced sports card sets contain some mistakes, the ’87 Topps issue stands out for the variety and quantities of errors zipping around in factory packs that year. Some errors are much rarer finds than others, making certain pieces real prizes for dedicated error card collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most significant screw ups in the 1987 Topps baseball card production run.

One area where errors often occur is in the photograph selection and cropping process. In 1987 Topps, a number of cards had photos of the wrong player somehow get assigned to that player’s regular card number and design layout. Perhaps the most famous example is Cardinals reliever Todd Worrell’s card, which mistakenly contained a photo of former Cardinal outfielder Andy Van Slyke. Only a handful of the Worrell/Van Slyke mix ups are known to exist. Another mixed photo error saw Met pitcher Rick Aguilera’s image substituted for teammate David Cone’s card. Dozens of examples of the Aguilera for Cone mistake have been reported, likely making it one of the set’s most widespread photo flubs.

Photo cropping errors were also rather common in ’87 Topps. Cards like Yankees outfielder Danny Tartabull and Cardinals catcher Tony Pena had portions of their photos cropped off in error. On Tartabull’s issue, only the top half of his face is visible. Meanwhile, about half of Pena’s torso is chopped out of sight. The manufacturing defect created very unusual, incomplete images that collectors love to find. Beyond single players, there were also focus problems where photos seemed badly blurred on specific cards. Royals third baseman George Brett and Twins catcher Tom Nieto experienced these types of focus photo snafus.

Beyond photography, a bunch of typos and stat errors made it into the final ’87 Topps run as well. Perhaps the zaniest was on Yankees pitcher Dave LaPoint’s card, where his last name was mistakenly spelled “LaPointe.” Additionally, Giants pitcher Atlee Hammaker had his earned run average listed as “2.85” when it should have read “2.48.” Reds outfielder Kal Daniels was awarded an extra home run, with 8 shown when he actually hit 7 in 1986. The back of Cardinals star Ozzie Smith’s card typo’ed his birthplace as “Herbon, Kentucky” rather than the correct “Mobile, Alabama.” Dozens of other players had incorrect stats, positions or other typos pollute information on their ’87 cardboard.

Errors could even pop up in card design specs themselves beyond just text or photos. A select few ’87 Cubs and Tigers cards were printed on the wrong card stock, giving them a noticeably lighter hue than standard issues. Meanwhile, the checklist card at the end of the set had it’s blue color changed to a deep purple tone. These stock errors stand out wildly versus standard versions. In an even rarer mistake, Reds reliever John Franco’s card completely lacked the normal white border framing around his image and stats box. Franco’s card was left unadorned all around its edges in solo exception.

Perhaps the wackiest error subset involves 1987 Topps cards that were seemingly printed with no gum inside their packages. While flavors and styles varied year to year, Topps baseball cards traditionally came with that stick of familiar chewing gum. A small batch of ’87s seems to have escaped the gum lining process altogether. These “gumless” versions are considered among the most bizarre anomalies collectors seek. Their aberrant nature makes gumless 1987s highly valuable finds today.

As one would expect, the rarer an error, the more coveted it becomes in the hobby. Top miscuts, reversed images, missing stat boxes and more can draw mega-dollar prices for pristine examples. But even common errors enhance the ’87 Topps set for the dedicated error collector. After all, these quirks are what make the cards interesting reflections of real-life imperfections that sometimes slipped through the factory process back in the day. Three decades later, they continue providing enjoyment and challenge for sports card fans seeking out the mistakes in one of the error-prone years of baseball cardboard.

EBAY 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set was the 56th series issued by Topps and is considered a classic among collectors and fans. The 1987 set marked several milestones in the long history of Topps baseball cards. It was the first year Topps used their new photo-scanning technology to reproduce the player images. It also featured the debut rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr., Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine. Because of these factors, as well as strong player performances and team success in the late 1980s, 1987 Topps cards remain very popular with collectors today.

The 1987 set contains 792 total cards and includes rookie cards, stars of the day, team checklist cards, and manager/coach cards. Some of the biggest stars featured include Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Rickey Henderson, and Mike Schmidt. The design is clean and simple with a solid color background behind each player photo. Statistics are provided on the back along with a career summary. Topps also added a fun “Traded” subset highlighting notable player trades from the 1986-87 offseason.

Rookie cards are always highly sought after by collectors and 1987 contained several future Hall of Famers. Arguably the most coveted is Ken Griffey Jr’s rookie which features him as a Seattle Mariner. His smooth left-handed swing and effortless style of play made him a fan favorite for many years. Other top rookie cards include Greg Maddux as an Atlanta Brave, Tom Glavine also as a Brave, and Mark McGwire as an Oakland A’s. These players would go on to have incredible careers and their rookie cards appreciate greatly in value.

Beyond rookie cards, the 1987 set also highlights the dominance of several legendary players at the peak of their careers. One of the most iconic cards is Roger Clemens’ as a Boston Red Sox pitcher. In 1987, Clemens won a record-tying 20 games and captured his second Cy Young Award. His intimidating stare and rocket right arm made him one of the most feared pitchers in baseball. Wade Boggs of the Red Sox also had a monster 1987 season batting .363 with 24 home runs and leading the American League in hits. His card remains a favorite for collectors.

The success and popularity of teams in the late 1980s is also reflected in the 1987 Topps set. The St. Louis Cardinals won 95 games and the National League pennant behind stars like Ozzie Smith and Vince Coleman. The Detroit Tigers made headlines by drafting Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker and later winning the World Series in 1984. The Oakland A’s dynasty continued with the “Bash Brothers” of Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire mashing home runs. These teams and their stars from 1987 hold nostalgia for collectors today.

In terms of condition, 1987 Topps cards are considered fairly durable but still require care. The most valuable copies will be high graded gems in near-mint to mint condition. There is still strong demand for nicely centered examples in excellent condition as well. Common players can usually be found for $1-5 while stars are $10-50 depending on grade. Rookies of future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Maddux, and Glavine are much pricier, ranging from $50-500+ for their best copies. The 1987 set as a whole remains very collectible and prices hold steady thanks to its memorable rookie class and team/player performances.

For collectors, 1987 Topps baseball cards represent a special time in the sport’s history. They perfectly captured the talent and excitement of stars from the late 1980s. Future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Maddux, and Glavine had their collecting careers begin with these iconic rookie cards. Team successes by clubs like the Red Sox, Cardinals, and A’s are also commemorated. Even 35 years later, 1987 Topps cards remain a staple in collections for their nostalgia and investment potential. The set’s classic design, memorable rookies, and star players ensure it will continue to be a favorite for collectors and fans for generations to come.

TOP CARDS 1987 FLEER BASEBALL

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The 1987 Fleer baseball card set was truly unique and historic for several reasons. Issued during the peak of the baseball card boom of the late 1980s, the 1987 Fleer set stands out as one of the most iconic and coveted releases from that era.

Fleer secured the licensing rights to produce Major League Baseball cards in 1986, breaking the monopoly Topps had held since 1951. This marked the first major competition Topps had faced for baseball cards in over 30 years. Fleer clearly wanted to make a splash with its inaugural MLB licensed set in 1987.

The 1987 Fleer release featured an ambitious 666 cards in the base set. This was a substantial increase from the typical 300-400 cards Topps and Donruss had been issuing at the time. The massive size allowed Fleer to include significantly more stars and key players that were left out of competitors’ sets. Having such a giant checklist made completing the 1987 Fleer set a major challenge for collectors.

Another innovative aspect was that Fleer numbering was entirely different from previous years. Cards were now numbered 1-666 sequentially rather than by team. This was meant to emulate the style of non-sport releases and had never been done for baseball before. The unique numbering system added to the mystique and collectability of the 1987 Fleer cards.

Perhaps the most famous element and huge selling point was the inclusion of logos and team names on the cards. Previous to 1987, Topps and others refrained from showing logos and made vague references to teams by city name only due to rivalry and licensing disputes. Here at last was a true snapshot of Major League rosters with proper logos and uniforms fully depicted. To collectors this brought the players and teams to life like never before. Seeing their favorite MLB logos on a card was a dream come true.

However, Fleer’s usage of logos and team names without formal licensing agreements soon led to lawsuits. A few team logos like the Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox were missing or partially blanked out on later printings as the legal battles ensued. This added another layer of mystique as specific logo error cards took on premium status. It also showed how aggressively Topps would fight to retain licensing exclusivity.

Among the many future Hall of Famers included in the massive 667 card checklist were Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Eddie Murray, Dave Winfield, Rickey Henderson, and Dennis Eckersley. Rosters also featured young stars on the rise like Mark McGwire, Barry Larkin, and Jeff Bagwell. The star power packed into Fleer’s massive set added great appeal for collectors.

While the design aesthetic was not as flashy or cartoonishly stylized as fleer sets had been in the past, the simple photography focused design allowed the key elements of name, picture and team to really shine. Bright solid colors popped on the majority of the cards. Quality snapshots in full or closeup views helped create a sense of genuine baseball card realism that was cutting edge for the time.

Of all the cards in the 667 count set, perhaps none are more iconic or valuable today than the fleer logo error variations. Some printings mistakenly replaced the fleer logo with the word “Baseball” at the bottom. The extreme rarity and mystique of these erroneously labeled cards like Roger Clemens made them some of the most coveted chase cards from the entire 1980s era.

The 1987 Fleer set broke new ground by vastly increasing set size to fully represent MLB, including highly sought logos and team names, and pioneering unique sequential numbering. It shattered expectations and presaged the coming boom of the late ’80s. While competition and legal issues provided controversy, the high star power and truly one of a kind elements gave the 1987 Fleer release a legacy like no other in the modern age of baseball cards. Whether for its mammoth checklist, rosters of all-time greats, or ultra rare variants, the 1987 Fleer baseball card set stands alone as a pinnacle achievement and one of the most significant releases in the hobby’s storied history. It exemplified both the innovations and tumult that marked the dawn of the modern baseball card collecting era.