Tag Archives: 1987

1987 DONRUSS OPENING DAY BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1987 Donruss Opening Day baseball card set is considered a classic among collectors and holds significant nostalgia and value for many. Originally released as a rack pack in 1987 and featuring players from that year’s Opening Day rosters, the set contains 132 cards and includes some true icons of the baseball card collecting hobby from the late 1980s.

While not one of the flagship or highest printed card sets of that era, 1987 Donruss Opening Day cards still hold meaning and merit in the collecting world decades later. Let’s take a deeper look at what makes this particular set notable and the values some of its star cards can currently command.

The Design

Donruss is known for illustrative and cartoonish card designs in the 1980s, and the 1987 Opening Day set followed suit with that artistic style. Each card featured a colorful painted portrait of the player on a blue background with a yellow border. Prominent stats like batting average, home runs, and RBI from the previous season were displayed alongside.

The back of the cards contained the standard rookie card, stats, and career highlights information layout fans had come to expect. What made the designs unique was the depiction of various stadiums and ballparks behind each player photo, harkening to the set’s “Opening Day” theme with a new visual element. Overall it was a fun, colorful look that matched the tone of 80s cardboard.

Top Rated Cards

While there are no true rookie cards or first year player issues that achieve extreme value in this set, several star players from the late 80s have cards that hold meaningful value based on pedigree and playing career accolades. Here are some notable examples:

Roger Clemens (#84) – Widely considered one of the greatest pitchers ever, and his career was just taking off in 1987. Mint condition examples fetch $30-50 routinely.

Mike Schmidt (#113) – Future Hall of Famer and the best third baseman of his generation. His legendary status earns $15-25 for a near mint card.

Ozzie Smith (#86) – Similar to Schmidt in terms of all-time defensive wizard reputation at shortstop. Fetches $10-20.

Rickey Henderson (#50) – Perhaps the greatest leadoff hitter and base stealer who was already a star in 1987. $10-15 range.

Dwight Gooden (#63) – Fresh off his Rookie of the Year season and one of the most dominant early careers ever. $8-12.

Condition and Popularity

As with any older issue, condition is extremely important when evaluating the potential value of 1987 Donruss Opening Day cards. Even top name stars will only return $1-5 for heavily played examples. Finding high grade copies of stars in near mint to mint condition is no simple task after 35+ years of existence.

The set also sees less population pressure and overall collector demand compared to the flagship sets from that season like Topps, Fleer, or even other Donruss products. So while the best cards may carry meaning and value, there is less protection of value due to rarity factors alone – demand must be present.

Variant and Parallel Versions

This set only had a traditional base issue but no special parallel, insert, or short print variations that drastically boost individual card prices. Knowledgeable collectors may pay slight premiums for error cards missing stats, miscut examples, or other unusual printing flaws depending on the specific error.

While not in the same stratosphere as true rookie card monsters, the 1987 Donruss Opening Day baseball card set remains a respected part of the vintage collector marketplace. Finding high quality examples of the set’s biggest star players from the decade like Clemens, Schmidt, Smith, and Gooden in the $5-50 range seems fairly stable based on long term demand and playing achievements. For fans and investors of 80s cardboard, this issue delivers fun memories and solid nostalgic value.

1987 FLEER LIMITED EDITION BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1987 Fleer Limited Edition baseball card set is one of the most valuable and sought after issues in the entire hobby. Containing only 500 sets produced, the extreme scarcity has helped drive values sky high for intact sets and individual cards over the past 30+ years. Let’s take a deeper look at what made this set so unique and discussed the modern value of various cards and subsets within the 1987 Fleer Limited set.

Released right at the height of the original baseball card bubble in 1987, Fleer saw an opportunity to capitalize on collector demand and manufacture excitement with a very limited production run. Where typical Fleer and Topps sets of the time contained cards numbered in the hundreds of millions, this special issue would have just 500 complete sets available. Each 108-card base set was individually numbered on the back of the final card.

In addition to the incredibly low print run, Fleer went the extra mile to make these cards visually stand out from regular issues. They utilized a premium grey cardboard stock that gave the cards a high-end aura. Silver foil stamping and embossing was added to the fronts and backs. And the photo quality and centering tended to be sharper than a typical Fleer product of the era. All of this lent to a true “limited edition” premium collector experience.

Naturally, with such a tiny production quantity, finding intact 1987 Fleer Limited Edition sets in mint condition is exceedingly rare today. PSA or BGS gem mint 10 example full sets in their original factory-sealed wax boxes often command well into the mid-five figure range when they surface at public auction. Even lower graded sets still fetch prices approaching $10,000 due to the extreme limited availability.

Within the set, there are a handful of particularly valuable individual cards and subsets that typically demand premium prices versus run-of-the-mill commons. At the top of the list are the six franchise player subsets – one card each was inserted featuring Derek Jeter, Cal Ripken Jr., Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Orel Hershiser and Dwight Gooden. In PSA 10 condition, prices start at $3,000-$5,000 per card and can escalate upwards of $10,000 for some of the more desirable names.

The “Special Screen” parallel subset is also extremely popular with collectors. Featuring additional photo screens and darkened backgrounds, there are 30 Special Screen cards hand-picked by Fleer. Some of the biggest stars featured include Kirby Puckett, Andre Dawson, Fernando Valenzuela and Keith Hernandez. Mint condition copies can also eclipse $3,000 each based on player demand.

Of course, true key rookie cards from this set carry the highest values of all when found in pristine shape. The MLB debut cards of Tom Glavine, Barry Larkin, Roberto Alomar, David Justice and Gregg Olson are consistently the set’s most expensive individual cards in top grades. Glavine and Larkin have both sold at auction for over $20,000 in PSA 10 – reflecting their Hall of Fame careers as well as the rarity of finding ’87 Fleer rookies in such perfect condition after 35 years of existence.

On the lower end, mint common player cards tend to start at $100-300 depending on the name. But even base cards of all-time greats like Nolan Ryan, Rickey Henderson and Mike Schmidt rarely fall below $500 in pristine condition. Overall player levels and demand also factor heavily into the final pricing.

The 1987 Fleer Limited Edition baseball card set holds an elite status and astronomical values due entirely to its production of just 500 complete factory sealed sets. The extreme scarcity, premium aesthetics and presence of iconic rookies have made this perhaps the most coveted issue of the late 1980s collecting boom. Prices continue rising each year as fewer specimens remain available, establishing it as a true heavyweight in the vintage sports card world.

1987 SPORTFLICS BASEBALL CARDS SET VALUE

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The 1987 Sportflics baseball card set holds a special place in the history of the hobby. Issued by Sportflics at the height of the junk wax era, the design was innovative for its time in combining photography on one side with cartoon-style illustrations on the reverse. While the massive printing quantities devalued individual cards compared to earlier years, the nostalgia and novel presentation give the set enduring appeal for collectors today.

Sportflics was a lesser known brand compared to industry giants like Topps, Donruss and Fleer. They gained approval from the MLBPA to produce an official on-card baseball license for 1987. The result was a 752 card base set featuring every player on a major league roster at the time of production. Each card contained a color photo on the front with minimal black and white graphics. Perhaps most memorably, the back of each card switched to a hand-drawn cartoon illustration of the player in action.

This creative approach set the 1987 Sportflics cards apart from competitors. They tapped into the collectable card game boom of the 1980s by making baseball feel more like a comic book or trading card adventure. For younger collectors just getting into the hobby, it was a fun and unique presentation that remained historically accurate. For nostalgic older collectors today, the cartoonbacks conjure fond memories of childhood baseball card experiences.

While individual 1987 Sportflics cards are not particularly scarce or valuable compared to vintage issues, there remain several subsets that hold added value. First, the set included 20 traded players inset into the base checklist whose positions changed midseason. These “traded” cards often feature two uniforms on the front. A complete traded player subset in high grade can fetch $50-100 today.

Another valuable subset is the 40 minor league prospect cards found randomly inserted one per wax pack. Featuring future stars like Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine, a full pristine rated prospects subset could sell for $300-500. Rarer still are the 17 pink foil parallels of these prospects, which individually can sell for $15-50 depending on player and condition.

Highlighting some key individual 1987 Sportflics cards that command premiums – any Mint grade Ken Griffey Jr. rookie would sell for $75-150. A BGS/PSA 10 would push $500. Another hot rookie is Mark McGwire, with high grade examples of his starring role for $50-100. All-Star performers like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Kirby Puckett are relatively abundant but still hold $5-15 value in top shape.

Turning to team subset valuations, full 52-card team sets often sell complete for $100-200 depending on the club and condition. A few popular franchises with strong fanbases like the Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees could push $250 in top- graded order. The much rarer Glossy Team Photos subset featuring full-bleed photo fronts is particularly sought after. Complete team sets from this scant 24-card insert series can go for $400-600.

As with most 1980s/90s era sets, the true value of 1987 Sportflics cards lies not in individual low-numbered pieces, but rather in appreciation for complete archived team, player, and insert subsets. While huge print runs limited single cards to below $20 outside the best rookies, keeping a full 752 card base set pristine garners respect among collectors. Add in tougher subsets and the nostalgia factor, and owners can expect to get $400-600 for an excellently preserved 1987 Sportflics collection today. Graded sets in top BGS/PSA condition could double that figure.

For those focused only on star rookie cards or singular high dollar keys, the 1987 Sportflics set may not appear that valuable at first glance. But taking a broader view of the innovative design, fun presentation blending art and stats, and place in baseball card history, its enduring appeal is clear. Few other 1980s issues so perfectly merged the kid-friendly introduction to MLB with accessible, lifelong collecting. That unique identity continues to attract new generations of fans to this overlooked classic from the junk wax era.

1987 TOPPS ALL STAR BASEBALL CARDS PRICING

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The 1987 Topps All-Star Baseball set is one of the most iconic and valuable vintage sports card sets from the 1980s. Coinciding with the peak of the baseball card craze during that decade, the 1987 issue commemorated that year’s Major League Baseball All-Star Game played at Olympic Stadium in Montreal with an exciting checklist of stars from both the American and National Leagues. While the set contains no rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, itsnostalgicdesignandhistoricalsignificancehavemaintainedstrongcollectorinterestanddemandovertheyears,resultinginacardvaluethatrivalsorsurpassesmanysimilarvintageissues.

The base 1987 Topps All-Star Baseball set consists of 132 cards including player profiles, All-Star team cards for both leagues, manager/coach cards, and league leader/MVP statistics cards. The design is clean and straightforward with players photographed in action poses wearing their team uniforms on a plain white backdrop. Statistics and career highlights are printed on the back of each card. While not as graphicallyboldorcolorfulascontemporaryFleerandDonrusssets,thesimplisticToppslookhasstoodthetestoftimeandremainsheritage-inspireddecadeslater. Thisclassicretroaestheticcombinedwithitsmemorializationofabaseballlandmarkhaskeptthe1987setoneofth emissionpopularandactivelytradedvintageissuessincethe1980s.

At the high end, several hall of fame stars command four-figure prices even in lower graded conditions. Nolan Ryan’s card in PSA 8 condition recently sold for over $2,000. Ryne Sandberg, Wade Boggs, and Ozzie Smith routinely bring $500-1000 each in PSA 8 as well. Mickey Mantle, despite having no photo on his framed “Tribute” card, still attracts bids up to $500 ungraded due to his iconic status. Top rookie cards like Barry Larkin, Tom Glavine, and Mark McGwire in high grades have also cleared $1000 apiece. Away from the absolute elite, strong everyday players like Gary Carter, Dennis Eckersley, or Dave Stewart typically sell for $75-150 in PSA 8.

Perhaps themostsought-afterrookieinthesetisCecilFielder,whowouldgoontohit319careerhomers.HisPSA8cardrecentlysoldforanastonishing$1,700givenhisfameandimpactonearly1990steams. OtherlessercardslikeBretSaberhagen,RogerClemens,andJoseCansecoinhighgradesCommand3-figuresumsaswell.Eventhebaseset”fillers”commandrespectablepriceswhenhighlygraded.Statisticsleadercardsorlower-profileAll-Starrepshavebeknowntobring$50-100inmintcondition.Thisdemonstratesthestrong,wide-rangingdemandforthecomplete1987checklistno mattertheplayerprominence.

Conditionisnaturallyvitalwhendetermining1987ToppsAll-StarBaseballcardvalues.Whilethebasesetwasproductionsomassively,yearsofhandlingmeansfindinghigh-gradedcopiesofthelargerstarsorkeyrookiesremainsdifficult.PSA9isextremelyrareandcommandsa50%ormorepremiumoveraPSA8.EvenPSA8scanbescarcedependingontheplayer,withonlyasingle-digitnumberofcopyexistingforeliteHALloffamers.Thisscarcitydrivingpricesformintcopiesupinteo4-figureterritoryforiconslikeMantle,Ryan,Sandbergandothers.LowergradedmaterialsuchasPSA6sor7scanstillattain$50-200basedontherarityscalingoftheplayer.

Forcollectorsonabudget,findingaffordablealternativesisstillpossibleeventhoughpricesareskyrocketingonthebluer chipcards. LesserknownAll-Starsorroleplayersfromtheerasellfor$10-30inmid-highgrades.Backuppitchers,utilitymen,andplatoonhitterscardeasilybepickedupforunder$20eachinPSA8.Eventhecommon”1983Totals”and”1982LeaderStats”fillercardsroutinelysellfor$5-10ungradedjustforsetcompletionpurposes.Andwhiletheiconcardsremainstratosphericallypriced,solideverydayAll-Starsfromthelate1980slikeJoseOquendocanstillbepickedupfor$30-50graded.Sobudget-consciouscollectorscanbuildasetwhilefocusingonlessercards.

The1987ToppsAll-StarBaseballsetremainsoneofbaseballcards’mostrichlyhistory-ladenissues.Itsclassicdesign,unmatchedrosteroftalent,andnostalgicconnectiontothepeakofthe1980scrazehavemadeitaperennialfavoriteamongveteranandnewcollectorsalikeafter3+decades.Whilecompletionsetsnowcommandover$2,000ingradedcondition,therearestillaffordableentrypointsevenforcommoncardsatvariouspricepoints.Factorintherarity-drivenvaluetrendsbasedonplayerprominenceandgrading,andthe1987setremainsamongthesemostvaluableandexcitingvintageissuestoinvestinandcompletetothisday.Itsuntouchedstatureasadefiningartifactfrombaseball’spastensuresstrongdemandfordecadestocome.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS OF 1987

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The 1987 baseball card season featured some of the most iconic and valuable cards in the modern era. Led by stars like Roger Clemens, Ozzie Smith, and Donruss’s “Diamond Kings” parallel set, the 1987 offerings from Topps, Donruss, and Fleer highlighted many of the game’s biggest names from the late 1980s.

At the top of most collectors’ lists of the best 1987 baseball cards is the Roger Clemens card from Topps. Fresh off winning his first Cy Young award in 1986 with a 24-4 record and a league-leading 2.48 ERA for the Boston Red Sox, Clemens was capturing attention as one of the game’s most dominant pitchers. His colorful and intimidating stare on the 1987 Topps card made it one of the most visually striking in the set. Since Clemens went on to have a Hall of Fame career winning 7 Cy Young awards, his rookie cards from the mid-1980s have increased greatly in value over the years. A PSA 10 graded version of Clemens’ 1987 Topps card recently sold for over $10,000, showing its status as one of the most coveted modern-era cards.

Another hugely popular 1987 issue was the Ozzie Smith card from Donruss. Known as “The Wizard” for his dazzling defensive skills at shortstop, Smith was a fan-favorite for the St. Louis Cardinals throughout the 1980s. The photo on his ’87 Donruss card, with Smith posing with his glove outstretched, perfectly captured his elite fielding abilities. What made this card especially collectible was its inclusion in Donruss’s high-end “Diamond Kings” parallel subset, which featured foil lettering and numbering. Pristine Mint condition Diamond Kings versions of Smith’s card have sold for thousands.

Rookie cards were also highly sought after in 1987 sets, headlined by the debut issues of future Hall of Famers like Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux. Glavine’s card from Topps, showing him pitching for the Atlanta Braves as a 21-year old left-hander, hinted at the stellar career that would follow including two Cy Young awards. Meanwhile, Maddux’s first Bowman card depicted the 20-year old righty as property of the Chicago Cubs, foreshadowing more than 300 career wins and 4 Cy Youngs as one of the best pitchers of all-time. Both of these rookie cards from 1987 are considered extremely valuable today.

Another rookie to debut that year was Ken Griffey Jr. with the Seattle Mariners. At just 17 years old in 1987, Griffey Jr. was already generating buzz as one of baseball’s top prospects. His first Topps card showed why, with a picture of him unleashing a powerful swing during batting practice. Of course, Griffey would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie is one of the most iconic in the modern era. High-grade versions have sold for over $10,000 as one of the most sought-after rookie cards ever printed.

Donruss also featured some highly collectible young stars with cards of Will Clark, Mark McGwire, and Barry Larkin among their 1987 standouts. Clark’s intimidating glare on his Donruss issue foretold his dominance as a slugging first baseman for the San Francisco Giants. McGwire’s card for the Oakland A’s hinted at the home run fireworks to come. And Larkin’s rookie card for the Cincinnati Reds highlighted his skills that would eventually earn him an induction into Cooperstown. Each of these cards from emerging talents in 1987 have grown greatly in demand from collectors.

The 1987 season was a high point for baseball card collecting, showcasing future Hall of Famers and some of the game’s biggest names from that era in iconic rookie cards and common issues. Sets from Topps, Donruss, and Fleer gave collectors memorable images and stories from some of the most talented players to ever step onto a Major League Baseball field. Prices for the best 1987 cards have increased exponentially in recent decades, a testament to their staying power among fans and the memorable players and seasons they commemorate. The combination of star power, aesthetics, and the success of the players depicted make 1987 one of the most fondly remembered years for baseball card releases.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and collectible issues from the 1980s. The design featured vivid team logos across the front with photos of the players on a simple white background. On the back, stats from the 1986 season were highlighted along with a career recap. There were 792 total cards in the base set along with 108 additional cards covering league leaders, potential Hall of Famers and future stars subsets.

While not the most coveted vintage set, 1987 Topps cards remain a popular and affordable vintage card collection for many fans and investors. Here is an in-depth breakdown and price guide for the key cards from the 1987 Topps baseball card set:

Base Cards (711-792): Most common base cards from the set can be found in near mint to mint condition for under $1. Players like Eddie Murray, Tony Gwynn, Cal Ripken Jr. and others from the base rookie portion of the set run $1-5. Star rookies like Mark McGwire, Ken Griffey Jr. and Darren Daulton could fetch $5-10.

Rookie Cup (625-640): This 16-card subset highlighted some of the top rookie cards from the 1986 season. Dale Murphy’s card is the most valuable at $10-15. Others like Tim Raines, Mark McGwire and Will Clark run $5-10.

League Leaders (1-16): This subset featured the batting average, home run and RBI leaders from the 1986 season. The Barry Bonds rookie card as the 1986 NL Rookie of the Year is the most coveted at $25-35. Wade Boggs’ batting title card and Mike Schmidt’s RBI leader card are also popular at $15-20.

Hall of Fame (17-32): This subset featured retired players already enshrined or likely future inductees into the Hall of Fame. Nolan Ryan’s card is the most desirable in the $15-20 range. Others like Carl Yastrzemski, Rod Carew and Bob Gibson run $5-10.

Future Stars (33-48): Cards in this subset highlighted top prospects for 1987 like Barry Larkin, Will Clark and Mark McGwire. Larkin and McGwire are the standouts valued at $10-15 while Clark is $5-10.

Record Breakers (49-64): This subset paid tribute to notable single season records. Don Mattingly’s 1987 card as he broke Don Baylor’s American League home run record for a first baseman in 1986 is the most coveted around $25-30. Others like Tony Gwynn’s 1986 hit record fetch $10-15.

Potential Hall of Famers (65-80): This subset looked ahead at players likely destined for Cooperstown. Ryne Sandberg, Dwight Gooden and Roger Clemens lead the way valued between $10-15. Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs and Tony Gwynn are next around $5-10.

League Leaders Update (81-96): An update subset showcasing the statistical leaders midway through the 1987 season. The Willie McGee NL batting title and Andre Dawson NL home run lead cards are two of the stars around $10-15 value.

Pinnacle of Achievement (97-112): Highlighting milestones reached in 1986 like Nolan Ryan’s 5000th strikeout and Don Sutton’s 300th win. The Ryan card is the premium selection at $15-20 value.

Checklists (793-796): The four card checklist set featuring team logos is generally a $10-15 complete set. Individually cards run $2-5 each.

Stars of the Game (797-800): The four card Stars of the Game subset featuring Ozzie Smith, Don Mattingly, Roger Clemens and Mike Schmidt commands $15-20 as a complete set. Individual cards are $5-10 depending on the player.

As the 1980s boom faded, the 1987 Topps set avoided sharp declines that hurt earlier years. Condition is critical to value like all vintage cards. Near mint to mint examples of stars like Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Mark McGwire and Roger Clemens can still command $10-25. Rare autograph or serially numbered rookie variations can increase values significantly. The 1987 Topps set offers affordable collecting and investing options for vintage cards with future upside due to the star power the set features. Condition conscious collectors can build an entire set for $500-1000 still finding plenty of individual cards available in the $1-5 range or less.

1987 DONRUSS DIAMOND KINGS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Donruss Diamond Kings set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the late 1980s. Donruss was already known for producing some of the flashiest and most collectible cards on the market, and the 1987 Diamond Kings took things to an entirely new level. The 110-card base set featured dazzling photography, sharp designs, and a premium feel that attracted legions of collectors.

Each Diamond Kings card portrayed the player in a unique action shot against a dark backdrop. Bold colors and textures popped off the card, drawing the eye to every intricately captured detail. Donruss photographers captured players mid-swing, mid-pitch, or mid-play to freeze epic moments in time. The action shots helped transport collectors right onto the field alongside their favorite stars.

Beyond just the thrilling photography, Donruss also released Diamond Kings cards in a high-quality format that remains unmatched today. Printed on thick, glossy cardstock with a semi-rigid feel, each card had the substance and durability to withstand handling while maintaining a collectible charm. Sharp corners and clean edges held up well even to the most vigorous flipping through sets.

Adding to the premium experience, Donruss adorned the fronts of Diamond Kings cards with intricate blue, red, or gold foil designs. Metallic logos, team icons, player silhouettes, and game imagery enhanced the flashy visual appeal. On the rears, stats and career highlights summarized each player concisely in an easy-to-read format. Altogether, the foil, photography, stats, and quality stock merged for a cards that felt like treasures in the hands of collectors.

While the 1987 set didn’t feature any rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, it did include stars entering their primes like Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, and Ozzie Smith. More established names like Mike Schmidt, George Brett, and Nolan Ryan also anchored the checklist. Every card paid tribute to baseball greatness past and present.

Of course, no release was complete in the late ’80s without the inclusion of special parallel and insert sets. In addition to the base Diamond Kings, Donruss released three parallel subsets – Silver Signature, Platinum Signature, and Golden Signature. As the names implied, each parallel carried signature treatments and differed in design details, production numbers, and refractors. Finding and completing these parallel sets became highly coveted goals for collectors.

Perhaps the most sought-after Chrome Error Cards, meanwhile, took the typical “short print” concept to a whole new level. Mid-print, a manufacturing glitch occurred that caused some 1987 Diamond Kings cards to be printed on a silverized foil stock rather than the typical paper or cardboard. These exceedingly rare chrome versions featured the player photos intensely mirrored against a glittering background. Savvy collectors prowled the secondary market for years attempting to track down sets of these aberrantly printed gems.

Another insert set, the Diamond Cutters parallel, showed close-up headshots of MLB superstars against colored diamond patterns. Collectors could also find Star Performers highlighting top individual seasons or Milestone Moments commemorating historic career achievements. Later in the year, Donruss even released Traded sets to document midseason player transactions with new photos capturing the players in their new team uniforms.

While production numbers on the entire 1987 Donruss Diamond Kings set and its parallels remain undocumented, the premium materials, photography, and inserts clearly signaled Donruss’ plan to push cardboard collectibles to new heights. Even years later, examples from this groundbreaking release command premium secondary prices from dedicated collectors seeking to relive the magic of late ’80s baseball card culture. For both its unprecedented in-hand experience and collector chasing opportunities, the 1987 Donruss Diamond Kings cemented its place as one of the most coveted and captivating releases in the hobby’s history.

RALSTON PURINA BASEBALL CARDS 1987

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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.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1987 VALUES

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set was the 66th year for Topps to produce baseball cards and saw the introduction of several young stars and Hall of Famers. Understanding the values of these iconic cards from 35 years ago can provide keen insights.

Several factors influence the value of any specific card from the 1987 Topps set, including the player featured, the card’s condition or grade, and any unique variations. Of course, demand from collectors is a big driver of current prices. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top rookies and stars from ’87 and what their cards tend to fetch today.

One of the most coveted rookie cards from the ’87 set is that of Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Joe Carter. Considered one of the best power hitters of the late 80s and 90s, Carter went on to hit over 300 home runs in his career and is best remembered for hitting a walk-off World Series home run for the Jays in 1993. In mint condition, his rookie card in the coveted #1 slot can sell for $800 or more. Any grade lower than mint sees values fall significantly.

Another star-studded rookie card is that of New York Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden. As one of the most dominant pitchers of the mid-80s, Gooden won the ’85 NL Cy Young Award at age 20 and posted a stellar 24-4 record that year. In mint condition, his #119 rookie card can fetch $500-$700 depending on bidding activity. Like Carter, lower grades reduce the value considerably.

Hall of Famer Barry Larkin got his start with the Cincinnati Reds in 1986 and his coveted rookie card in the ’87 set, #263, can sell for around $200 in near-mint to mint condition. The shortstop would go on to be a 12-time All-Star and win the 1995 NL MVP award. Finding high-grade versions of Larkin’s rookie has become tougher over the years.

Two other highly valuable rookie cards belong to pitchers Kevin Brown (#188) of the Texas Rangers and Bret Saberhagen (#197) of the Kansas City Royals. Brown went on to notch over 200 wins in his career while Saberhagen won two Cy Young Awards. Their top-graded ’87 rookie cards can sell for $150-250 depending on condition. Solid copies still approach $50-100.

Of course, established superstars from the 1980s saw strong demand for their ’87 Topps cards as well. Future Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt’s #12 card, featuring his amazing 47 home run, 119 RBI 1987 season for the Phillies, can reach up to $75 in near-mint. The #1 card of Detroit Tigers slugger and 3-time MVP Kirby Puckett tends to pull in $60-100. And elite closer Dennis Eckersley’s #203 as a member of the Red Sox has sold for upwards of $50 in top condition.

Beyond rookies and stars, several variations make certain common ’87 Topps cards much more valuable. The run-of-the-mill Nolan Ryan pitching card is only worth a few bucks normally. But his rare “blue suit” variation, where he’s pictured wearing a blue blazer instead of the typical uniform, has sold for over $1,000 in top shape. And the famous “Blank Back” error card featuring Yankees star Don Mattingly is valued at $300-500 depending on grade due to its manufacturing mishap.

In general, 1987 Topps cards in pristine mint condition can still pull in impressive sums. But realistically, most vintage collections contain cards that have seen play over the decades in much lower grades. Still, complete common sets in averaged near-mint to excellent condition can often sell for $150-300 online. And valuable singles in solid very good to excellent condition still hold value in the $5-25 range depending on player popularity.

While the 1987 Topps set lacked some modern extras like parallel or short-printed subsets featured in today’s releases, it nevertheless launched the careers of future legends and Hall of Famers. Understanding values based around player pedigree, scarcity, and card condition provides collectors with helpful context when considering premium vintage investments or simply enjoying nostalgic remnants from the 1980s baseball card boom. Whether chasing stars, errors, or completing a childhood collection, ’87 Topps remains an iconic release that continues finding new fans decades later.

BOX OF 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set was the 66th year of production for Topps and contained 792 total cards issued in wax packs, rack packs, and hobby boxes. Some key things to know about the 1987 Topps set include:

The design featured a simple white border around each player photo with their team logo and position printed at the bottom left of the card. Statistics from the previous season were included on the back along with a short biography. The set is considered one of the more basic designs from Topps during the 1980s but remains a popular and affordable vintage set for collectors.

Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Barry Larkin, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine were included along with other notable rookies like Terry Mulholland, David Wells, and Juan Gonzalez. The biggest rookie card in the set was that of slugging outfielder Kevin Mitchell who went on to win the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1987 while playing for the San Francisco Giants. Mitchell’s rookie card remains one of the key chase cards from the set.

Other notable rookie cards included Fred McGriff, Lenny Dykstra, and Mark McGwire in one of his early Cardinals uniforms before making a name for himself with the Oakland A’s. McGwire’s rookie is fairly affordable compared to some of his later high numbered cards from the late 1980s and 1990s.

The 1987 set is also known for featuring the last cards issued for several retiring legends including Johnny Bench, Tom Seaver, and Rollie Fingers. Seaver’s card marks his final season before announcing his retirement in 1987 after 21 seasons in the majors.

One of the standout cards from the set is the Nolan Ryan card on the Houston Astros. Ryan was still an active power pitcher at age 40 during the 1987 season and this card captures him in the twilight of his career before retiring after the 1993 season. Ryan’s Astros card can be found in higher grades for a reasonable price compared to some of his more iconic early 1970s cards featuring his expressive throwing motion on the California Angels and Mets.

The flagship player in the 1987 set is Don Mattingly of the New York Yankees. Mattingly was coming off an American League MVP season in 1986 where he hit .353 with 35 home runs and 113 RBI. His smiling face adorns the very first card in the set numbered as the “Yankees Checklist” card. High grade versions of Mattingly’s flagship card remain a prized possession for any vintage baseball card collection.

In terms of chase cards outside the rookies, the 1987 Topps set is headlined by cards like Kirby Puckett’s mint condition rookie from 1984, an action shot of Ozzie Smith backflipping in the field for the 1985 All-Star game, and an Rickey Henderson stealing a base for the Oakland A’s. Each of these cards can be found in pristine condition for under $100, making them affordable chase cards for any collector.

The 1987 Topps set had a print run estimated between 80-100 million units, making it one of the larger productions from Topps during the junk wax era. Due to its classic design, iconic rookie cards, and affordability nearly 35 years later, the 1987 Topps set remains a staple in the collections of vintage baseball card enthusiasts. With mint condition examples of stars like Mattingly, Ryan, and Seaver still under $50, this 1980s flagship set offers collectors a chance to add affordable vintage cardboard from one of the biggest names in the industry.

The 1987 Topps baseball card set marked the 66th year of production for the iconic brand. Featuring rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Larkin and Maddux along with stars like Mattingly, Ryan, and Puckett, this basic but beloved 1980s design remains a budget-friendly starting point for any vintage baseball card collection three decades later.