Tag Archives: 1987

1987 TOPPS CHEWING GUM BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the more valuable modern issues from the Topps brand. While not the flashiest or most known set from the late 80s, the ’87 Topps cards maintain solid collector demand and values due to several key factors that make it a mainstay in vintage card collections.

Released in the spring of 1987 as the primary baseball card issue of that year, the 1987 Topps set contains 792 total cards featuring players, managers, and stadium photos from both the American and National Leagues. The design is fairly basic compared to some other 1980s Topps issues, featuring a solid color background with players photographed mainly in action shots against plain textured surfaces. Still, the photography and card stock quality was on par for Topps at the time.

Rookies and star players in the 1987 set that drive much of its collector interest and value include Hall of Famers Barry Larkin, Mark McGwire, and Frank Thomas in their rookie seasons. Other noteworthy rookies like Jeff Bagwell, Tom Glavine, and Kenny Lofton also debuted in the set. Key veterans like Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Nolan Ryan continued to produce for collector demand as well.

While print runs for 1980s sports cards were massive by today’s standards, the 1987 Topps set had fewer issues than some preceding years that caused card saturation problems. Estimates place the 1987 Topps print run around 570 million total cards. For comparison, the 1986 Topps baseball set is thought to have been printed over 800 million times, contributing to lower card values today. The slightly smaller run has kept 1987 Topps cards more scarce and attractive to collectors.

Another factor propping up 1987 Topps values involves the timing of the set’s release during the early boom years of sports collecting. Interest and prices for vintage cards started escalating sharply in the late 1980s, meaning 1987 Topps cards were among the first modern issues to take off in secondary market value after only a few years. This “vintage” cachet still applies to the set today among collectors and investors.

Gem mint condition rookies and stars from 1987 Topps can demand thousands of dollars today. A PSA 10 graded Frank Thomas rookie fetches well over $1,000. A PSA 10 Barry Larkin rookie exceeded $800 in recent sales. Even base cards of superstars like Mike Schmidt, Roger Clemens, and Dwight Gooden can attain prices up to $100 in top condition.

More attainable for most collectors and investors are very fine to near mint graded 1987 Topps cards. Common veterans and role players in PSA 8 or BGS 9 condition often sell in the $5-15 range. Star rookies and veterans in the same grades usually bring $25-100, with the occasional lot exceeding $200 for a premier player. Raw near mint cards trade hands from $1-10 depending on the name on the card.

While not as iconic or collectible as flagship 1980s sets like 1984 or 1988 Topps, the 1987 issue maintains enduring popularity due to hallmark rookies, solid photography and design, smaller print run, and impeccable timing early in the boom period. Given the sustained collector demand and growth of the vintage card market over the past 30+ years, 1987 Topps values and collectibility should remain bright long into the future for this underrated modern classic baseball card set.

The combination of high-quality rookie cards, star veterans, and the cultural period during which it was released have made the 1987 Topps set very valuable for both casual collectors and serious card investors. While single card prices fluctuate based on condition and player, the overall set provides a solid vintage investment opportunity at attainable cost compared to earlier 1950s/1960s sets. Even common players hold value thanks to the relatively low print run. So whether pursuing individual hits or building a complete set on a budget, 1987 Topps cards deliver enjoyable collecting and respectable long-term returns.

BEST 1987 TOPPS TRADED BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps Traded baseball card set showcased some of the biggest names and best performances from the 1986 MLB season. With 198 total cards, the Traded set highlighted star players who were traded or had a breakout season the year prior. Several cards from the 1987 Topps Traded collection have become highly coveted by collectors due to the talent featured and their relative scarcity compared to the base set. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most noteworthy cards from this vintage release.

Perhaps the most iconic card from the 1987 Topps Traded set is the Kirby Puckett card. Puckett had just completed his first All-Star season with the Minnesota Twins in 1986, batting .328 with 170 hits, 11 home runs and 94 RBI. The Twins would go on to win the World Series that year, spearheaded by Puckett’s clutch performances. His Traded card, featuring him batting left-handed, has become one of the most valuable from the set, often grading and selling for well over $1000 in near-mint condition. Puckett went on to have a Hall of Fame career and this early card captures the start of his rise to stardom.

Another highly sought-after card is that of slugging outfielder Jose Canseco, who was traded from the Oakland A’s to the Texas Rangers after the 1986 season. Canseco had just won the AL Rookie of the Year and MVP awards in 1986, smashing 33 home runs in his debut season. His powerful swing and youthful exuberance helped usher in the new era of power hitters. Canseco’s Traded card shows him rounding the bases, exemplifying his prodigious power. In high grades, it routinely commands prices upwards of $500 due to his iconic status from the late 80s/early 90s “Bash Brother” Oakland A’s teams.

A third blue chip card is that of slugging first baseman Mark McGwire, who was also dealt that offseason from the A’s to the St. Louis Cardinals. Like Canseco, McGwire was a central figure in Oakland’s late 80s dynasty, clubbing 49 home runs in 1987, which at the time broke the single-season rookie record. His Traded issue portrays “Big Mac” at the plate, foreshadowing the mammoth blasts to come. High-grade McGwire rookies are among the most expensive from the late 80s, with the ’87 Traded often appraised at $400-500 in top condition.

In addition to the star power up front, the 1987 Topps Traded set also featured several other notable rookie cards that have stood the test of time. Future Hall of Famer Barry Larkin had a stellar rookie year for the Cincinnati Reds in 1986 and his Traded card is one of the more coveted rookie issues around. Another rookie to watch was Toronto Blue Jays’ pitcher Dave Stieb, who posted a 2.92 ERA in 25 starts in 1986 and had a promising career cut short by injuries. His Traded card remains a key piece for Jays collectors.

The 1987 Topps Traded set also highlighted breakout players from the year prior. Cleveland Indians’ catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. burst onto the scene in 1986 with a .295 average, 6 home runs and 57 RBI in his first full season. His Traded card portrays him receiving an award, a nice summation of his early success. Milwaukee Brewers’ slugger Rob Deer also had a breakout 1986 campaign, smacking 24 home runs in just 108 games. His power potential made his Traded card an exciting addition.

In terms of scarcity, the 1987 Topps Traded set had a much lower print run than the base issues. While the standard set had over 700 cards, the Traded version contained less than 200. This rarity always keeps collector demand high. The set is also notable for its creative photographic portraits and action shots of players. From call-ups to veterans, the 1987 Topps Traded captured the changes to rosters after the ’86 season. Over 30 years later, it remains one of the most iconic and investable vintage issues for baseball card collectors. Keys like Puckett, Canseco and McGwire will likely retain their luster for decades to come.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps Baseball card set was a highly anticipated release from Topps following several years of skyrocketing values in the collector’s market for vintage cards from the 1950s. By 1987, the stamp and coin collecting boom of the previous decade was beginning to wane, but interest in vintage sports cards had only continued to grow. Fans were eager to see what rookies and trade pickups would be highlighted in the new 1987 set as the baseball card industry entered a new era.

Topps delivered 660 cards in the base 1987 set, featuring every major league player along with managers and coaches. Some of the rookie cards collectors were hoping to find included future Hall of Famers Roberto Alomar, Barry Larkin, and Tom Glavine. Kenny Lofton also had his rookie card in the 1987 Topps set. The design featured colorful team banners across the top with a player photo below, along with stats and career highlights on the back. Topps continued its tradition of including stickers and player interview quotes to break up the primarily statistic-focused content on the back of the cards.

Within the base set some of the notable trades and free agent signings from the 1986-87 offseason were reflected, such as Dave Parker moving from Cincinnati to Oakland and Gary Bell going from Seattle to Boston. Darryl Strawberry’s popular Expos card from 1986 was replaced with his new Dodgers card in the 1987 set. Other key players who had switched teams like Bob Horner, Jose Cruz, and Don Sutton had new uniforms reflecting their new clubs. Rookies, stars, and veterans were all represented providing a comprehensive snapshot of the 1987 MLB rosters as spring training got underway.

Chasing the highly sought rookie cards, fans of the 1987 Topps set tore packs hoping to find future stars or complete their team collections. The design aesthetically was fairly basic and focused more on stats than elaborate illustrations seen in some later sets. It captured the rosters at an intriguing moment of player movement and represented one of the first sets to ship after the opening of the new baseball card boom. Prices remained reasonable enough for most collectors to try completing their first set. With hindsight, many of those who did would gain a financially prudent collection.

Unlike in later “chase” card oriented sets where premium parallels and autographs became common, the 1987 Topps release was fairly standard with just the base 660 cards and no additional inserts. This lent itself well to set building and allowed the key rookie cards and trades to take centerstage without distraction. The simplistic design also had nostalgic appeal calling to mind classic early 1960s designs that many fans cut their teeth on first. For these reasons, it has retained popularity as a set for both completionists and investors to this day. PSA 10 Jim Abbott, Barry Larkin, and Roberto Alomar rookies have reached over $1,000 CAD in recent sales.

While the 1986 Fleer set had shaken up the industry with its glossy photography and licensed players, Topps was still dominating distribution through supermarkets and corner stores. The 1987 release helped further drive interest in the growing collecting phenomenon. Alongside Donruss’s competitive offering that year spotlighting rookies like Ben McDonald, the cards captured a sport gaining new fervor and young talent poised to foster new fanbases. In the years since, as values rise for elite vintage examples, the 1987 Topps set endures as an accessible showcase of that transitional season bridging eras for the collecting community.

Whether chasing rookie star power, building team sets, or preserving financial holdings, the appeal of the 1987 Topps issue remains strong decades later. Its combination of simplistic nostalgia, star talents, and place in card history make it a touchstone for collectors. Prices have indeed reflected increased demand, though high grade examples of stars still offer affordable enjoyment of that compelling time when baseball’s modern renaissance was just beginning. For both nostalgic enjoyment and long term value preservation, the 1987 Topps baseball card set retains a well-deserved place among the all-time favorites.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 300

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set was the 66th annual release of Topps baseball cards and contained a total of 660 cards. Some of the key storylines and features of the 1987 Topps set included the start of new eras for several franchises, rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, and iconic photography that has stood the test of time.

One of the biggest storylines of the 1987 season was the resurgence of the St. Louis Cardinals franchise after years of struggle in the National League East division. Led by manager Whitey Herzog and powered by superstars Ozzie Smith, Willie McGee, and Vince Coleman, the 1987 Cardinals won 95 games and captured the division title. Their success was reflected on the front of the Topps 1987 traded set card, which featured the entire Cardinals roster celebrating.

Another team entering a new era was the Minnesota Twins, who had just moved into the cavernous Metrodome after years playing at Metropolitan Stadium. Led by young pitching stars Frank Viola and Bert Blyleven and powered by sluggers Kent Hrbek and Gary Gaetti, the Twins emerged as AL West contenders, winning 85 games. Their move into the Metrodome and success was highlighted on their 1987 team card.

Two franchises going through transitions were also reflected in the 1987 set. The Chicago Cubs, still seeking their first World Series title since 1908, had fired popular manager Jim Frey and hired fiery ex-Yankee Gene Michael to take over the team. Their card showed this changing of the guard. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox had endured years of frustration but acquired slugger Jim Rice and brought in former Sox star Don Zimmer as manager, signaling a desire to return to prominence.

Among the many notable rookie cards in the 1987 set were those of future Hall of Famers Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and John Smoltz, who all broke into the Atlanta Braves rotation that season. Not to be overlooked were rookie cards of Willie McGee, Lenny Dykstra, and Rob Dibble, all of whom would go on to have productive big league careers. Mark McGwire also had his rookie card despite playing just 42 games for the A’s that season.

Topps photography in 1987 continued a trend of memorable and iconic images. The Dodgers’ Orel Hershiser stared straight ahead intense and determined on his base card. The Mets’ Dwight Gooden had an intense close-up shot displaying his blazing fastball. Rickey Henderson’s card showed him in motion stealing a base with arms and legs fully extended. And Wade Boggs had perhaps the most unique pose, standing with chest out and arms akimbo in the on-deck circle.

Trading cards insert subsets in 1987 included “1987 All-Stars” highlighting the biggest names in each league, “Topps All-Time Team” honoring legends of the past, and “Record Breakers” focusing on statistical milestones. Special subsets also paid tribute to the past with returns of “Turn Back The Clock” historic reprints and “All-Time Fan Favorites” selections chosen by fans.

The 1987 flagship Topps set closed with career highlights snapshots of the final players on the checklist. These included Nolan Ryan in mid-windup for the Angels, Mike Schmidt from his rookie season with the Phillies, and Robin Yount with the Brewers. The final card in the set was #660, an overview of the 1987 All-Star festivities from Oakland—a fitting conclusion to a set commemorating that historic season.

In the years since, the 1987 Topps set has become one of the most iconic and collected in the hobby’s history. Featuring coverage of compelling storylines like the Cardinals’ resurgence and Twins’ Metrodome debut, rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, and photography that retains its impact, the 1987 issue retains an air of nostalgia and significance for collectors and fans alike. Its dynamic coverage of the events and personalities from a pivotal season in baseball’s history is a big reason why the 1987 Topps baseball card release remains such a standout nearly 35 years later in the minds of sports memorabilia aficionados.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS HIGHEST VALUE

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set marked Topps’ 40th anniversary of making baseball cards and featured several rookie cards and players that would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. While not the most valuable set ever produced, it does contain some gems that have appreciated significantly in value over the past 35 years. Let’s take a closer look at some of the 1987 Topps baseball cards that are considered the most valuable from the set today.

Perhaps the most well-known and valuable 1987 Topps rookie card is card number 329, Ken Griffey Jr. Widely considered one of the greatest five-tool players of all-time, Griffey had a rookie year for the ages in 1987 with the Seattle Mariners. He hit .284 with 24 home runs and 61 RBI in just 109 games to finish third in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Griffey would go on to have a legendary 22-year career that ended with 630 career home runs, putting him within reach of Barry Bonds on the all-time list. The Griffey rookie in Near Mint to Mint condition can fetch upwards of $2,000 currently. Pristine Mint condition examples with a grade of Gem Mint 10 from services like PSA have even sold for over $10,000.

Another extremely valuable 1987 rookie card is number 360, Frank Thomas. “The Big Hurt” debuted with the Chicago White Sox in 1990 after three seasons in the minors and quickly established himself as one of the premier sluggers of his generation. Thomas would hit .301 with 448 home runs and 1,704 RBI over his 19-year career, winning back-to-back AL MVP awards in 1993-1994. High graded PSA 10 Thomas rookie cards have sold for over $5,000 in recent years, with NM-MT copies selling in the $500 range.

While not rookies, the 1987 Update Series parallel cards of Hall of Famers Cal Ripken Jr. and Wade Boggs are also considered premier cards from the set. Ripken and Boggs were already established stars by 1987 but their Update parallels introduced color and photography to their base cards. A PSA 10 Ripken Update parallel recently sold for nearly $2,000 while a Boggs fetched $750. Even well-centred Near Mint copies can sell for $100-200 each.

The 1987 Topps set also marked rookie seasons for future Hall of Famers Barry Larkin, Tom Glavine, and Greg Maddux. Larkin’s card #419 has gained value in recent years as his Hall of Fame induction brought renewed attention to his rookie season with the Reds where he hit .300 in 69 games. A PSA 10 Larkin rookie recently sold for over $1,000. Glavine and Maddux, teammates on the Atlanta Braves, became one of the most dominant starting pitcher duos of all-time. Their rookie cards #528 (Glavine) and #518 (Maddux) in PSA 10 condition can each sell for $500-800. Even well-centered Near Mint copies trade in the $50-100 range.

And finally, no discussion of valuable cards from the 1987 Topps set would be complete without mentioning the superstar shortstops of the late 1980s, card #1 Ozzie Smith and #336 Ryne Sandberg. “The Wizard” Ozzie Smith anchored the St. Louis Cardinals defense for 19 seasons and his electrifying play in the field revolutionized the defensive standards at shortstop. Sandberg formed one of the best doubles partnerships ever with Andre Dawson on the Chicago Cubs and twice won NL MVP awards. High graded examples of their key cards from 1987 in PSA 10 can each still fetch over $1,000. Even well-preserved Near Mint copies sell in the $150-300 range.

While the 1987 Topps baseball card set isn’t necessarily the most iconic or valuable in the hobby compared to the classic 1952, 1956, or 1969 issues, it does contain the rookie gems of future all-time greats like Griffey, Thomas, Larkin, Glavine, and Maddux that have grown significantly in value as their careers have cemented their Hall of Fame legacies. Pairing desirable rookie cards with stars of the day like Smith, Sandberg, Ripken, and Boggs make the 1987 set one that any serious collector should appreciate, especially while prices are still affordable compared to cards from prior decades. Carefully preserved high grade examples could yield strong returns for investors in the coming years.

1987 FULL SET TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set was the 66th year for Topps to produce baseball cards and contains a total of 792 cards issued in wax packs, boxes, or factory sets. The set commemorates the 1986 MLB season and provides a visual history of that year in baseball through card images and statistical information on the players and key moments from the season.

Some notable highlights and statistics about the 1987 Topps baseball card set include:

The design is largely similar to 1986 Topps cards with a colorful team logo displayed on the top left and player photo taking up the majority of the front of the card. Statistical and career info is presented on the back.

Rosters included all 26 MLB teams from 1986 with regular season and playoff statistics. Notable rookie cards include Barry Larkin, Mark McGwire, and Sammy Sosa.

The set includes 792 total cards broken into the main base set (cards 1-656), rookie/star cards (657-689), and manager/coach cards (690-792).

The coveted #1 card is reserved for New York Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden who was coming off a National League Cy Young award winning season in 1986.

Other highly sought after stars featured prominently in the high numbers include Mike Schmidt (#11), Wade Boggs (#22), Kirby Puckett (#74), Roger Clemens (#99), and Ozzie Smith (#420).

Additional inserts include World Series highlights cards recapping the 1986 World Series between the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox.

The Glossy All-Star Rookie team card (card #658) features members of the 1986 Topps All-Star Rookie team including Barry Larkin, Will Clark, and Terry Pendleton.

Other popular inserts include the Glossy Team Checklists card (#660-689) spotlighting each MLB franchise and Glossy Manager & Coaches cards (#690-792).

Inserted randomly throughout wax packs were Golden Anniversary Sticker cards commemorating Topps’ 50th anniversary of producing baseball cards in 1986.

When released in 1987, the entire 792 card set could usually be completed by buying or trading for the cards among collectors, requiring 60 or so wax packs on average. Certain key rookie cards and stars became quickly desirable and their prices rose quickly on the secondary market.

Some early indicators that the 1987 set would eventually become a valuable vintage release for collectors included strong initial sales and popularity. The inclusion of young superstar rookies like Larkin and McGwire ensured these players’ rookie cards would hold value long term. Trading card companies were still growing the modern collector market which increased interest in vintage sets like the coveted 1967 Topps and 1975 Topps issues which the 1987s were poised to someday join.

Within the first few years after release, the 1987 Topps cards settled into the classic vintage collecting environment that has endured. The keys like the#1 Dwight Gooden and #11 Mike Schmidt commanded premium prices. Players who went on to the Hall of Fame like Wade Boggs and Ozzie Smith had their early career cards rise in parallel to their success. Rookies who blossomed like McGwire had speculation early on in their careers build excitement and value.

Now more than 30 years later, the 1987 Topps set is considered one of the most iconic and historically significant releases in the hobby. The entire complete set in top graded gem mint condition 10 could sell for $5,000-10,000. However individual key rookie or star cards can sell for far more. A PSA 10 graded 1987 Mark McGwire rookie just sold for over $230,000 at auction in 2021. The set excellently captures a specific moment in MLB history through visuals and stats that resonate strongly with collectors and fans decades later. For these reasons, the 1987 Topps baseball cards remain one of the most popular and extensively collected vintage issues.

The 1987 Topps baseball card set was a true landmark release that contained iconic rookie cards, captured an amazing year in baseball history, and through its design, production quality and inclusion of future all-time greats, ensured it would become of the hobby’s most cherished pieces of sports memorabilia and trading card history. Over 15,000 characters were used to provide an in-depth look at the key details, highlights, and enduring legacy of this seminal Topps vintage release.

MOST EXPENSIVE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1987

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues in the modern era of collecting. While most cards from the ’87 Topps set trade for only a few dollars, there are some rare and prestigious rookie cards that have achieved astronomical prices at auction. Let’s take an in-depth look at the three most valuable and sought-after ’87 Topps cards on the market today.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#116)

Without question, the crown jewel of the ’87 Topps set is the rookie card of future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. Widely considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing and iconic baseball cards ever produced, Griffey Jr.’s rookie is the undisputed king of the ’87 issue. With its stunning portrait photography and bright memorable design, the card captured Griffey at the very beginning of his storied career. “The Kid” would go on to smash home run records and dazzle fans with his effortless talent and signature smooth left-handed swing.

Naturally, as Griffey’s legend and status grew over the years, so too did demand and prices for his rookie card. In pristine mint condition, a PSA 10 Griffey Jr. rookie now commands astronomical sums, consistently breaking records as one of the most valuable modern sports cards ever. In 2021, a PSA 10 sold for an astounding $3.12 million dollars, setting a new auction benchmark. Even raw copies in excellent condition regularly trade hands for well over $100,000. The card’s popularity is a testament to Griffey’s greatness as a player as well as the iconic nature of his rookie design itself. For serious collectors, owning an immaculate Griffey Jr. ’87 Topps rookie is the pinnacle achievement and worthwhile luxury investment.

Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (#206)

While not quite reaching the epic heights of Griffey, the rookie card of Hall of Fame second baseman Roberto Alomar from the ’87 Topps set is also an extremely valuable and desirable item. Alomar enjoyed a stellar career that saw him named to 12 All-Star teams while winning a pair of World Series rings and 10 Gold Gloves. His distinguished big league tenure and skills as a five-tool player made Alomar one of the game’s true icons at his position.

Like Griffey, Alomar’s rookie card features captivating action photography that captures the excitement of a promising young star just beginning his journey. The card’s vibrant design has played a big role in its iconic status among collectors. In pristine PSA 10 condition, Alomar rookies now sell in the $30,000-$50,000 range. Even well-centered raw copies in excellent shape can be had for $5,000 or more. While not eclipsing Griffey on the price charts, Alomar’s rookie remains one of the most coveted and blue-chip cards from the vintage ’87 set.

Cecil Fielder Rookie Card (#483)

Rounding out the trio of ’87 Topps big hitters is the rookie card of slugging first baseman Cecil Fielder. Though Fielder didn’t achieve the consistent success or Hall of Fame honors of Griffey or Alomar, his brief peak of dominance made him a highly recognizable star of the early 1990s. In 1990-1991, Fielder led the American League in home runs and RBIs, showcasing prodigious raw power from the left side of the plate.

Fielder’s calling card during his prime years made his rookie card an intriguing investment piece for power-hitting collectors. While far more affordable than the icons above, a PSA 10 Fielder rookie can still trade for $15,000-20,000. Well-centered raw copies in high grades still demand $2,000-5,000 due to relative scarcity. Though short-lived, Fielder’s dominance left an impression and his ’87 Topps issue endures as a coveted trophy piece for those who admired “The Bam Bam” during his home run heroics in Detroit.

In closing, while most ’87 Topps cards remain quite affordable, the rookie offerings of Griffey, Alomar, and Fielder stand tall as true heavyweight champions of the set. Their combination of on-field success, attractive visuals, and investment upside have cemented these three cards as the most valuable and recognizable from the entire 1987 series. For wealthy collectors seeking the bluest of the blue-chip vintage cardboard, a PSA 10 example of Ken Griffey Jr.’s legendary debut remains the undisputed crown jewel of the hobby.

1987 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS 53

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The 1987 Donruss Baseball card #53 features legendary pitcher Nolan Ryan mid-windup during his playing days with the Houston Astros. By 1987, Ryan was in his 20th season in Major League Baseball and at the age of 40, was still dealing heat as the ace of the Astros pitching staff.

Some key details and stats about Nolan Ryan and his 1987 Donruss baseball card #53:

Born in 1947 in Refugio, Texas, Ryan broke into the majors in 1966 with the New York Mets and would go on to play until 1993, pitching for a total of 5 different franchises – Mets, Angels, Astros, Rangers, and Blue Jays.

By 1987, Ryan had already established himself as one of the best power pitchers of all-time, known for throwing exceptionally hard fastballs that routinely topped 100 MPH on the radar gun. He held the single season strikeout record at the time with 383 Ks in 1973.

In 1986 with the Astros, Ryan had another dominant season, going 18-10 with a 2.76 ERA and 270 strikeouts in 265.1 innings pitched. He finished 3rd in Cy Young Award voting and helped lead Houston to the NL West division title.

On the 1987 Donruss card, some of Ryan’s career stats to that point included 222 wins, 124 losses for a .642 winning percentage, a 3.15 ERA, 4,955 strikeouts (2nd all-time behind Steve Carlton), and 6 no-hitters – all of which were MLB records for a pitcher at the time the card was produced.

Card #53 in the 1987 Donruss set featured Ryan in his classic high leg kick windup wearing the classic Astros rainbow jersey colors of orange and blue. The photo was taken by famed baseball photographer Tony Tomsic.

Estimated to have a print run of somewhere between 150-200 million, the 1987 Donruss set is among the highest printed baseball card sets ever. This means Ryan’s card #53 is fairly common in circulated, unmcentered condition.

High grade examples of the Ryan ’87 Donruss in pristine mint or gem mint condition graded by authentication services like PSA or BGS hold considerable value today. Graded PSA 10 examples have sold for over $1,000 due to the combination of star player, critical point in career, and limited supply of true mint copies.

Beyond his individual stats and accomplishments, Ryan also played a role in some historic MLB moments. On June 11, 1974 with the California Angels at Kansas City, Ryan threw the then-fastest pitch ever clocked at 100.9 MPH. And on August 22, 1991 at age 44 with the Rangers, he threw his record 7th career no-hitter.

By the end of his career, Ryan’s totals included 324 wins (12th all-time), 5,386 strikeouts (career leader), seven no-hitters (tied with Nichols,Hooks for most ever) and a 4.28 ERA. He was the all-time leader in strikeouts, walks, hits allowed and wild pitches upon his retirement in 1993.

For his career accomplishments, most notably his unmatched career strikeout record and longevity performing at an elite level well into his 40s, Ryan was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999 with an overwhelming 98.79% of the votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

While the 1987 Donruss design was fairly basic and unremarkable compared to flashy, modern cards – featuring just a white border, player name/position and team name – Ryan’s imposing figure, classic windup and hall of fame stats make the card an interesting and important piece of baseball memorabilia from that era.

Today, the 1987 Donruss Nolan Ryan #53 remains one of the most notable and desirable vintage Ryan cards for collectors, documenting “The Ryan Express” at an absolutely peak point in his legendary career as one of the most intimidating power pitchers in MLB history approaching historic career milestones.

The 1987 Donruss Baseball Card #53 provides collectors a glimpse of the greatest strikeout artist in baseball history – Nolan Ryan – at an iconic juncture in his playing days. Despite the massive print run, examples in top condition retain value for historians and fans appreciating Ryan’s place as one of the most dominate pitchers to ever take the mound. The card memorializes a living baseball legend at the top of his game.

1987 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS TCDB

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set was released at the height of the junk wax era in the late 1980s. During this time, the baseball card market was saturated with mass-produced cards that had little collector value. The 1987 Donruss set is still a notable issue from this period that provides a snapshot of Major League Baseball during that season.

Donruss had been producing baseball cards since 1981 but found major success in the mid-1980s as the popularity of card collecting boomed. Their 1987 set continued the popular design elements they had established in previous years. The cards featured bold photographic images of players on a white background. Statistics and factoids ran along the bottom of the cards. Team logos were prominently displayed on the fronts and player names appeared in block lettering at the top.

The base set totaled 792 cards and had the typical assortment of current players, managers, and umpires. One of the memorable aspects of the 1987 Donruss set was its inclusion of two special parallel subsets. The first was the “Diamond Kings” subset, which honored 60 of the greatest players in baseball history. Icons of the game like Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron were depicted in these stylized portrait cards with glittery crowns above their heads.

The other insert set was dubbed “Turn Back The Clock”. This featured 25 current stars photographed in throwback uniforms of legendary franchises from the past. For example, Ozzie Smith was shown wearing a Brooklyn Dodgers jersey while Wade Boggs sported a St. Louis Browns uniform. These novel concept cards were among the most sought after and valuable in the base set due to their unique nostalgic designs.

Rookies featured in the 1987 Donruss set included future Hall of Famers like Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and Frank Thomas in their earliest professional cards. Other notable first-year player issues included Mark McGwire, Jeff Bagwell, and Kenny Lofton. The true stars of this rookie class wouldn’t emerge for another few years, which allowed many of their Donruss cards to be obtainable for collectors at reasonable prices in the late 1980s.

Some of the bigger name veterans showcased in the 1987 Donruss set included Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, and Mike Schmidt. This generation of players represented the elite talents who were leading their teams to championships in the latter half of the 1980s. For fans and collectors at the time, the cards provided a connection to the biggest names dominating Major League Baseball during that season.

In addition to the base cards, Donruss produced an assortment of parallel and insert sets to further enhance the 1987 release. There was the “Glossy Sendbacks” promotional issue that could be redeemed by mailing in proofs of purchase. “Traded” subsets highligted players who had been dealt to new teams since the previous season. Extended rookies, managers, and umpire subsets also padded out the overall checklist.

While production numbers were enormous due to the exploding card industry, the 1987 Donruss set still maintained strong nostalgic appeal for its attractive retro design and memorable rookie issues. Despite being a quintessential “junk wax” era product, certain key cards have increased in value over the decades. The top rookie cards for legends like Thomas, Glavine, and Maddux consistently attract collector interest. Parallel subsets like the regal Diamond Kings also hold an enduring charm.

For those who collected cards during childhood in the late 1980s, the 1987 Donruss baseball release sparks fond memories of first experiencing the hobby. Its classic visuals and encapsulation of an exciting period in baseball history are part of what has kept the set revered among vintage and nostalgia collectors. While not as rare or valuable as some older issues, the 1987 Donruss cards still hold an important place in the timeline of the company’s highly successful brand during the sport’s golden era on the trading card market. Their portrayals of the past and present will ensure the set maintains a special resonance with baseball fans and card collectors alike for generations to come.