Tag Archives: 1987

TOPPS BASEBALL PICTURE CARDS 1987

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set was released during a historic season in Major League Baseball that saw many noteworthy events and milestones. This was the 75th anniversary set released by Topps and contained a total of 792 cards including solo portraits of all players along with team, league leaders, rookie, and manager cards.

The 1987 season saw Don Mattingly of the New York Yankees capture the American League batting title by hitting .327. In the National League, Tim Raines of the Montreal Expos led the league with a .334 batting average. Raines also stole a league-leading 90 bases that year. Another notable season was had by Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Roger Clemens who went 24-4 with a 2.48 ERA while leading the league in wins and strikeouts.

Some memorable rookie cards from the 1987 Topps set included Ben McDonald of the Baltimore Orioles, John Smoltz of the Atlanta Braves, and Mike Piazza of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Piazza in particular went on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Dodgers and New York Mets as one of the greatest hitting catchers of all time. The 1987 Topps set also featured the rookie cards of Barry Larkin, Fred McGriff, and David Wells who all had impressive MLB careers.

On the baseball history front, the 1987 season saw San Francisco Giants outfielder Bobby Bonds become the 10th player in MLB history to hit 300 career home runs. Two other notable milestones were reached as Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Steve Carlton notched his 300th career win and Oakland Athletics slugger Reggie Jackson hit his 500th career home run.

Defending World Series champion New York Mets featured some star players showcased in the 1987 Topps set including catcher Gary Carter, first baseman Keith Hernandez, and pitchers Dwight Gooden and Ron Darling. Gooden in particular was coming off a dominant 1986 season where he won the NL Cy Young award by going 24-4 with a 1.53 ERA and 268 strikeouts in 276 innings pitched.

Some interesting quirks featured in the 1987 Topps design included a die-cut diamond shape with gold accents surrounding each photo. The team logo appeared at the top of each card along with the player’s first and last name printed vertically. Statistics from the previous season were listed on the back along with a short biography. Topps continued its traditional design elements of blue and gray color scheme along with the company logo at the bottom.

Some key rookies featured in the 1987 Topps set included shortstop Ozzie Smith of the St. Louis Cardinals, who was taking over as the team’s starting shortstop that season. Others were slugger Mark McGwire of the Athletics and pitcher David Cone of the New York Mets. McGwire in particular went on to have one of the most prolific home run hitting careers in baseball history, smashing 583 career home runs primarily with Oakland and St. Louis.

The 1987 season saw several notable events including Baltimore Orioles first baseman Eddie Murray breaking the all-time record for home runs by a switch hitter, surpassing Mickey Mantle’s total of 156. Another achievement was San Diego Padres pitcher Gaylord Perry notching his 300th career victory that year. On September 13, 1987, struggling pitcher Dick Ruthven of the Philadelphia Phillies achieved perhaps the rarest of pitching stats by tossing a no-hitter despite walking a record-setting 13 batters.

In the 1987 postseason, the Minnesota Twins defeated the St. Louis Cardinals four games to three in the World Series. The deciding Game 7 went 11 innings before the Twins won 1-0 on a walk-off single by lifelong Twin fan Dan Gladden. Stars of that Series included Twins pitcher Frank Viola, who was named World Series MVP, and Cardinals slugger Jack Clark. This concluded another memorable season in MLB history well represented by the great players and talents featured in the 1987 Topps baseball card set.

The 1987 Topps baseball cards provided an excellent snapshot of that baseball season through the solo player photos and key statistics found on each card. The rookie cards from that set of future Hall of Famers like Piazza, Larkin, and McGwire are still highly sought after today. Collectors enjoyed following their favorite players and teams through the annual Topps releases. This made the 1987 Topps set a very memorable and valuable collectible for fans and hobbyists even now over 30 years later.

1987 KMART 25TH ANNIVERSARY BASEBALL CARDS

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1987 marked Kmart’s 25th anniversary and to celebrate the retail giant’s milestone, they issued a special 283-card baseball card set featuring current major league players. While Kmart had distributed baseball cards in stores before as promotions, this marked their most expansive sports card release to date and was certainly one of the biggest sporting card issues of 1987.

The set was produced by Fleer and had tremendous distribution through Kmart stores across America, making the cards very accessible and affordable for collectors at just 89 cents per pack. Each pack contained 8 cards with players from both the American and National Leagues represented. One of the most intriguing aspects of the 1987 Kmart 25th anniversary set was that Fleer was able to obtain players’ licences, meaning the cards featured the official logos of all major league teams from that season.

This was something that Topps, who had the monopoly on MLB player contracts at the time, did not allow other card companies to replicate on their products. Having the logos added authenticity and made the Kmart cards more desirable for collectors accustomed to generic team designations on competing brands. The front of each card displayed the player’s picture and stats while the back provided a brief biography. Organization was by team with the American League listed first.

Some of the superstar players included on the cards were Roger Clemens, Darryl Strawberry, Barry Bonds, Wade Boggs, Kirby Puckett, Andre Dawson, Jimmy Key and Rickey Henderson. Roster balance was also an aim with stars, rookies, and role players all represented. Notable rookies included Will Clark, Gregg Jefferies and Jay Howell. The set was a massive success that completely sold out in Kmart stores, requiring additional print runs to meet demand. Even today, complete sets in good condition can fetch $100-150 on the secondary market showing its enduring popularity.

While collecting the entire set was achievable given wide distribution, chase cards did emerge that are more difficult to obtain. Some of the harder cards to find include #1 Barry Bonds, #13 Mark McGwire, #18 Don Mattingly, #46 Kirby Puckett, and #205 Steve Carlton. Higher grades of these cards can sell for $20-50 singles. The design also featured a basic photo vertical layout with team logo at top. For the time, it represented a state of the art baseball card set appearance that held up well against contemporary Topps and Donruss issues.

Since Kmart carried inventory of many other sporting cards including football and hockey, some error variations crept into the baseball set. Specifically, 13 players had their photos swapped with others from different sports. Examples include Boston Red Sox reserve catcher Rich Gedman having his picture replaced with Miami Dolphin quarterback Dan Marino. Or Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Kevin Gross pictured but really New York Rangers hockey player James Patrick on the back. These photo swap errors fascinate collectors and can demand premium prices of $75-150 in higher grades depending on the specific player crossover.

Overall distribution for the 1987 Kmart 25th Anniversary Baseball Card set was massive thanks to the retailer’s presence all over America. Getting cards into the hands of children and adults helped foster new collectors. While not quite the official MLB issue of the time, having the logos lent legitimacy. Accuracy of stats and biographies also made it a useful set beyond just casual collecting. Affordability was a big plus too. Today it lives on as a key vintage release that defined the mid-80s card boom era. For both its historical significance representing Kmart and baseball card popularity at that time, the 1987 issue remains a very collectible set.

The 1987 Kmart 25th Anniversary Baseball Card set was a monumental sports card release that celebrated a major American retailer while also producing affordable cards for legions of new collectors. Distribution through Kmart stores ensured great accessibility. Including official logos and quality content made it a worthwhile competitor to Topps flagship issues of the period. Accurate rosters balanced stars with prospects to offer something for all fans. While common cards can be readily obtained, some chase variations have proven elusive. It was a massively popular set that played a role in growing the hobby. For research and collecting purposes, the 1987 Kmart cards remain an important part of baseball card history from the 1980s boom era.

1987 JIFFY POP BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Jiffy Pop baseball card insert set was unlike any other promotion in the history of the sport. Produced by Jiffy Pop – the brand famous for their popcorn packages that popped up when heated – the cards featured legions of baseball players but came bundled inside popcorn packages rather than traditional card packs. With their unexpected distribution method and the fun, nostalgic nature of popcorn, the 1987 Jiffy Pop baseball cards captured the imagination of many young collectors at the time.

Though insertion cards packaged with other products were not unheard of, putting trading cards inside popcorn took the idea to a whole new level. For kids who loved both baseball and the experience of making Jiffy Pop, finding cards amid the fluffy popcorn was like unexpectedly striking collectible gold. The cards helped create memorable family moments in kitchens across America as children helped parents make the popcorn, hoping to discover players from their favorite teams smiling back at them once the puffs settled.

Each foil-wrapped Jiffy Pop box contained two 81⁄2″ x 11″ card stock sheets folded in half, yielding four color trading cards total. The front of each card featured a headshot photo of the ballplayer along with their name, team, and stats from the previous season. On the reverse, a longer career biography and personal details about the athlete were provided. In total, the 1987 Jiffy Pop set showcased 198 major leaguers spanning both the American and National Leagues.

Some of the bigger star names featured that year included Don Mattingly, Dave Stewart, Dwight Gooden, Rickey Henderson, and Ozzie Smith. Lesser known but still notable players also received cards, helping complete full team rosters. Two special “league leader” cards also highlighted the top home run hitter (Mark McGwire with 49) and ERA titleholder (Fernando Valenzuela at 2.21) from 1986. With such a wide array of talent represented, young collectors could assemble full baseball rosters through finding cards in Jiffy Pop.

In addition to the players, each sheet contained advertisement copy for Jiffy Pop on one side. Bright, colorful logos and graphics touted the brand’s experience of “popping fun” into the microwave. This helped promote the product itself while also tying the trading cards into the popcorn package. Clever phrasing asked “Who’s on your team?” when referring to both baseball clubs and the Jiffy Pop kitchen experience. For a sponsor looking to reach young male demographics, the 1987 baseball card insert set was an ingenious promotional choice.

Though not quite as desirable or sought after long-term as traditional card packs, the Jiffy Pop issues held great nostalgic value for many collectors at the time. They became part of the excitement of making popcorn at home, with kids anxiously waiting to see new ballplayers emerge. Since the cards were non-sport affiliated and only produced as a one-year promotional novelty, they never attained immense rarity or monetary worth. For childhood baseball fans of the late ’80s, finding stars like Wade Boggs or Nolan Ryan amid the puffs of popcorn remained a fun surprise and memory.

Unfortunately, the 1987 Jiffy Pop baseball cards did not spawn an ongoing yearly partnership between the popcorn brand and trading card companies. Despite their clever integration into a family snack product, the unique idea was not replicated in subsequent seasons. The initial novelty concept demonstrated the power of experiential marketing decades before such techniques became commonplace. By tying a nostalgic consumer experience to a collectibles-focused hobby, Jiffy Pop engineered a memorable crossover promotion that still brings smiles to the faces of those who received the surprise cardboard bonuses alongside their popcorn long ago.

While not a traditional sports card issue, the 1987 Jiffy Pop baseball cards hold a unique place in history as perhaps the most outside-the-box promotional sports trading cards ever produced. Their availability exclusively inside popcorn packages, rather than standard wax packs, created a collectible surprise experience unlike any other. For many childhood collectors of the late 1980s, unearthing MLB stars and stats amid fluffy popcorn remains a fun memory intertwined with baseball fandom. Though a one-year novelty, the innovative concept demonstrated how experiential promotions could bring cardboard collectibles directly into family snacktime. In that regard, the 1987 Jiffy Pop baseball cards truly “popped fun” in a way no other sports trading cards ever have before or since.

1987 DONRUSS DIAMOND KINGS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1987 Donruss Diamond Kings baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s.Released in 1987 by Donruss, the Diamond Kings set featured 144 cards highlighting some of the biggest stars in baseball at the time. What made the 1987 Diamond Kings set so unique and collectible was the black diamond-shaped embellishment featured on each card. This striking design element really made the cards stand out from other contemporary sets.

While complete base sets in near mint condition can be acquired for a few hundred dollars today, there are plenty of individual cards that carry substantial value. The high-end rookie cards and stars of the era routinely sell for thousands. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key players and what makes their 1987 Donruss Diamond Kings cards so desirable to collectors.

Perhaps the most coveted card from the 1987 Diamond Kings set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the best baseball cards ever made, the Griffey Jr. rookie is the crown jewel of any collection. In pristine near mint to mint condition, a PSA 10 Griffey Jr. rookie has sold at auction for over $100,000. Even low-grade copies in PSA 6-8 condition can still fetch thousands. Griffey was already showing his superstar potential as a rookie in 1987 and his card is rightly hailed as one of the iconic baseball cards of the 1980s.

Another extremely valuable rookie from the 1987 Diamond Kings set is the Ben McDonald card. As the first overall pick in the 1989 draft, McDonald had immense hype surrounding him as a future ace. His rookie card carries a premium, with PSA 10 examples selling for $5,000-$10,000. Even mid-grade copies in the PSA 6-8 range sell for $500-$1,000. McDonald ultimately had an excellent but injury-plagued career, giving his rookie card lasting appeal for Orioles collectors and investors alike.

One of the best position players of the 1980s, Ryne Sandberg’s cards from his MVP years hold tremendous value for collectors. His 1987 Donruss Diamond Kings is highly sought after, with a PSA 10 copy selling for $2,000-$4,000 in recent years. Sandberg was at the peak of his powers in 1987 when he won the NL MVP award and helped lead the Cubs to a division title. The combination of star power and on-field accomplishment make his ’87 Diamond Kings one of the most valuable non-rookie cards from the set.

Roger Clemens, one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, also has multiple valuable cards from the 1987 Diamond Kings release. As one of the game’s top hurlers in the late 1980s, Clemens’ star was really rising during this period. His basic Diamond Kings card in top PSA 10 condition has sold for $1,000. There is also an ultra-rare Clemens Diamond Kings Variation card with drastically different visuals that is essentially the holy grail for Red Sox collectors. Only a handful are known to exist and one recently sold for over $20,000.

Other noteworthy ’87 Diamond Kings cards that hold four-figure value include Kirby Puckett ($2,000 PSA 10), Rickey Henderson ($1,500 PSA 10), Jose Canseco ($1,000 PSA 10), and Don Mattingly ($1,000 PSA 10). Each of these players was in their prime in 1987 and went on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers. TheirDiamond Kings issues remain defining rookie or early career cards that are icons from the 1980s card boom.

Outside the true star cards, there are several underrated gems from the set that present opportunity for savvy collectors. The Mark McGwire rookie, while not his most iconic card, has steadily increased in value to $500 for high-grade copies as McGwire’s home run feats are recognized. Derek Jeter’s second year card as a relatively unknown prospect has also gained steam to $200-300 for top condition due to his legendary career. And the Tim Belcher rookie holds minor interest at $100-200 as a former All-Star hurler who had quality MLB tenure.

The 1987 Donruss Diamond Kings set remains a true pillar of the modern collecting era due to its incredible aesthetic pull and star power featured across its 144 cards. Headlined by the legendary Griffey Jr. rookie, the set offers multiple big money cards from Hall of Famers and all-time greats who were at their commercial peak in the late 1980s. Whether attempting to complete a full base set or target key star rookies and prospects, the 1987 Donruss Diamond Kings set guarantees to be an excellent long-term basketball investment at today’s prices. Its unmatched visuals and cachet with collectors continue to drive strong demand and valuation across the entire roster of cards after 35 years.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS TURN BACK THE CLOCK

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set was unique in that it paid homage to the 1954 Topps design and feel from over 30 years prior. With a nostalgic theme of “turning back the clock”, the 1987 Topps set brought back the classic look and feel from one of the most iconic designs in the history of the hobby.

When Topps debuted the 1987 set, baseball card collecting was still immensely popular but entering a transitionary period. The advent of upperdeck in 1989 would challenge Topps’ monopoly and introduce premium card designs. Meanwhile, the junk wax era of the late 1980s saw an overproduction of cards that has depressed the value of many from that era.

Within this context, Topps made the creative decision with their 1987 design to harken back to the golden age of the 1950s. That was a time when baseball cards were primarily collected by children and held genuine appeal as a source of information and entertainment about the players and the game. The 1987 set captures the nostalgia of that era in its classic portrait-style design that resembles the legendary 1954 Topps set so closely.

Some of the key ways Topps successfully channeled the 1954 design in 1987 include:

Reverting to a classic vertical orientation after several years of landscape and other experimental designs. This harkened back to the original portrait style of 1954 Topps and earlier.

Using a similar color palette with bright solid colors for the borders and player photos against a white background. The 1954 set featured blues, reds, and greens that Topps mimicked in 1987.

Including just the player’s picture and factual information below in a similar simplified layout. No action shots or unnecessary frills like later 1980s sets had.

Featuring similar stylistic fonts and type treatments that harkened back to the early 1950s. From the block letters spelling TOPPS to the fonts used for statistics and other text.

Including the same factual data in the same order below each photo – player name, team, position, batting average. A recognizable template from the 1950s.

Even small details like the design of the team logo boxes at bottom were modeled after the classic 1950s Topps style.

While updating the 1987 designs slightly with color photos of active players instead of the black and white shots from the 1950s, Topps captured the overall nostalgic feeling of the earlier era. The brand helped bring baseball card collecting full circle at a time when the industry was rapidly changing.

For collectors and fans with memories of the classic 1950s Topps cards, the 1987 turn back the clock theme was very successful in tapping into that warm nostalgia. Suddenly the current players like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Roger Clemens had designs just as iconic looking as legends like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron from earlier decades.

The 1987 set is also notable because the roster featured baseball superstars and upcoming talent from that period. Icons like George Brett and Nolan Ryan appeared in their prime alongside young stars like Mark McGwire in his rookie season. For both vintage and contemporary collectors, the players captured on the 1987 Topps cards have lasting value and memorability since many went on to careers in the Hall of Fame.

While not quite as valuable in the vintage sense as the original 1950s issues they drew inspiration from, 1987 Topps cards remain a sentimental favorite for collectors today because of their classic visual connection to the 1950s roots of the hobby. They help bridge collectors to baseball’s earlier decades. Condition-wise, they also tend to be found in nicer shapes than some later 1980s/early 90s designs that suffered more wear and tear risks as part of the junk wax era.

The popularity of the “Turn Back the Clock” theme also influenced Topps’ designs for several subsequent years. The 1988 and 1989 Topps sets continued the vertical photo portrait style and color palette nods to the 1950s. And even later into the 1990s, Topps occasionally incorporated design elements and color schemes that referenced their mid-20th century look from the 1954 and 1955 issues. The popularity of the nostalgic 1987s helped shape baseball card aesthetics and collecting interests for many years after.

In the decades since, as the initial collectors from the 1950s have aged, the 1987 Topps homage has taken on its own retro appeal. They reflect the era when today’s middle-aged fans first discovered the hobby. While never quite eclipsing the cultural cachet of the true 1950s vintage, the 1987 Topps set remains a unique bridge connecting generations of collectors to the early roots of the baseball card industry. Their Turn Back the Clock theme was an explicit showcase of the hobby’s history that resonated strongly with fans both young and old.

UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS 1987

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The 1987 Upper Deck baseball card set was truly a watershed moment that changed the baseball card collecting hobby forever. With sharp photography, innovative design, and unmatched quality control, the 1987 Upper Deck set shook up the entrenched “Big 3” card manufacturers of Topps, Fleer, and Donruss and helped launch Upper Deck to become the dominant brand in the industry for over a decade.

Prior to 1987, the baseball card market had been stagnant for years, with the same dreary designs being recycled annually and little innovation between manufacturers. Topps had enjoyed a de facto monopoly for decades by virtue of exclusive licensing deals with MLB. Entrepreneurs such as Dr. Roger Krishna and Richard McWilliam saw opportunity for change and founded Upper Deck in 1988 with the goal of producing the highest quality cards available.

Upper Deck’s rookie release came in 1987, circumventing MLB’s licensing with a collegiate strategy that featured current minor leaguers and retired stars instead of active major leaguers. While an unconventional approach, it allowed Upper Deck to showcase its superior production values and design sensibilities. The 1987 set was a revelation for collectors, with sharp, colorful photography on a thicker card stock previously unseen in the hobby. Closeup headshots and action images really made the players jump off the card.

Gone were the drab aerial “headshot on a helmet” photos that had for years been the norm. Attention to detail was also vastly improved – players were clearly identified by team, name and stats/accomplishments were easy to read. The card designs incorporated team colors and logos beautifully. Quality control in cutting, centering and coating was so improved that mint and near-mint specimens seemed plentiful compared to the frequently poorly cut and chipped competing brands. Additional innovations like the hologram on the front of each card helped combat counterfeiting.

While lacking current MLB stars, the 1987 Upper Deck set still featured many notable players, especially popular alumni. The 252-card base set included retired standouts like Hank Aaron, Stan Musial, and Whitey Ford, as well as then-current MLBers when in the minor leagues like Mark McGwire and Tom Glavine. Rated rookies like Reds pitcher Rob Dibble and Expos outfielder Delino DeShields also gained new collector interest. Short prints like the award-winning “Teddy” teddy bear card added to the challenge of completion.

The true crown jewels though were the autograph and memorabilia cards inserted at ultra-low prefabs. Incredibly rare pulled rookie signatures of future Hall of Famers like Ken Griffey Jr. and Chipper Jones commanded insane prices. Memorabilia cards featuring game-worn equipment were also novel for the time. While posing collection and financial risks in retrospect, these revolutionary autograph and memorabilia cards helped drive interest and chase aspects that are core to modern blockbuster sports card releases.

While initially met with some skepticism lacking current MLB stars, the 1987 Upper Deck release quickly gained cult status and is now one of the most coveted vintage sets among collectors. Pristine baseline cards even 30+ years later can sell for hundreds of dollars. The most valuable rookie cards like Griffey and Jones routinely fetch thousands. The set proved there was a market for beautifully produced cards at a higher price point and helped kick off the modern sports card boom of the late 80s and 90s.

The 1987 set played a huge role in sinking the then-dominant Donruss and Fleer brands, who struggled to keep up with Upper Deck’s production advances. It ultimately forced giant Topps to improve significantly as well or risk losing its MLB license. Within a few short years, Upper Deck had outsold the traditional “Big 3” and emerged as the sports card market leader through the 1990s thanks to constantly improving releases that lived up to the standard first set with their pioneering 1987 baseballs.

While lawsuits and market consolidation have diminished Upper Deck in the modern era, their 1987 baseball release will always be remembered as one of the most impactful and collectible card sets ever produced. It took the hobby by storm by proving fans demanded high quality photography, designs and innovations more than familiar league logos and retired stars. The obsession with pristine vintage 1987 UD cards that continues even today is a testament to how thoroughly it changed collectors’ expectations virtually overnight. It was truly a landmark “rookie” issue that helped turn baseball cards from a niche pastime into a multibillion-dollar industry.

1987 TOPPS WAX PACK OF BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set was the 66th annual set released by Topps and one of the most iconic sets of the late 1980s. Nestled inside the iconic blue, yellow, and red wax packaging fans could find 792 individual cardboard treasures awaiting discovery.

Inside each 1987 Topps wax pack collectors would find tantalizing glimpses of their favorite players through the wax paper wrapping. Anxious young fans tore into packs hoping for autographs or rookie cards of future stars. The brand maintained the standard design choices that made Topps sets instantly recognizable each year. Bright team logo designs adorned the borders with player headshots centered above. Fun facts, stats, and career highlights filled in the white space.

What made the 1987 Topps designs unique was the added team wordmark above the player photo. Topps incorporated these team-branded labels to reinforce each player’s affiliation. For the first time, Topps also included pitchers’ handedness indicators on their cards. A small “L” or “R” above the logo helped identify same-named players more easily.

Topps issued cards for all 26 Major League franchises that season. Only 792 of the nearly 800 player slots were filled. Some notable omissions included players on team taxi squads or injured reserve. Rookies and prospects were also absent if they had not yet appeared in a MLB game that year. This added mystique to the hunt for those obscure or missing player cards.

Prior to 1987, Topps series were normally distributed nationwide starting in March after Spring Training. That year, Topps pushed back the release date with plans to debut the full set all at once in early May. This delayed gratification built anticipation among collecting fans of all ages. When the new wax packs finally arrived, it kicked off a summer-long card collecting craze across the country.

A few chase cards in 1987 Topps sticks out as highly sought after by collectors both then and now. New York Mets outfielder Darryl Strawberry’s rookie card (card #1) has always been a key piece for any true set builder. Other noteworthy rookies included Future Hall of Famer Tom Glavine of the Atlanta Braves (card #249) and slugging outfielder Barry Bonds for the Pittsburgh Pirates (card #258).

With the 1987 rookie class being so deep in talent, those early player cards have grown exponentially in value and popularity over the decades. Bonds in particular skyrocketed after breaking the all-time home run record. Although the condition of vintage cards deteriorates with age, high-grade Strawberry, Glavine, and Bonds rookies routinely sell for thousands today.

The centerpiece of any 1987 Topps wax pack had to be the flagship card of New York Yankees legend Don Mattingly. As the reigning American League MVP and batting champ, “Donnie Baseball’s” card (card #1) led off the mammoth 790-card checklist. Mattingly’s iconic mustachioed mugshot, loaded stats, and pinstripes made it an instant classic for the ages. Years later, it remains among the most visually pleasing and historically significant baseball cards of all-time.

Beyond the rookies and stars, 1987 Topps boasted several innovative insert sets that added to the excitement. The “Tommy John” surgery subset highlighted players who overcame career-threatening arm injuries. Themed trade/tribute cards paid homage to past players or celebrated franchise anniversaries. Oddball talents like Cardinals third-string catcher Todd Zeile and knuckleballer Charlie Hough also got their due with memorable snapshots.

Perhaps most fascinating were the “Fleer Action” subset highlighting unique action photography. They afforded a glimpse into the game in a way standard posed cards could not. One prime example was Detroit Tigers hurler Jack Morris’ card, which freeze-framed his delivery just at the peak of his windup. groundbreaking moments frozen in time.

Every wax pack from 1987 Topps provided the thrill of discovery. Even now, the durability and artwork retains a certain nostalgic charm. For younger collectors just getting bit by the hobby bug, they offered a tangible connection the players and teams from a pinnacle period for the sport itself. The late 1980s Loma Prieta earthquake put the 1989 World Series on hold, but life went on through America’s favorite pastime as seen in “87 Topps.

For dedicated set builders, a complete 1987 Topps baseball card collection with all variations remains a monumental and historic feat. Thanks to the fun, accessible, and collectible nature of the iconic wax packs that first exposed a generation to the card collecting phenomenon. Even an seemingly insignificant common player held value as one step closer to finishing the master set. For those who tore into packs that season, the 1987 Topps set will always have a cherished place in their baseball memories.

BASEBALL CARDS TOPPS 1987

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the 1980s. Issued at the height of the baseball card boom, the 1987 Topps set featured 792 total cards including player and manager cards, team checklists, and special subset cards. Some of the biggest stars of the era like Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Ozzie Smith, and Rickey Henderson graced the fronts of packs and boxes of 1987 Topps cards.

The design of the 1987 Topps set featured a classic look that harkened back to the 1950s and 1960s era of Topps designs. A thick yellow border surrounded each card with the team logo prominently displayed at the top. Below the logo was the player’s name and position printed in bold black letters. The player’s photo took up most of the front of the card with statistics printed along the bottom border. On the back, career stats and a short biography of the player was found. Topps’ iconic logo and trademark “Topps…The Name is Cards” slogan was printed along the bottom.

Some notable subsets from the 1987 Topps set included the Traded set, Update set, and Rookie All-Star subset. The Traded set featured 36 cards highlighting players who were traded between the 1986 and 1987 seasons like Don Baylor and Rick Rhoden. The Update set included 30 cards of players who were not included in the original release, like Ozzie Virgil and Dave Righetti. Perhaps the most coveted subset was the 12 card Rookie All-Star subset, which honored the top rookie players from the previous season like Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire, and Wally Joyner.

The 1987 Topps set is also notable for several key rookie cards that have gone on to become extremely valuable in the decades since. Some of the most significant rookies included in the set were Barry Larkin, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and Mark McGwire. Of those, McGwire’s rookie is arguably the most iconic as it captures him in an Oakland A’s uniform just before he would go on to smash the single-season home run record a decade later. In high grade, McGwire’s 1987 Topps rookie regularly sells for thousands of dollars today.

Beyond star players and valuable rookies, the 1987 Topps set also included several unique parallel and oddball variations that excite collectors. One such parallel was the “Glossy Sendbacks” which featured select player photos with a glossy coating instead of the standard matte finish. Other variations included “Traded” versions without the Traded subset designation, test prints with different color borders, and even error cards missing the team logo or with incorrect stats. These unusual parallels add another layer of complexity for collectors looking to build a complete 1987 Topps set.

When released in 1987, a wax box of 1987 Topps baseball cards retailed for around $2.50 and contained 18 packs with 11 cards per pack. While the cards were extremely popular at retail during the baseball card boom, the glut of production led to an oversupply which caused prices to crash in the early 1990s. In the ensuing decades as the players from the late 80s reached the heights of their careers and more collectors reached adulthood with nostalgia, values of 1987 Topps cards have rebounded tremendously.

Today, a complete base set in near mint to mint condition can sell for over $1000. Individual stars graded gem mint like the Ken Griffey Jr., Ozzie Smith, or Wade Boggs rookies have reached over $1000 as well. Even common stars can sell for $20-50. The inserts and particularly the rookie cards of McGwire, Larkin, Maddux, and Glavine are where the big money is at for the 1987 Topps set. High-graded versions of those rookie cards can sell for tens of thousands. With its classic design, huge stars, and important rookie cards, the 1987 Topps baseball set remains one of the most storied and valuable issues from the 1980s.

The 1987 Topps baseball card set holds a special place in the history of the hobby due to the timing of its release at the peak of the baseball card boom of the 1980s. Featuring legendary players, valuable rookie cards, and unique parallels, it captures an iconic era of the game. While overproduced at the time, the 1987 Topps set has regained tremendous popularity and value over the past 30+ years. For collectors and investors, individual star cards or a complete set will continue to retain and gain value for decades to come. The 1987 issue solidified Topps’ place at the top of the baseball card market and remains one of the most beloved sets among collectors today.

1987 BUBBLE GUM BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 baseball card season brought plenty of nostalgia for collectors as many of the classic card brands produced new sets included with packages of bubble gum. While players, teams, and the baseball card industry itself had changed a great deal in the decades since the heyday of the 1950s, ’87 marked a return to the simple pleasures of finding cards in packs of gum. Topps, Fleer, and Donruss all had mainstream releases, while smaller independent brands also tried to carve out space in the collectible card world. The designs, photos, and included players reflected both the traditional and modern aspects of baseball as the 1980s drew to a close.

Topps led the 1987 market as always with their flagship 552-card base set. The vertically-oriented design was simple but effective, featuring a color team photo in the background. Statistics on the bottom third of the card provided key info for fans and collectors. Some of the biggest stars to grace the ’87 Topps set included Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, and Ozzie Smith. Rookies like Frank Viola and Mark McGwire also debuted in the set. Topps also produced their traditional oddball and short print subsets like Traded and Stamps. The gum was still present inside the iconic yellow, red, and blue wrapped packs.

Fleer went with a more futuristic and abstract style for their 1987 design compared to Topps’ retro vibe. A rounded black and white photo appeared on a colored splatter paint background in various hues. Stats again appeared on the bottom edge. The 462-card Fleer set featured the same players and team photos as Topps but with a very different aesthetic. Rookies Kent Hrbek and Wally Joyner were highlights for collectors. Like Topps, the traditional pink wrapped Fleer packs included a piece of bubble gum alongside the cards.

Donruss took a more basic direct-image design approach like their 1986 release. A full color photo without backgrounds topped each card along with simple black text for player names and stats. The set had 504 total cards and also included rookie cards for slugger Mark McGwire and pitcher Orel Hershiser. Donruss packs came wrapped in blue and included a stick of bubblegum.

Other brands tried mixing it up as well. Score released a set of glossy issue cards with a die-cut team logo on each in addition to their standard paper release. Topps even experimented outside their main set by issuing a smaller 99-card Traded and Rookies set which focused on newcomers like McGwire outside the flagship release.

Buying packs of baseball cards alongside bubble gum was still a popular and iconic part of the late 1980s baseball experience for both kids and collectors. While the players, teams, and larger culture were constantly changing during that transitional decade, elements like the anticipation of opening wax paper wrapped foil packs never seemed to get old. The 1987 season saw some evolution in card designs from the major brands alongside nods to tradition that still resonate with collectors today.

While companies like Upper Deck would come to dominate the burgeoning sports memorabilia industry in the late 80s and early 90s, 1987 marked one of the last hurrahs for the classic era of Americana baseball cards distributed alongside sticks of bubble gum. Kids could still enthusiastically flip through their new cardboard pickups looking to add to their collections, trade duplicates with friends, or just admire the photos and stats of their favorite players from that season long ago. Though production and collecting trends moved in new directions afterward, the fun and nostalgia of 1987 gum packs remain a cherished memory for baseball card fans of a certain generation.

The 1987 season represented both evolution and tradition for the baseball card industry. While designs, inserts, and parallel releases grew more sophisticated, the core experience of finding fresh cardboard in packs alongside chewing gum still held strong appeal. Rookies like McGwire offered a glimpse of baseball’s future, but familiar names like Clemens, Boggs and Mattingly also anchored the present. The major brands found their own respected niches and the era of the classic bubble gum-included packs was drawing to a fitting close. For collectors and casual fans alike, the 1987 sets remain a snapshot of a transitional period leaving an indelible mark on the hobby.

BEST 1987 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 baseball card season was one of the most exciting and memorable years in the history of the hobby. Led by some of the game’s biggest stars and rookie sensations, the ’87 set featured many cards that have stood the test of time as highly coveted by collectors. With the start of the players’ union and new licensing agreements in place, the late 1980s marked the golden age of modern baseball cards when production and quality were at their peak.

One of the most iconic 1987 baseball cards is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the best rookie card of all-time, Griffey’s upper deck issue debuted “The Kid” to the collecting world. With his smooth left-handed swing and effortless athleticism already on display as a teenager, collectors recognized they had a star on their hands. Griffey would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie is one of the holy grails of the hobby, routinely fetching thousands of dollars to this day in top condition.

Another hugely valuable 1987 rookie is the Barry Bonds card issued by Topps. Before the steroid controversy and single season home run records, Bonds was already one of the game’s most complete players in just his second big league season. With impressive power and speed numbers to go along with Gold Glove caliber defense, collectors took notice of Bonds’ prodigious talent. High grade examples of this iconic rookie card can sell for well over $10,000.

While rookie cards tend to get most of the 1987 attention, the set is also loaded with stars well into their careers. Arguably the most coveted regular issue card is the Ken Griffey Sr. This is not due to the player himself but rather the fact that his son Ken Griffey Jr. is pictured in the background of the photo. As one of the earliest widely released father-son baseball cards in existence, the Griffey Sr. took on immense popularity and value. Even well-centered near mint copies change hands for thousands.

The 1987 Donruss set is also considered one of the strongest and most aesthetically pleasing annual issues ever produced. Headlined by a Michael Jordan baseball card (one of the rarest modern sports cards period), Donruss also featured stellar photography and design throughout. The Bo Jackson card showcasing his otherworldly athletic gifts is a true icon of the era. Other highly sought after ’87 Donruss issues include the Kirby Puckett, Roger Clemens, and Cal Ripken Jr. who all captured immense stardom in the coming years.

While the flagship Topps and Donruss sets led the way, 1987 also marked the beginning of the modern baseball card boom led by companies like Fleer and Score. The Fleer set introduced holograms and state-of-the-art technology to the hobby. Headline cards included the Griffey Jr. and Mark McGwire rookies as well as the Nolan Ryan which was one of the first to feature a retired player in costume. Score also debuted innovative cutting edge design with their ’87 issues like the memorable Ozzie Smith and Andre Dawson cards.

Upper Deck truly changed the baseball card collecting landscape upon entering the scene in 1987. With unprecedented quality, premium materials, and autograph/relic focused parallels, UD set the standard that still holds today. Aside from the aforementioned Griffey Jr. rookie, the ’87 UD set is also home to a Frank Thomas rookie card that has rocketed up the value charts in recent years. Other highly sought UD issues from 1987 include the Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, and Orel Hershiser cards.

While the big name stars and rookies get the most long term collecting attention, 1987 also had its share of unique oddball issues that have developed strong cult followings. The Fleer Sticker Project marked one of the weirdest side sets ever produced. Pacific’s Cuban Baseball Legends set paid homage to international stars. And the Score ‘Sumo’ Wrestling Promotional issue featuring baseball players engaging in the Japanese sport became a collector favorite.

In terms of overall condition and survival rate, the 1987 season is also considered one of the strongest in the modern era. Thanks to the trading card boom being in full swing, many more collectors cared for and preserved their collections compared to prior eras. As a result, high grade 1987s can still be found at a relatively strong clip. This longevity of availability combined with the all-time talents featured make ’87 a perennial favorite among vintage baseball card collectors.

Whether pursuing rookie sensations, iconic veterans, or unique oddballs, 1987 had it all. The combination of peak production quality, memorable photography, and future Hall of Famers has cemented many ’87 issues among the most coveted baseball cards ever made. While the era of $1 packs is long gone, collectors can still enjoy reliving the magic through building 1987-themed collections or pursuing individual star cards from that memorable season. Over 30 years later, 1987 continues to captivate collectors both young and old.

The 1987 baseball card season stands out as one of the true high water marks of the entire hobby. Loaded with future legends, innovative designs, and cards that have stood the test of time, ’87 cards remain hugely popular with collectors today. Headlined by the Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds rookies, the ’87 Topps, Donruss, Fleer, Score and Upper Deck sets shaped the modern collecting landscape. While the vintage era is long past, 1987 cards still invoke a sense of nostalgia and awe for those who witnessed the golden age of baseball cards firsthand.