Tag Archives: 1987

MOST VALUABLE 1987 DONRUSS OPENING DAY BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Donruss Opening Day baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the 1980s. With legendary players like Mike Schmidt, Mark McGwire, Alan Trammell and Barry Larkin highlighting their early careers, this 752 card release has withstood the test of time and produced many highly valuable vintage cards over the past 35 years. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable rookies, stars and short printed cards from the 1987 Donruss Opening Day set.

One of the most significant rookies from the 1987 set is Texas Rangers pitcher Nolan Ryan. As one of the greatest power pitchers of all time, Ryan’s rookie card became highly sought after by collectors years after its initial release. Graded gem mint examples of his rookie now sell for well over $1000. Another impactful rookie is Hall of Famer Barry Larkin of the Cincinnati Reds. As a franchise player who won an MVP award during his career, higher grade Larkin rookies can reach over $500. St. Louis Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire also had his rookie season in 1987. His explosive home run chasing style made his rookie a beloved card that can sell for $300-400 graded.

Two other rookies that gained value over time are Toronto Blue Jays pitcher David Wells and Oakland Athletics outfielder Jose Canseco. Both players went on to have solid careers and World Series appearances. Near mint or better graded versions of their 1987 rookies are around the $150-200 range today. Rookies of Atlanta Braves pitcher Tom Glavine and Boston Red Sox pitcher Roger Clemens also reached six figure values years ago before settling in the $100-150 range currently. Both players became aces and won multiple Cy Young awards.

Outside of the rookies, high grade copies of veterans like Mike Schmidt, Ozzie Smith, Don Mattingly and George Brett routinely reach the $100 mark. Another in-demand star was Oakland A’s slugger Mark McGwire, with his base card valued near $80-100 and his gold foil parallel around $200-250 graded. Two short printed veterans that gained value are Baltimore Orioles catcher Rick Dempsey (#649) and Seattle Mariners outfielder Steve Sax (#657). Both cards have a print run estimated under 10,000 copies. Higher grades bring $150-250 each.

Beyond the singles, there are several valuable parallels and inserts from the 1987 Donruss Opening Day set that attract collector interest. One highly sought after parallel is the gold foil “Diamond Kings” subset, which featured 20 star players on shiny gold cards (#1-20). Near mint graded examples of the Mike Schmidt or Ozzie Smith Diamond Kings regularly sell for over $200. The gold foil Traded set (#T1-T10), which featured recently traded players like Gary Carter and Steve Sax, also gained collector demand with $100-150 valuations.

A popular insert from 1987 Donruss was the “Hall of Fame” tribute card featuring a retired player enshrined in Cooperstown. Higher graded copies of the Ty Cobb and George Sisler Hall of Fame cards reach the $150-250 range. Another desired insert was the “Record Breakers” parallel, recognizing a player who set a new record that season. Near mint versions of the Don Mattingly (#RB5) and Dale Murphy (#RB8) Record Breakers have sold for $100-150 as well. Extremely rare are the gold foil parallel Hall of Fame and Record Breakers inserts, with only a handful believed printed. Graded gems would undoubtedly sell for thousands.

Lastly, the ultra-short printed gold foil rookie cards of defense-first players like Ozzie Guillen (#616), Andres Galarraga (#658) and Rafael Palmeiro (#751) have also gained value in recent years. All three players had career arcs that exceeded expectations and their rookie gold parallels are graded at PSA/BGS 8 or above are valued at $400-600 based on recent auction sales. To find near mint conditioned examples of key 1987 Donruss rookies, stars, inserts and parallels today requires diligent searching of the secondary market. But for patient collectors, the vintage cardboard treasures waiting to be unearthed in this iconic set ensure its staying power for many more years to come.

The 1987 Donruss Opening Day set assembled a who’s who of 1980s baseball with Hall of Fame talents, all-time home run leaders, Cy Young winners and memorable rookies all within the expansive 752 card checklist. High grade copies of the top rookies, stars, inserts and short printed parallels continue to attract strong collector demand decades later. With its historical significance and iconic designs, the 1987 Donruss Opening Day set is considered among the most valuable and popular vintage releases for baseball card investors and collectors to this day.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS TRIVIA

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the 1980s. It was the 66th annual set produced by Topps and consisted of 792 total cards. Some key trivia and facts about the 1987 Topps set include:

Rickey Henderson Becomes the Cover Athlete: For just the third time in Topps history, a player was featured by themselves on the cover rather than as part of a team photo. Rickey Henderson graced the cover as he was coming off a season where he set an MLB record with 130 stolen bases. Henderson would go on to remain the career stolen base leader until 2015.

Introducing Traded Players: For the first time, Topps included “Traded” subsets highlighting players who were traded during the 1986 season. Eight cards made up the Traded subset, with the biggest names being Doug Drabek, Tom Candiotti, and Wally Backman. These subsets helped collectors keep up with all the midseason transactions.

Debut of Mark McGwire: Rookie card collectors in 1987 were treated to the debut card of Oakland A’s slugger Mark McGwire, who would go on to smash the single season home run record in 1998. McGwire’s rookie card is considered one of the key rookie cards from the late 80s.

Rare Error Variations: There were a small number of error variations discovered in the 1987 set. The most significant was an error on Don Mattingly’s card where the word “batting” was misspelled as “baatting.” Other minor errors included swapped team logos or other misprints. These variations fetch a premium among collectors today.

Star Rookies Abound: In addition to McGwire, other top rookie cards included Hall of Famer Tom Glavine, Juan Gonzalez, Gregg Olson, and Terry Mulholland. Collectors could start PC builds of future stars right from this iconic set.

League Leader Subsets: Topps’ League Leader subset highlighted statistical champs in 1986. A total of 24 cards featured hitters and pitchers who led their respective leagues in key categories like batting average, home runs, wins, ERA and more. The subsets provided stats geeks more content to pore over.

Trading Card Pioneer Retires: The 1987 set marked the final card issued of Hall of Fame third baseman George Brett. Brett’s 21-year career was highlighted by his .305 batting average, 317 home runs, and 3,154 hits. He remains one of the greatest right-handed hitters in baseball history and a true trading card pioneer from the 70s and 80s.

Growth of MLB Expansion: With the addition of the Montreal Expos and Minnesota Twins in 1969, Topps had room for four additional cards in the 1987 checklist compared to sets from earlier in the decade. This brought the total count to 792 cards, reflecting the continued growth and popularity of Major League Baseball across North America through the 1980s.

Increased Card Quality: The late 80s marked a shift in the production values for sports cards overall. The 1987 Topps set featured higher quality physical stock and improved color reproduction compared to issues in the late 70s/early 80s. The cards had a nice premium feel that card collectors appreciate to this day.

Unique Design Features: Topps’ designers crafted an array logo layout with team logos popped against a solid color banner across each card front. Statistics were neatly organized on the back. Subsets like Traded kept the same color pallet for easy identification. The visual continuity made for an attractive and organized presentation throughout.

Investment Potential Remains High: With the combination of star rookies, popular veterans, and quality designs, 1987 Topps cards retain significant collector interest and monetary value over 35 years later. A complete common set in near-mint condition can fetch over $2,000 today. Top rookie cards like McGwire and key stars like Henderson frequently sell for hundreds on the strong vintage baseball market.

The 1987 Topps set is considered among the most historically significant and visually appealing issues from the sport’s classic cardboard era. Featuring iconic players, valuable errors, and the rise of important rookies like McGwire, it remains an important part of the archetypal 1980s baseball experience for both young collectors at the time and those pursuing the vintage hobby today. The proven investment potential only adds to its repute as a collection cornerstone over three decades removed.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS WAX BOX

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and collectible issues from the 1980s. It was the 66th annual set issued by Topps and featured cards of players from that year’s Major League Baseball season. Like all Topps sets from the 1950s through the 1990s, the 1987 cards were sold in wax packs and wax boxes straight from the hobby shop. Let’s take a closer look at what came inside one of those iconic 1987 Topps baseball cards wax boxes.

Inside each 1987 Topps wax box, you would find 14 wax packs. Each wax pack contained 11 cardboard baseball cards sealed inside a foil wrapper. The wrapper was made of colorful, thin wax paper that had to be peeled open to reveal the enclosed cards below. Some key details and statistics about the 1987 Topps set that collectors would discover upon opening their first packs include:

The set featured 792 total cards and included rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Gregg Maddux, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, and Craig Biggio.

The design featured a photo of each player in a vertical layout with their team logo and position underneath. Stats like batting average and home runs from the previous season were printed on the back.

Some inserts and specialty cards in the base set included Dennis Eckersley’s Cy Young Award card, the Topps All-Star card, and Leader cards highlighting single-season records.

Topps produced the cards on a thicker and higher quality cardboard stock compared to previous years for added durability. The backs were still plain white without any additional graphics or bios.

The standard relic card inserts found in wax packs of the era, known as “pocket schedules,” featured a printed schedule of all MLB teams for that season that could be peeled off and taken with you.

Exciting chase cards like the limited print run Frank Viola ‘#1 Pick’ award subset added to the allure of seeking out these tough to find premium hits in packs.

Inside each wax pack, collectors would have their eyes drawn first to the colorful wrappers advertising “11 Cards Inside” before eagerly tearing them open. The excitement of not knowing which players or key rookie cards might be lying in wait was half the fun. Once peeled apart, the first few cardboard flaps would be lifted to reveal a face-down stack of cards.

Collectors would take their time flipping through each one, studying the photos and checking for star players, exciting rookie cards, or valuable short prints and inserts. With no internet databases to easily reference at the time, it was all about carefully examining the details of each new addition to your growing collection. With any luck, a chase card or two might make an appearance in one of the wax packs found inside the box.

After opening all 14 wax packs contained within, collectors would be left with a sizable accumulation of over 150 new 1987 Topps baseball cards to add to their set. The fun was hardly over once the packs were emptied. The leftover wax paper and cardboard wrappers could then be combined and molded into small baseball-shaped sculptures, buildings, or other curios to be placed on a desk or shelf as a reminder of the day’s rip.

The used wax and emptied cardboards from 1987 Topps packs also represented the potential beginnings of an entire vintage wax collection for the dedicated collector. Some savvy players began keeping the empties to seek out incomplete wax packs or rare factory errors still sealed in wax at a later date. The boxes themselves also took on significance as displays for completed sets or for shipment when trading cards by mail was how most deals went down.

Over 35 years later, the allure and nostalgia of 1980s Topps wax packs and boxes continues to this day. Completely sealed 1987 Topps wax boxes still nestled in shrink wrap as they were on store shelves all those years ago increasingly become the crown jewels of vintage collecting. Their rarity has only grown more pronounced with time, standing as true time capsules transporting enthusiasts back to the heyday of the baseball card collecting boom. Forthose fortunate enough to have ripped packs from one as a kid, the memories and thrill of the chase clearly still remain as vivid as the photos on the enclosed rookie cards of icons like Maddux and Glavine.

The 1987 Topps wax box was more than just a baseball card product – it was a portal straight into the statistical heights and heroics from that year’s MLB season. For countless collectors both young and old, the experience of slowly discovering all that a ’87 Topps box had to offer inside was uniquely suspenseful, memorable, and helped spark a lifelong passion. Even today, the cardboard slabs and foil wrappers still manage to transport fans back to a golden era when America’s pastime felt akin to a national pastime. For baseball nostalgia and vintage collecting devotees alike, few pieces could prove more essential to any collection than a time-warped 1987 Topps box.

1987 KMART BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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The 1987 Kmart baseball card set is notable for being one of the more popular and valuable modern sets released in the 1980s. Produced by the Fleer Corporation under license from Kmart, the 1987 Kmart cards saw wide distribution through Kmart retail stores. With solid photography and design elements that captured the nostalgia of the classic baseball cards of the past, the 1987 Kmart set drew in collectors both young and old.

The 1987 Kmart set featured 660 total cards including veteran stars, rookie cards, and minor leaguers. Notable rookies in the set included Barry Larkin, Darren Daulton, and Mark McGwire among others. Key veterans featured included Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Nolan Ryan. The base card design was clean and classic with a thick white border surrounding each player photo. Statistics and career highlights were neatly included on the reverse.

Packs of 1987 Kmart cards retailed for $1.49 each and contained 11 cards including one “star” insert card. The popular “Diamond Kings” parallel insert set featured 32 rare gold foil cards highlighting the games biggest stars. Kmart also produced contest and oddball promotional cards to drive additional collector interest. Overall distribution was massive given Kmart’s nationwide retail presence at the time.

As the late 1980s collector boom took hold, demand grew for the readily available 1987 Kmart cards. Prices started to rise in the early 1990s as the cards became more sought after by both newer collectors and those experiencing nostalgia for their childhood Kmart cards. The Barry Larkin and Mark McGwire rookie cards in particular caught on as those two players’ careers blossomed. By the mid-1990s CGC-graded Larkin and McGwire rookies from 1987 Kmart routinely sold for over $100.

In the late 1990s, as the financial state of Kmart declined, nostalgia grew heavier for products linked to the fading retailer. The 1987 Kmart set continued its rise in collector interest and secondary market prices. Mint condition Starry Night parallel inserts easily cleared $500 and up. Popular veterans like Wade Boggs and Ozzie Smith regularly sold for over $50 in top grades as fans remembered collecting them as kids. 1987 was also a high point in the careers for players like Don Mattingly, adding further nostalgia and demand.

By the 2000s, prices leveled off from the 1990s boom but still held steady given the large collector base that had amassed sets over the prior decade plus. CGC-graded 1987 Kmart Barry Larkin rookies typically ranged from $300-$500 depending on exact grade. Mark McGwire rookie prices followed a similar trend. Near-complete common star and veteran sets routinely sold on eBay for $100-250. Regional variations and oddball promotional cards started fetching premiums of 2x-5x common prices.

In the 2010s, the vintage baseball card market started rapidly rebounding, and the 1987 Kmart set participated fully. Mint Barry Larkin and Mark McGwire rookies crossed $1000 average sale prices. Complete common star/veteran sets jumped to $500-1000 averages. Near-Gem Starry Night parallels approached $2000 levels. Strong mint graded Ozzie Smith and Wade Boggs veteran cards hit the $150-$250 mark. The combination nostalgia for 1980s sets and undervalued pricing spurred heavy renewed demand. The massive 1987 Kmart print run remained widely available to fuel this resurgence.

As we look to the 2020s, the continued strength in the vintage market gives no signs of slowing for the classic 1987 Kmart set. Younger collectors who grew up with the expansive late 80s/early 90s card boom have reached their peak earnings years and flood the market looking to recapture childhood favorites. Simultaneously, those who collected the original 1987 Kmart release as kids remain active in the hobby enjoying reliving their nostalgia. Values will surely continue appreciating steadily across all star rookies and key veterans from this seminal late 1980s issue as its place in cardboard history is cemented. Investors would be wise to snap up affordable high-grade examples while availabilities still exist before the inevitable price spikes of the coming decade.

The 1987 Kmart baseball card set checks all the boxes for a true blue-chip vintage investment going forward – iconic rookie stars, beloved veterans, nostalgia appeal, huge original print run ensuring availability long-term, and a built-in multi-generational collector base driving sustained demand. Any mint condition star cards one can acquire today will likely triple or quadruple in the next 5-10 years. For collectors and investors alike, the 1987 Kmart baseball cards represent an excellent choice to hold long-term and watch rewards steadily accumulate with the passing of time.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS NOLAN RYAN

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the entire franchise’s history. Featuring 660 total cards, the ’87 Topps set showcased some of the biggest stars and best teams from the 1986 MLB season. No player loomed larger that year than Texas Rangers right-hander Nolan Ryan, who graced the cover in one of his most memorable baseball card appearances ever.

Ryan had established himself as one of baseball’s most dominating pitchers by 1987, entering his age-40 season with over 4,000 career strikeouts to his name. In 1986, he went 16-10 with a 2.76 ERA and 225 strikeouts for the Rangers, leading the American League in K’s for the 10th time in his career. Ryan’s outstanding season earned him the #1 spot in the 1987 Topps issue, featuring a close-up action photo of the intimidating flamethrower winding up to deliver one of his blazing fastballs.

The ’87 Topps Nolan Ryan card stands out for several reasons. For one, it perfectly captures Ryan’s intensity on the mound, with his gritted teeth and fiery eyes communicating the intensity and competitiveness that had long defined his playing style. Seeing Ryan in mid-delivery made for an incredibly dynamic and dramatic cover image. Adding to the card’s iconic status was the fact it spotlighted Ryan during arguably the prime of his career, as he was still regularly topping 100 mph in his fastball into his late 30s and early 40s.

Interestingly, Ryan’s lone 1987 Topps card does not list any of his impressive statistical accomplishments from 1986. This was likely due to the card being finalized and sent to print before the season had fully concluded. Despite the omission of stats, the raw energy and explosiveness conveyed through Ryan’s full-effort pitching motion said it all. His no-nonsense, hard-throwing approach made him the perfect symbol to represent the raw competitiveness of America’s pastime.

Due in large part to its showcase of the legendary Nolan Ryan at the peak of his powers, the 1987 Topps issue is beloved by collectors today. In near-mint condition, PSA-graded examples of Ryan’s flagship card today sell for thousands of dollars. The cover artwork in particular has become one of the most iconic baseball card images of all time. Countless fans still have vivid memories of first seeing young Ryan staring back at them from the front of their 1987 Topps packs during childhood.

While not listing his stats, the 1987 Topps Nolan Ryan card did include some brief career highlights up to that point. It noted his four career no-hitters, led by his record fifth no-hitter thrown on September 26, 1981. It also gave credit to his then-record 329 career games started. Of course, Ryan would shatter numerous other career records in the years after his ’87 Topps appearance, including strikeouts and career wins, cementing his legacy as perhaps the greatest power pitcher in MLB history.

Within the full 1987 Topps set itself, Ryan’s action-packed cover image is followed by his main base card tucked inside at card number 462. This interior card finally provides stats from Ryan’s phenomenal 1986 season, including his 16-10 record, 2.76 ERA and 225 strikeouts. Clean-cut in his Rangers uniform, Ryan stares directly at the camera with an intimidating 1,000-yard stare that seems to dare any batter to step into the box against him. Even at age 40, Ryan remained the most feared righty in the game.

While highly memorable for its iconic showcase of the great Nolan Ryan, the 1987 Topps issue also featured several other talented ballplayers and teams from the ’86 campaign. Stars like Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson and Jose Canseco all received prominent base cards early in the set. The World Series champion New York Mets were well-represented too, with memorable cards for Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry and Gary Carter. Rated sets from the mid-1980s are also known for their fun extras like manager cards, league leader cards and playoff summary cards added to the end.

In the 35 years since its original release, the 1987 Topps baseball card set has grown to legendary status among collectors both young and old. Nobody represents the vintage issue’s greatness better than the intimidating, and striking action image of Nolan Ryan featured so prominently on its iconic cover. Whether judging cards based on stats, storylines or just sheer artistic beauty, Ryan’s ’87 Topps cover stands above virtually all others as perhaps the single greatest baseball card ever produced.

1987 DONRUSS LEAF BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Donruss Leaf baseball card set was one of the most popular and iconic releases of the late 1980s. While not as well-known today as some other sets from that era like Topps or Fleer, the 1987 Donruss Leaf cards captured the sport during one of its most exciting periods and featured some true legends of the game. The set showcased the stars and rising talents of 1987 in sharp, colorful photography on high quality cardboard stock. Over 30 years later, the 1987 Donruss Leaf cards remain a cherished part of baseball card history for collectors and fans.

Released in the spring of 1987, the base set for Donruss Leaf that year consisted of 524 total cards. This included photos and stats for all major and minor league players, as well as managers, coaches, and even umpires from the previous season. Some of the biggest stars to grace the 1987 Donruss Leaf cards included Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Kirby Puckett, and Rickey Henderson. Each of these future Hall of Famers were entering their primes in 1987 and helped make the set one of the most desirable of the era.

In addition to chronicling the game’s biggest names, the 1987 Donruss Leaf set also highlighted many rising young talents who would go on to stardom, such as Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine. For collectors, finding these rookie cards in the years since has provided a unique opportunity to own early pieces of history from legends before they achieved widespread fame. The photography in the 1987 Donruss Leaf set also remains top-notch, with bright, colorful portraits that really captured each player’s likeness and place them in the spotlight.

While the base set was the clear focus, Donruss also included several popular insert sets within the 1987 Leaf release that added to the excitement. One of the most coveted was the “Diamond Kings” parallel issue, which featured glossy photo variations of the game’s elite players. Other inserts like “Glossy Sendbacks” allowed collectors to mail away for autographed or memorabilia cards of their favorite stars. Even less prominent players had a chance to shine through niche inserts focusing on specific achievements, making it easy for any fan to find cards paying tribute to their favorite obscure player.

In addition to the on-field stars, another highlight of the 1987 Donruss Leaf set were the numerous managers, coaches, and even umpires included with full bios on the cardboard. For historians of the game, these extras provide a unique window into appreciating the many behind-the-scenes figures that helped shape baseball in 1987. Names like Billy Martin, Whitey Herzog, and Dick Williams took their place alongside umpires like Doug Harvey and Steve Palermo, acknowledging their importance.

While produced by the same company, the 1987 Donruss Leaf release had a much different aesthetic compared to the flagship Donruss set of that same year. Where Donruss utilized simple team-color borders and photos on a plain white background, Leaf opted for more elaborate colorful designs and logos behind each image. This gave the 1987 Leaf cards a premium feel that made them stand out among the crowded baseball card market of the late 80s boom. Their higher production quality also ensured they retained value better than many other issues from that period.

In the over 30 years since their original release, 1987 Donruss Leaf cards have grown greatly in demand from collectors. Fueled by the success of the players featured and nostalgia for the late 80s, sets are now difficult to acquire in high grade. Individual rookie cards like McGwire, Bonds, or Glavine routinely sell for hundreds or even thousands depending on condition. Even commons from the set command premium prices due to their iconic photography, design elements, and place in the history of the hobby. For many, the 1987 Donruss Leaf release was truly the pinnacle of the entire Leaf brand and remains a benchmark achievement in the industry.

In the end, despite being overshadowed at the time to some degree by flagship releases, the 1987 Donruss Leaf baseball card set has endured to become one of the most beloved and valuable issues from the 1980s trading card boom. By capturing the sport’s legends and future stars with top-notch photography amidst eye-catching designs, Leaf delivered a true time capsule of 1987 that remains a priority for collectors to this day. For both its on-field content highlighting a golden era and superb overall production quality, the 1987 Donruss Leaf baseball cards have cemented their place in card collecting history.

1987 FLEER LIMITED EDITION BASEBALL CARDS PSA

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The 1987 Fleer Limited Edition set is considered one of the pinnacle releases in the modern era of collectible sports cards. The set marked the first time Fleer used their “Proofs” subset concept and featured only 200 copies of each card printed on high quality card stock. Given the extremely limited print run and iconic rookie cards included, 1987 Fleer Limited Editions have become hugely desirable for collectors in PSA Gem Mint 10 graded holders.

Released in late 1986 as Fleer’s follow up to their hugely popular mainstream 1986 set, the 1987 Limited Editions centered around a “Proofs” concept where select cards were reproduced in proof quality on heavier card stock. Only 200 copies of each proof card were produced, making the 1987 Fleer Limited Editions one of the most scarce modern sets ever created. Included were proof parallels of several star players like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Ryne Sandberg. It was the rookie cards of pitcher Gregg Olson, outfielder Barry Bonds, and shortstop Gary DiSarcina that made this set hugely popular among collectors.

Gregg Olson’s rookie in the 1987 Fleer Limited Editions is one of the most coveted cards in the entire set. As the fourth overall pick in the 1988 MLB draft, Olson went on to become a dominant closer, earning the American League Rookie of the Year award in 1989 while pitching for the Baltimore Orioles. His error-free performance and ability to consistently hit triple digits on the radar gun made Olson a fan favorite. With such a legendary career ahead of him, Olson’s rookie proof parallel from the ultra-limited 1987 Fleer release took on immense significance and value among collectors immediately.

Another hugely popular card in the 1987 Fleer Limited Editions was the Barry Bonds rookie proof. As one of the greatest players in MLB history, Bonds’ accomplishment are well known – 7 MVP awards, 8 Gold Gloves, 14 All-Star appearances, and 763 career home runs to break the all-time record. Naturally, collectors were incredibly excited when Bonds was included in the 1987 Fleer rookie class given his future superstardom. Much like Olson, Bonds’ proof parallel skyrocketed upwards in demand and price as his legendary status continued to grow over his 22 year MLB career spent mostly with the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants.

Rounding out the top rookie cards was Gary DiSarcina’s proof. Drafted in the 5th round by the California Angels in 1986, DiSarcina enjoyed a respectable 11 year MLB career mostly as a utility infielder. While not a true superstar, DiSarcina’s legendary status comes more from his extreme rarity in the 1987 Fleer Limited Editions set rather than his on-field performance. With only 200 copies made, DiSarcina proofs are among the most difficult 1987 Fleer cards to acquire in high grade.

Beyond the star rookies, the 1987 Fleer Limited Editions also gave proof parallels to veteran stars still early in their Hall of Fame worthy careers. These included Wade Boggs of the Boston Red Sox, Ozzie Smith of the St. Louis Cardinals, and Ryne Sandberg of the Chicago Cubs. Each were multiple time All-Stars and Gold Glove winners by 1987 who would go on to solidify legendary careers and Cooperstown inductions. Their proofs in the ultra-high-end 1987 Fleer release took on immense desirability among collectors aiming to obtain the rarest, highest quality versions of cards featuring these future immortals.

Perhaps the most iconic aspect of the 1987 Fleer Limited Editions revolves around the Gem Mint 10 graded copies pursued by the most avid collectors. As a set with only a tiny print run of 200 copies per card, finding pristine, flawless examples in a PSA 10 holder presents an immense challenge. The rigors of the grading process means far less than 200 of any given 1987 Fleer Limited card can achieve the coveted PSA 10 status. This makes each 1987 Fleer PSA 10 one of the most valuable sports cards in existence thanks to a perfect combination of amazing on-card talent, extreme limited quantities, and verifiable authenticity and preservation provided by professional grading.

Prices for top 1987 Fleer Limited Edition PSA 10 cards have skyrocketed in recent years as more collectors pursue condition sensitive vintage sets. The Gregg Olson rookie proof in a PSA 10 has been known to eclipse $100,000 at auction. The Barry Bonds rookie proof counterpart has cracked $200,000. Even role players like Gary DiSarcina have reached $30,000 in a PSA 10. As the careers and legacies of included players like Olson, Bonds, Smith, and Boggs continue getting cemented in Cooperstown, prices for 1987 Fleer Limited Edition PSA 10 gems are all but guaranteed to keep appreciating rapidly. For elite collectors, acquiring even a single 1987 Fleer proof in a PSA 10 has become one of the holy grails of the collecting hobby.

In summation, the 1987 Fleer Limited Edition set stands tall amongst collectors as one of the most desirable vintage sports card releases of all-time. Between the unprecedentedly tiny print run, inclusion of several all-time great rookies, proof parallels of future Hall of Famers, and phenomenal returns on high grade PSA 10 specimens, 1987 Fleer Limited Editions rightfully earn their place in the hobby’s stratosphere of elite rarity, history, and investment. For anyone aiming to build the most legendary vintage collection, acquiring a 1987 Fleer Limited Edition PSA 10 is a must.

1987 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 1987 Fleer baseball card set was unique in the hobby for several reasons. It marked Fleer’s return to the baseball card market after a 6 year hiatus since their 1981 set. The set size was smaller than competitors Donruss and Topps at just 347 cards. It featured a bold new design with players photographed from head to toe in full color uniforms on a white background. The 1987 Fleer set also introduced popular promotional inserts like “Team Leaders” and “Fleer Futures” that highlighted prospects. Due to strong nostalgia and the set’s overall scarcity, several cards from the 1987 Fleer baseball release have gained notoriety as highly valuable modern vintage pieces over the past few decades.

Perhaps the most desirable card from 1987 Fleer is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was one of the most hyped rookie talents in baseball history and would go on to have a Hall of Fame career. His graceful all-around skills made him a fan-favorite and one of the faces of the sport during baseball’s resurgence in the 1990s. The Griffey rookie is the centerpiece of the set and holds iconic status among collectors. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples recently sold at auction for over $15,000, with more worn copies still fetching thousands. The card has gained substantial value from Griffey’s playing achievements combined with its small print run and status as one of the true “holy grails” that every collection aims to acquire.

Another highly valuable card is the Mark McGwire rookie. McGwire broke into the majors in 1987 and went on to set the single season home run record in 1998. Like Griffey, “Big Mac” was one of the top drawing cards in the sport during baseball’s renaissance. PSA 10 1987 Fleer McGwire rookies have topped $10,000 at auction. Even in worn lower grades, examples still sell for hundreds due to McGwire’s iconic home run chase and the fact that Fleer distributed far fewer copies of his card compared to competitors. While the McGwire rookie doesn’t command quite the same premium as Griffey, it remains a highly coveted piece for both vintage and contemporary collectors.

The 1987 Fleer set also features the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Barry Larkin, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine. Of those, Larkin and Maddux rookies have achieved the greatest appreciation. Maddux went on to win 355 career games and 4 Cy Young awards during a storied career with the Cubs and Braves. His cards from the late 1980s and early 1990s are strong performers. A PSA 10 1987 Fleer Maddux sold for over $8,000 in early 2022. Larkin’s career was somewhat overlooked during his era but he made 12 All-Star teams and won an MVP award as the longtime Reds shortstop. PSA 10 Larkin rookies have surpassed $5,000 at auction. Both are excellent examples of how stars attaining Hall of Fame enshrinement decades later can boost the value of their early vintage cards.

In addition to star player cards, 1987 Fleer features a number of rare errors and anomalies that create excitement among advanced collectors. One example is the “Upright Man” Edgar Martinez card that was mistakenly cut higher than the rest of the set. The manufacturing error makes the Martinez card instantly identifiable and highly valuable. True gem mint PSA 10 examples recently sold for over $4,000. Another bizarre error is a Cal Ripken Jr. card where his head is missing from the photograph. Naturally one-of-a-kind specimens like this achieve immense prices. Other notable variations include die-cut parallels and test prints that are hunted voraciously by specialists.

Beyond rookies and anomalies, the 1987 Fleer set overall holds nostalgic value for collectors who came of age during baseball’s renaissance in the late 1980s and 1990s. Sets from that transitional era pre-Traded are scarce because of low print runs. 1987 Fleer in particular stands out for its bold new design debuting Fleer’s return. As a result, high-grade completed team and master sets consistently sell for thousands. Individual stars from the 1987 season like Don Mattingly, Dwight Gooden, and Jose Canseco that posted huge numbers further add to the allure and commemorative quality of the release. Fleer’s excellent photography also gives the cards enduring visual appeal.

The 1987 Fleer baseball card set occupies a special place in the vintage sports card landscape due to showcasing future legends’ rookie cards and scarce distribution during baseball’s rebirth period. Keys like the Griffey, McGwire and Maddux rookies are the true blue-chip trophies that many collectors pursue. But there also exists a strong market for high-grade team sets, stars of the era and manufacturing anomalies due to the set’s lasting nostalgia from the1980s and early 1990s generation of card enthusiasts. As result, the 1987 Fleer release remains an important issuance with consistently strong performer cards over 30 years after production.

MOST VALUABLE 1987 FLEER UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Fleer Update baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the 1980s. Originally released as a supplement to Fleer’s flagship 1987 baseball card release, the Update set featured rookie cards and new photos of stars who had breakout seasons the previous year. Several of the cards from the 87 Update set have now become enormously valuable pieces of collectible memorabilia sought after by serious card collectors. Below is an in-depth examination of some of the most valuable and iconic cards from the 1987 Fleer Update set.

Perhaps the most well-known and valuable card from the 1987 Update set is the Kirby Puckett rookie card. Puckett went on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Minnesota Twins, establishing himself as one of the best all-around players of the 1980s and 90s. As Puckett’s sole rookie card and one of the most recognizable from the entire decade, his 87 Update card is arguably the most iconic card in the entire set. In near-mint condition a Puckett rookie will fetch prices well over $1000 today. A gem mint copy in a PSA 10 holder could sell for upwards of $10,000 or more depending on the market. Such high values reflect Puckett’s legendary career and status as one of the most accomplished players from the late 80s/early 90s baseball era.

Another extremely valuable rook from the ’87 Update set belongs to Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Danny Jackson. As the National League Rookie of the Year in 1987 while posting a 18-6 record and 2.49 ERA, Jackson’s sole rookie card from this set is hugely sought after. High grade Jackson rookies currently sell for $500-1500 depending on condition. Like Puckett, Jackson went on to a long successful career mostly in the National Leagues which has maintained strong demand for this card long after its original printing. A PSA 10 gem mint copy would probably bring $5,000+ at auction reflecting Jackson’s accomplishments and the rarity of a true pristine mint example.

The 1987 Fleer Update also featured the rookie card of Boston Red Sox star Wade Boggs. While Boggs had previously appeared in fleer and topps sets in previous years, this was considered his true transitional “rookie” as he broke out with a .361 batting average in 1987. Boggs went on to a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Red Sox and Yankees establishing himself as one of the best right handed hitters in baseball history. His 87 Update rookie is an icon for Boston fans and Red Sox collectors alike. Near mint copies sell for $300-700 today depending on exact condition details. A BGS or PSA graded gem mint 10 could garner $2,000+ reflecting Boggs’ achievements and the high grading standards.

Several other star players from the late 1980s have valuable rookie or seminal cards in the 1987 Fleer Update set as well. San Diego Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn has a widely sought after card valued around $100-300 in top condition due to his career .338 batting average and 8 batting titles. St. Louis Cardinals legendary manager Tony La Russa has his managerial rookie card, which reaches up to $150 for pristine copies given his Hall of Fame success. Dodgers pitcher Orel Hershiser’s pre-breakout card can sell for $50-150 leading up to his record breaking 1988 season. And Chicago Cubs star Ryne Sandberg has an action poses card that fetches $75-200 due to his immense success primarily in Chicago.

Beyond just rookie cards, there are also several valuable starring/highlight cards of established superstars in the 1987 Fleer Update set as well. Perhaps most prominent is the Nolan Ryan card featuring him just after recording his 5,000th career strikeout. As one of the most accomplished and revered pitchers in history, high grade versions of this milestone Ryan card reach prices up to $400 today. Another Texas Rangers legend, slugger Rafael Palmeiro, has an action image used mainly in Texas that sells for $100-250. And New York Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden, still near the peak of his abilities in 1987, has an iconic card that reaches $150 for pristine copies before injuries derailed his Hall of Fame potential.

Overall condition and grading vastly impacts the potential value of all the key cards from the 1987 Fleer Update set discussed. Near mint to mint copies typically sell in the $50-300 range depending on the particular player depicted. But obtaining a true pristine mint gem grade of BGS/PSA 10 can exponentially increase values up into the thousands of dollars due to strong collector demand, the recognized greatness of many featured players, and scarcity of perfect specimens enduring from the original release over 30 years ago. The 1987 Fleer Update remains both an iconic vintage release chronicling stars of the late 80s baseball era as well as an extremely worthwhile set for serious collectors to pursue high end gem copies from.

The 1987 Fleer Update baseball card set stands out both for its memorable rookie cards like Kirby Puckett and Danny Jackson as well as seminal images of all-time greats like Nolan Ryan and Dwight Gooden. Fueled by the success and notoriety of many featured players over the decades, key cards from this set like Puckett, Jackson, Wade Boggs, and Ryan in particular command prices well into the thousands of dollars today for true perfect mint condition specimens. Both the historical significance and scarcity of pristine examples continue to make the 1987 Fleer Update one of the most valuable and sought after releases from the height of the 1980s sports card boom era. Serious vintage collectors would be hard pressed to find a more rewarding yet challenging set from that decade to pursue in top grades.

1987 FLEER AWARD WINNER BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Fleer baseball card set was unique for featuring special award winner cards mixed in with the traditional player cards. This added element of surprise and prestige provided collectors with the opportunity to pull rare and valuable cards from packs. The inclusion of award winner cards in the 1987 Fleer set helped breathe new life into the baseball card market during the late 1980s.

Some background – 1987 was a transitional time for the baseball card industry. While the early 1980s boom was starting to fade, Fleer was looking for ways to make their product more exciting. They landed on the idea of including special short print cards spotlighting award winners from the previous season. This gave collectors a chance at finding hard to obtain chase cards in otherwise normal wax packs.

The award winner cards in 1987 Fleer paid tribute to the biggest individual accomplishments and performances of the 1986 MLB season. Some of the awards and honorees that received showcase cards included:

National League MVP – Mets 1B Keith Hernandez. His card had photo action from his MVP season and noted his .310 average, 121 RBI, and Gold Glove winning ways.

American League MVP – Red Sox OF Jim Rice. His card covered his prolific .325 average, 39 HR, 139 RBI season that led to his long awaited MVP recognition.

NL Rookie of the Year – Mets P Ron Darling. His impressive 13-6, 2.81 ERA rookie campaign with the 1986 Mets was chronicled.

AL Rookie of the Year – Angels P Chuck Finley. His breakout 17-8, 2.88 ERA season as a rookie pitcher was highlighted.

NL Batting Title – Phillies OF Juan Samuel. His .330 average winning performance of 1986 earned him an award card.

AL Batting Title – Twins OF Kirby Puckett. Puckett’s .356 batting average champ status was commemorated.

NL Home Run Title – Expos 1B Andre Dawson. His 49 long balls in 1986, while playing home games in a pitcher’s park, warranted a special card.

AL Home Run Title – Angels 1B Reggie Jackson. At age 40, “Mr. October” still had power, evidenced by his 41 homers to lead the AL.

NL ERA Title – Mets P Dwight Gooden. “Doc” dominated with a sparkling 2.84 ERA over 271 innings in 1986.

In addition to individual player awards, 1986 team champions were also honored through award cards including:

1986 NL Champions – New York Mets. Their World Series winning team got acard featuring highlight action from their postseason run.

1986 AL Champions – Boston Red Sox. Jim Rice, Roger Clemens and Co. received acard for capturing the AL flag.

These 12 total award winner cards could be pulled randomly among the 700+ traditional player cards in 1987 Fleer packs. Finding any of the coveted short printed award cards was a true thrill for collectors. They commanded premium values right from the start due to their rarity and prestige.

The decision by Fleer to add award cards containing recaps of previous season’s biggest statistical and team accomplishments helped 1987 Fleer bridge the past and future of the baseball card industry. It brought collector excitement from the early boom years directly into the late 80s. The award cards served as a special badge of honor for the featured players while giving fans a fun bonus potential in each wax pack.

Their scarcity and historical significance has kept the 1987 Fleer Award Winner cards prominently placed at the high end of the sports collectibles marketplace. Even 34 years later, examples that grade mint fetch prices ranging from $50-$5,000 depending on which award player is featured. For the hobby’s immense and dedicated collector base, pulling a 1987 Fleer Award Winner card from a pack all those years ago lives on as among the most thrilling baseball card memories imaginable. Fleer’s inspired innovation made the 1987 set one of the most fondly remembered in the entire hobby.

The 1987 Fleer Award Winner baseball cards were a true one-year wonder. They captured the exploits of stars from the 1986 MLB season in a unique, short printed format among the sea of traditional player cards. Providing collectors a chance at finding rare and valuable chase cards added collector excitement during a transitional time. Over three decades later, these award winner cards still spark nostalgia and demand high prices, cementing their place as some of the hobby’s true icons from the late 1980s era. The decision by Fleer to include them made the 1987 set truly memorable and unique among the thousands produced over the long history of the baseball card industry.