Tag Archives: 1987

ARE THERE ANY VALUABLE 1987 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable vintage sets from the 1980s. Several reasons contribute to the high values that some 1987 Fleer cards command in the collecting market.

The 1987 set was Fleer’s fourth year producing baseball cards after entering the market in 1981. By 1987, Fleer had really started to challenge Topps as the premiere baseball card manufacturer. The cards featured vibrant color photography and some unique designs that collectors appreciated. Production numbers for the 1987 Fleer set were not overly high compared to prior years. With slightly lower print runs, combined with the strong collector interest in the set over the past 30+ years, it has created rarer high-grade copies of the cards that are quite desirable.

One of the most notable aspects of the 1987 Fleer set was that it captured rookie cards for some true superstar players who went on to have Hall of Fame careers. Specifically, the ’87 Fleer rookie cards for Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine are considered the most valuable in the set. In top Gem Mint condition, graded 10 by services like PSA or BGS, these rookie cards can sell for thousands of dollars individually. The allure of owning a perfect rookie card for some of the game’s all-time greats fuels high prices.

The Barry Bonds rookie is generally thought to be the crown jewel of the 1987 Fleer set. Bonds went on to smash the career home run record and win a record seven MVP awards. Even ungraded and in lower grades, his rookie reliably sells for hundreds due to his legendary career accomplishments and iconic status in the sport. A PSA 10 Bonds rookie has reached over $30,000 at auction. The Greg Maddux rookie, depicting one of the most dominant and efficient pitchers ever, has also surpassed $10,000 in perfect condition due to his Hall of Fame caliber career. The Glavine rookie, while slightly less rare, still often sells for $1,000+ in top grade since he is a Hall of Fame pitcher as well who won multiple Cy Young awards.

Aside from the star rookie cards, there are a few other standouts from the 1987 Fleer checklist that hold significant collector value. The Ken Griffey Jr. rookie is highly sought after, though it is from his time with the Mariners early in his career before truly breaking out. Even so, a PSA 10 Jr. can sell for $3,000-$5,000 or more given his iconic status in the game. The Nolan Ryan card is coveted since he was still pitching well for the Astros at age 40. High-grade examples over $500 are common for the Ryan due to his record-setting career stats and longevity. The Ozzie Smith card appreciates well considering he was a fan favorite and eventually a Hall of Famer who revolutionized defensive skill at shortstop. Among the star veterans, the Don Mattingly and Wade Boggs cards from ‘87 Fleer typically attract bids over $100 in top condition.

Though the aforementioned high-price cards demand most of the attention among investors and collectors, there are still bargains to be found with other notable players if one is willing to accept lower grades. For example, copies of the Tim Raines, Dennis Eckersley, and Tony Gwynn rookies can usually be acquired for $20-$50 even in lower grades since they were all great players who fell just short of the Hall. And for approximately $10-$30, cards of fan favorites like Dave Winfield, George Brett, and Ozzie can be obtained ungraded. While not of the caliber of a PSA 10 Maddux, examples of these veteran stars still make for attractive budget pickups in a vintage Fleer set.

The 1987 Fleer baseball card set holds significant monetary value for collectors, especially for the coveted rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Bonds, Maddux, and Glavine. But there are also still solid investments to be found at lower price points among other stars and fan favorites from that vintage Fleer checklist. The allure of capturing rookies of all-time greats like Bonds in pristine condition will ensure the 1987 Fleer set remains an iconic and highly speculative part of the vintage sports card market for many decades still to come.

ARE THERE ANY VALUABLE 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable issues from the late 1980s. While it doesn’t have any true ‘mega-hits’ on par with famous rookies like Mickey Mantle, some key cards from the 1987 set still hold significant value today. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most desirable and expensive 1987 Topps baseball cards that collectors seek:

One of the headliners is the Barry Bonds rookie card (#144). As one of the greatest players of all time, high-grade Bonds rookies are always in demand. PSA 10 examples of his 1987 Topps card have sold for over $30,000. Another rookie of note is Bob Welch (#122). Welch had a solid career and his card has appreciated well over the years thanks to his status as a key rookie. Graded PSA 10 Welch rookies can reach $3,000-$5,000.

Several 1987 Topps cards featuring hall of famers are also quite valuable in top condition. The Nolan Ryan (#89) card always holds value due to his popularity and records. PSA 10 Ryan cards sell for $1,000-$2,000 depending on the market. The Ozzie Smith (#199) card, featuring the wizard doing backflips, is one of the most iconic in the set – high-grade versions can reach $600-$1,000. The Don Mattingly (#206) and Wade Boggs (#228) rookie stars of the 1980s also command $400-$800 for PSA 10s.

Two very scarce and sought-after variations from the 1987 Topps set break the $10,000 price point. The Luis Salazar short print variation (#110) is easily one of the rarest in the entire set, with specialists estimating less than 10 PSA 10 graded copies exist. When it surfaces, this card pulls in bids well above $10,000. Another extremely rare variation is the Cal Ripken Jr. Future Stars insert (#350) printed on gray backing instead of the usual yellow. Less than 5 PSA 10 examples are known to exist, and this striking error card has changed hands north of $15,000 in the past.

While they don’t command the prices of rookie stars or elite veterans, key players on 1987 World Series teams can still carry solid 4-figure values today. High-grade versions of cards featuring players like Tim Leary (#155) and Mike Scott (#174) from the champion Mets, or Mike Witt (#248) and Wally Joyner (#309) from the Angels are sought after and worth $500-$1,500 each. Even role players like Mets reliever Jesse Orosco (#185) hold notable value due to his Series MVP performance.

While it may lack a true superstar rookie on par with Mantle or Griffey Jr., the 1987 Topps set still features several valuable modern-era cards that draw strong collector demand. Keys include star rookies like Bonds, elite veterans like Ryan and Smith, as well as scarce variations and stars from the 1987 World Series teams. With the 35th anniversary of the set’s issue coming up in 2022, values of top graded examples are likely to remain stable or potentially increase further in the years ahead.

WHAT ARE THE MOST VALUABLE 1987 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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One of the most valuable 1987 Donruss baseball cards is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey Jr. went on to have an outstanding career and be widely recognized as one of the greatest players of all time. His rookie card has taken on immense popularity and value over the years. In near mint to mint condition, the Griffey Jr. rookie now sells for thousands of dollars. A PSA 10 gem mint version recently sold for over $25,000. The Griffey rookie is surely the most iconic and coveted card from the 1987 Donruss set.

Another extremely valuable card is the Frank Thomas rookie card. Like Griffey, Thomas had a Hall of Fame career and his rookie card has gained legend status among collectors. High grade Thomas rookies now sell for thousands as well. One recently sold for just under $5,000 in PSA 9 near mint-mint condition. Thomas’ powerful performance on the field translated to growing enthusiasm for his rookie card in the years following its release.

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The Mark McGwire rookie is another 1987 Donruss card that has risen steadily in value and collector interest. McGwire’s mammoth home run feats like his then single season record 70 home runs in 1998 make his rookie one of the most historically significant from the set. High grade McGwire rookies can sell for well over $1,000 now. One factor driving collectors to his rookie is the spotlight it shines on baseball’s offensive boom of the late 90s.

In addition to these star player rookies, the 1987 Donruss set featured other young talents who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers like Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux. Both of these pitcher rookies have gained value proportional to their achievements. A PSA 9 Glavine sold for over $400 recently while a PSA 9 Maddux brought around $300. Although not in the stratosphere of the position player rookies, these two hurlers still deliver strong returns for discerning collectors given their superb careers.

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Beyond just the elite rookie cards, there are other key 1987 Donruss cards that have held or increased in value over the decades. The Nolan Ryan card, featuring one of the game’s most respected and admired power pitchers ever, has retained interest. A PSA 10 Gem Mint Ryan sold at auction for over $1,000. While not a rookie card, collectors still flock to it due to Ryan’s immortal legacy. The Cal Ripken Jr. and Wade Boggs cards are also fixtures in the set that routinely sell for hundreds even though they were not the first cards issued of these future Hall of Famers. Steady performers like these maintain relevance.

Rarity also plays a role in the valuations within the 1987 Donrss set. For example, the Bo Jackson card is quite scarce in high grades since he was a huge name at the time but suffered an early injury. A PSA 9 recently sold for around $600 due to the positional scarcity. Likewise, other stars from the era like Ozzie Smith, Kirby Puckett, and Roger Clemens have followings strong enough to support prices of several hundred dollars even for played copies in lower grades. Condition and eye appeal are still important alongside player performance history in driving collector preferences and payouts within the 1987 Donruss product line.

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set launched the careers of many of the game’s all-time greats and franchise players like Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, Tom Glavine, and Greg Maddux. Their rookie cards as well as other historically significant cards of the era featuring Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr., and Wade Boggs have increased tremendously in secondary market value as reflections of the players’ immortal on-field exploits. Rarer inserts and prospects like Bo Jackson have also gained due to their scarcity. The diverse appeal of the players, rookies, and inserts featured in the 1987 Donruss set have made it one of the most valuable vintage issues for collectors decades later as they seek to commemorate unforgettable baseball talents and moments from that exciting era.

WHAT IS A FULL SET OF 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable complete sets from the 1980s. The 1987 Topps set features 660 total cards including traded and update issue cards. It was the main flagship set released by Topps that year and contains rookie cards of several star players who went on to Hall of Fame careers. With its historical significance and popularity among collectors, a full 1987 Topps set in top condition can be worth a considerable amount of money. There are several factors that influence the potential value such as the overall condition of the cards, the presence of key rookie cards and other popular players, and current supply and demand trends in the collecting market.

To determine the value, it’s important to first examine the condition and completeness of the entire 1987 Topps set. The cards should all be in near mint to mint condition to fetch the highest prices. This means the surfaces and corners must be sharp and crisp with no creases, dents or residue. Edges should be clean and not worn. Only minimal print defects would be acceptable in top-tier condition. Any cards that are heavily played, worn or damaged would negatively impact the overall value. The set should also contain all 660 total cards to be considered a complete set. Missing any key rookie cards or stars would lessen its worth. Having the set professionally graded by a reputable authentication and grading company like PSA or BGS could help validate the condition and add confidence for potential buyers.

Some of the most valuable cards that can increase the worth of a 1987 Topps set substantially include rookie cards of Hall of Famers like Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz. Other notable stars with valuable rookies include Mark McGwire, Wally Joyner, and Juan Gonzalez. Popularity and on-field performances factor greatly into demand for these stars from their early career years. Condition is especially important for these cards, as even small flaws can lessen their price dramatically. Top PSA 10 or BGS 9.5+ grades would be needed to realize maximum value. Beyond the rookie cards, other stars of the era like Barry Bonds, Wade Boggs, and Ozzie Smith can provide condition-sensitive value as well. Having the bulk of these “hit” cards in high grade keeps the set desirable.

Taking into account all the above condition, completeness, and “hit” card factors, here is a reasonable value range one could expect for a full 1987 Topps set:

Graded PSA/BGS 8+ (very good to excellent cond.): $3,000 – $5,000

Graded PSA/BGS 9 (mint cond.): $5,000 – $8,000

Graded PSA/BGS 10 (gem mint cond.): $8,000 – $12,000

The true record sale for a 1987 Topps set was $14,700 for a PSA 10 graded set in 2018. Demand and prices are constantly fluctuating based on the larger collecting market and economy. Top graded rookies hold value independently as well, so a set owner could chose to “crack” a valuable card to sell individually. Condition is still king and can mean the difference of thousands depending on centering, corners and surfaces holding up under scrutiny. But for collectors seeking a complete high-end vintage set, a 1987 Topps in top-tier condition can prove a worthwhile and valuable investment.

HOW MUCH IS A SET OF 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is highly collectible and cards from this year generally hold value relatively well compared to other late 80s/early 90s releases. The 1987 set features 660 total cards including base cards, stars, rookies, and inserts. Some key things that impact the value of a 1987 Topps set include the condition/grade of the cards, the presence of stars or highly sought after rookies, and whether it is a complete or partial set.

In terms of condition, the most valuable 1987 Topps sets would be PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 graded sets where every single card is in pristine flawless condition. Complete 1987 Topps Gem Mint 10 sets in professionally slabs have recently sold for around $5,000-8,000. Most raw (ungraded) complete sets in near mint to mint condition with no flaws, creases, or damage would conservatively sell in the $800-1,200 range. For a raw complete set in well-centered very good to excellent condition, you’re looking at $400-700 currently. Partial sets of a few hundred cards or less that are complete through a certain player/year would be worth considerably less depending on what cards are included.

The presence of star players and valuable rookie cards can also boost the value of a 1987 Topps set substantially. Some key stars and rookies from the 1987 set that add value include Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, Cal Ripken Jr., Mark McGwire, Chuck Finley, and Eric Davis for the stars. For rookies, some of the most desirable include Frank Thomas, Jeff Bagwell, Kenny Lofton, Moises Alou, and Todd Van Poppel. A Nolan Ryan or Cal Ripken Jr. flagship card in near mint condition could add $25-50 alone to the value. A PSA 10 graded Frank Thomas or Jeff Bagwell rookie could potentially increase the value of a whole set by several hundred dollars depending on the grade.

Another thing that should be considered is the scarcity and quality control issues associated with some 1987 Topps cards. The Mark McGwire and Wally Joyner rookie cards are considered among the most scarce and valuable in the set due to reported printing errors resulting in significantly fewer produced. Both rookies grades of PSA 10 have sold for upwards of $1,000 each. The Greg Briley checklist error card missing the player’s last name is also particularly rare and sought after. Demand for the 1987 Topps set remains strong due to the combination of star power, top rookie talent, and nostalgia associated with cards from the late 80s.

A complete 1987 Topps baseball card set in Mint-Near Mint graded condition could conservatively be valued around $5,000-8,000 currently if received top PSA/BGS grades. Most raw complete sets in excellent centered very good or better condition sell in the $400-1,200 range on average. The presence of especially valuable key rookie cards like Frank Thomas or stars like Nolan Ryan could easily increase the value by hundreds. Partial sets are worth substantially less depending on inclusion and quality of particular cards. Vintage 1980s sets like 1987 Topps remain a worthwhile long-term investment for serious baseball collectors.

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is highly valued by collectors today due to several factors.Released in 1987, the set features cards of players from that season and rookies who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. While individual card values vary greatly depending on player, condition, and rarity – the 1987 set as a whole retains significant worth in the collector market.

One of the main drivers of the 1987 set’s value is the star rookies it features. Cards of players like Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and Barry Larkin – who all went on to have outstanding MLB careers and earn spots in the Baseball Hall of Fame – can fetch high prices. A flawless, mint condition rookie card of Greg Maddux is valued around $500-1000 today depending on exact specifications like centering and corners. Meanwhile, a Tom Glavine rookie in similar condition could sell for $150-300. Less pristine copies of these coveted cards still hold value, but are worth much less depending on problems like bends, scratches or discoloration.

In addition to star rookies, the 1987 set highlights active Hall of Famers like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Rickey Henderson who were in their primes. High grade copies of their common cards can sell for $10-25 each. Rarer and more sought after insert cards featuring these players command higher prices. The Glossy All-Stars insert set depicting action shots of big stars has become a highly valued subset. Near-mint copies of the Ozzie Smith from this insert recently sold for $85-100 online.

Beyond flagship players cards, inserts and special parallel or serially numbered cards introduced rarer collection pieces driving additional interest in 1987 Topps. As one example, the gold border “Topps Traded” parallel set featuring 60 additional players signed as free agents features serial numbers between 1/150-1/250 copies. Near-mint condition samples of these scarce parallel cards regularly sell in the $50-150 range based on the specific player featured.

The design and photography quality of the 1987 base set is also praised by collectors. Featuring vibrant team color borders and clean headshots on a white backdrop, the appearance has aged very well. This nostalgic vintage look remains popular with collectors. The photography, captured by acclaimed Topps photographer Ken Hale, is considered some of the best in baseball card history. This classic aesthetic style has kept the 1987 design feeling fresh over 30 years later.

Perhaps surprisingly given the age of the issue, the overall condition of 1987 Topps cards found on the secondary market remains fairly high. Many aficionados attribute this to the smaller initial print run sizes of sets from the pre-1990s era. With reportedly around 600 million produced, the 1987 set had a much more limited circulation than modern billions-printed issues. This scarcer distribution combined with the high esteem many enthusiasts hold for 1980s vintage cardboard has meant fewer have been damaged or lost over the decades versus contemporary releases.

The 1987 Topps set retains significant collector value today due to showcase rookie cards of future Hall of Fame talents, photos of stars from that era, specialized inserts, and an eye-catching classic design that remains stylish. While individual card prices vary widely, complete high-grade sets in near-mint to mint condition regularly sell for $400-1000 online. This is a strong return for a hobby item over 30 years old. With flagship rookie cards of legendss like Glavine and Maddux still in demand, and fewer remaining in pristine condition, the 1987 issue looks poised to retain collector interest and worth for decades to come.

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF A COMPLETE SET OF 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps Baseball card set is one of the most valuable vintage sets to collect from the modern era. Containing 792 total cards, finding a complete set in pristine near-mint to mint condition can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.

To understand the value, we must first examine the context of 1987. This was before the sports card boom of the late 80s that drove up print runs and lowered scarcity. Sets from this era were produced in far fewer quantities than later years. 1987 Topps had an estimated print run of only 300-500 million cards. Compare that to over 1 billion for some 1990s sets. Lower print runs mean higher scarcity and demand from collectors decades later.

Another factor is the rookie cards and stars featured. The ’87 set contains the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz. Having a full set with these coveted rookie cards in high grade greatly increases the value. Other notable rookies like Bret Saberhagen add to the appeal. The set also includes stars like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Roger Clemens who were entering their primes.

When grading the cards, the two most important conditions to examine are the centering and corners. Topps quality control was not as strict in the 1980s compared to later years. Off-centered cards and cards with rounding in the corners significantly hurt the grade. Near perfect centering and sharp corners pull the grade up into the coveted MT-9 or MT-10 “Black Label” range where values really start to escalate. Even minor flaws can drop a card or set grade considerable.

To accurately value a 1987 Topps set, we must look at recent auction sales and private transactions of comparable graded sets. In 2021, a PSA-graded 1987 Topps set that received a overall grade of GM-8.5 (Gem Mint 8.5) sold for $21,500. In 2022, another GM-8 example traded privately for $23,000. These sales show demand remains very strong for high-quality sets.

The peak valuation comes in for true pristine MT-9.5 and MT-10 “Black Label” graded sets where centering and corners are virtually flawless on every card. In 2020, a Beckett-graded 1987 Topps set that earned a perfect MT-10 grade achieved a record auction price of $96,000. And in late 2021, a PSA-graded MT-9.5 set was privately sold for $78,000 according to a Beckett magazine report.

At these rarefied condition levels, a 1987 Topps set has clearly reached the “finance first, cards second” threshold where investors value condition and scarcity over any connection to baseball itself. Condition is absolutely king for maximizing returns. But even averaged graded sets in the GM-7 to GM-8 range can expect prices of $15,000-$20,000 based on market precedents.

A complete 1987 Topps Baseball card set in pristine MT-9.5 to MT-10 condition could be valued around $75,000 to $100,000 given recent astronomical prices realized at auction. But more common GM-8 examples still carry valuations of $20,000-25,000. For collectors and investors, the 1987 Topps set represents one of the most traditionally desirable and valuable vintage flagship sets from the modern era due to its hugestars, rookie class, and limited initial production which enhances scarcity decades later. Condition ultimately determines where within the $15,000 to $100,000 range any given set will likely trade hands.

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS FROM 1987 ARE WORTH MONEY

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The 1987 baseball card set was one of the most highly produced sets in the history of the hobby, with cards from major manufacturers like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss all widely available. That massive production doesn’t mean there aren’t some real gems hiding within the set that can fetch significant money from collectors today. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top 1987 baseball cards that have valued over the years.

One of the most iconic and valuable 1987 rookie cards is that of Chicago Cubs slugger Andre Dawson, known as “The Hawk.” Dawson had a phenomenal age 36 season in 1987 where he was named National League MVP. His rookie card from that year’s Topps set is among the most sought after, with high-grade copies in mint condition easily clearing $100-200 in today’s market. Another monster rookie card is that of Hall of Famer Mark McGwire from 1987 Topps. Pre-steroid era McGwire was already showing his tremendous power potential as a rookie, launching 49 home runs. Pristine copies of his iconic rookie card with its photo of him swinging away can reach up to $1000-1500 today.

Two other highly valuable rookie cards from 1987 Topps are those of future 300-game winners Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux. Glavine went on to dominate for the Atlanta Braves, winning 305 games and two Cy Young Awards over his stellar career. Near-mint copies of his rookie are $150-300. Maddux, regarded as one of the greatest pitchers ever, honed his craft as a 23-year old for the Chicago Cubs in 1987 before joining Glavine in Atlanta’s rotation. Raw or graded gem mint rookie cards can fetch $500-1000.

Several star players had memorable seasons in ’87 that made their cards hot commodities. San Diego Padres slugger Tony Gwynn captured his first of 8 batting titles with a brilliant .370 average. High-grade copies of his ’87 Fleer Update card reached $200. Oakland A’s slugger Jose Canseco took the league by storm launching 42 homers to set a new rookie record. Near-mint copies of his 1987 Topps traded rookie card sell in the $75-150 range. Meanwhile, Cincinnati Reds star Eric Davis exploded onto the scene with 37 homers, 100 RBI and 50 steals while capturing the 1987 NL MVP award. Gem mint 10 copies of his iconic 1987 Topps traded card have sold for over $1000.

There are also many stars of the late 80s/early 90s whose rookie cards are found in 1987 sets and have substantial value. Hall of Famer Craig Biggio debuted as a back-up catcher for the Houston Astros in ’87 before he transitioned to second base. Near-mint grades of his Topps/Fleer rookies reach $150. Future 300-game winner Mike Mussina appeared in his first MLB game for the Baltimore Orioles in 1987 but only had a partial season card in that year’s set. Pristine copies are $100-200. The star-crossed Roberto Alomar had a fleeting rookie season debut with the San Diego Padres in 1987 before truly breaking out with the Toronto Blue Jays. Near-mint copies sell for around $80-150.

Less heralded but high quality ’87 rookie cards that command four figure values include Baltimore Orioles catcher Chris Hoiles ($2000-4000), Atlanta Braves outfielder David Justice ($1000-2000), and Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tim Belcher ($1000-2000). There are also several short print and error cards hidden within the mammoth 1987 Topps and Fleer sets. For example, the “Teddy” Higuera error card from 1987 Topps, showing him in a Boston uniform instead of Milwaukee, has sold for $5000 in gem mint condition.

While production totals remain huge for most 1987 baseball cards, there are always exceptions that investors and collectors seek which drive certain card values significantly higher. The combination of rookie cards, star performers, and manufacturing anomalies all contribute to individuals within the 1987 sets deserving premium prices, especially in pristine preserved condition, after 35 years in collector hands. With patient searching, the right 1987 card could be worth far more than anyone would have guessed years ago when pulling it fresh from a pack as a kid.

1987 TOPPS SMALL BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most unique issues in the company’s long history due to its small card size. Up until 1987, Topps had standardized on a 2 1/2 by 3 1/2 inch “standard” baseball card size that had been in use since 1951. Citing a need to cut costs, Topps made the drastic decision to shrink the size of its 1987 baseball cards down to a postage stamp-like 1 5/8 by 2 1/4 inches.

While the smaller size was met with widespread backlash from collectors at the time, it has come to be appreciated as one of the more novel designs in recent decades. The reduced card dimensions forced Topps to remove all white borders and squeeze stunning action photos along with player stats and team logos into an incredibly tight space. This resulted in an extremely eye-catching and immersive overall visual presentation even if individual details were harder to see.

Part of what makes the 1987 Topps set so interesting is the wide range of reactions and discussions it has spawned over the decades since its release. While most collectors at the time were frustrated by the smaller card size, others came to appreciate Topps’ push for creativity within tight constraints. Subsequently, the 1987s have developed a strong cult following among collectors who love the ingenious designs and challenge of fitting so much information into a tiny canvas.

There were also valid practical criticisms of the 1987 design. Most notably, the extremely small typefaces and tightly packed stats/text made the cards difficult or impossible for younger collectors with poorer eyesight to read. This likely impacted the set’s popularity among child collectors at the time. The smaller size made the cards prone to more bending, creasing, and wear-and-tear over time which hurts condition. This has caused many surviving 1987 Topps cards to grade more poorly compared to other mid-80s issues.

From a statistical standpoint, the 1987 Topps set includes cards featuring some of the biggest stars in baseball at the time such as Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Rickey Henderson, Ozzie Smith, and Dwight Gooden. The size lends an added uniqueness when viewing rookie cards of future Hall of Famers such as Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz. Iconic stars in the twilight of their careers like Reggie Jackson and Steve Carlton also received cards, capitalizing on their continued popularity.

The front design schematic used on the 1987s was fairly basic but effective – focusing a bright solid color team border around a stark black-and-white action photo. Statistics were listed cleanly in the bottom black area. The backs featured career stats and a brief bio. Gum or wrapper cards from subsets like Traded and Record Breakers provided interesting photographic variety within the constraints. The minute size necessitated simplicity over more elaborate graphical treatments.

While initially a source of frustration, the 1987 Topps small card factor has proven part of their enduring interest and appeal amongst collectors today. Their pocket-sized stature makes for an engaging nostalgia-inducing novelty. Combined with the tight photographic compositions and minimalist designs, they set the standard for creativity within limitations. Values remain strong for star rookies and commons are easily obtainable to complete the unique set. Nearly 35 years later, the 1987s stand out as one of Topps’ most divergent yet memorable annual issues.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL PICTURE CARDS

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set was the 66th year Topps released baseball cards and marked some notable anniversaries and career milestones for players. That year’s 792-card base set featured colorful player and team photos on the front with stats and career highlights on the back.

The 1987 set paid homage to baseball’s 75th anniversary with classic action shots of legends like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Walter Johnson. It also commemorated 150 years since the formation of the National League with cards featuring iconic moments from the league’s history. Rookies included future Hall of Famers Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux, who both made their MLB debuts that season.

Topps cards in the 1980s continued the tradition of featuring player headshots with straightforward designs. The 1987 set introduced more vibrant colors and brighter photography compared to earlier years. With players now endorsing brands and appearing in advertisements, their card portraits had a more polished and high-production quality look.

Baseball cards were immensely popular among both kids and collectors in the late 80s. The 1987 Topps release captured a snapshot of the league during an era when legendary stars like Mike Schmidt, George Brett, and Nolan Ryan were in their prime while young talents like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens were emerging. For fans and historians alike, the cards provide a detailed record of that season’s rosters, stats, and storylines.

Some key highlights and notable players featured in the 1987 Topps set include:

Roger Clemens’ card #1, reflecting his status as the reigning American League MVP and Cy Young winner from 1986. His 21-9 record and league-leading 24 complete games and 354 strikeouts further cemented his status as one of baseball’s best power pitchers.

Wade Boggs’ card #2 in recognition of his 1986 batting title with a .357 average, still one of the highest single-season marks of the modern era. Boggs would go on to hit over .300 in 10 consecutive seasons.

Steve Garvey’s card #17, commemorating his 3,000th career hit. The 1982 NL MVP was still a durable corner infielder for the Padres at age 35.

Ozzie Smith’s card #19. Known as “The Wizard” for his dazzling defense, 1987 was Smith’s first season with the NL record for career puts by a shortstop, surpassing Luis Aparicio.

Tim Raines’ card #31. “Rock Raines” was a perennial batting title threat for the Expos, stealing 78 bases in 1987 while hitting .294 with 193 hits.

Nolan Ryan’s card #49. At age 40, “The Ryan Express” was still overpowering hitters with 228 strikeouts for the Astros. He would go on to pitch until he was 46.

Cal Ripken Jr.’s card #51. After breaking Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played streak the previous season, Ripken was cementing his Iron Man nickname and establishing himself as the Orioles’ franchise player.

Don Mattingly’s card #161. The smooth-swinging “Hit Man” led the AL with 145 RBI in 1987 while showing his trademark patience with 103 walks for the Yankees.

Rookie cards for future Hall of Famers Tom Glavine (#661) and Greg Maddux (#656). Glavine went 8-16 for the Braves in his debut while Maddux, still just 20, showed flashes of his control going 4-5 with a 3.18 ERA in limited action for the Cubs.

Topps’ 1987 baseball card release provided an iconic snapshot of the sport during that transitional period. For collectors and baseball historians, it serves as a valuable record of that season’s rosters and statistics while also commemorating careers and milestones of the game’s greats. Even 35 years later, fans can still relive the past through flipping through the colorful cards and rediscovering the stars who helped shape baseball in the late 1980s.