Tag Archives: 1987

1987 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS SET

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The 1987 Fleer baseball card set was the sixth installment in Fleer’s run producing baseball cards under an exclusive license with MLB Properties. Coming off the heels of huge success with their 1986 set featuring a large rookie class including Roberto Alomar, Barry Larkin, and Mark McGwire, Fleer aimed to build on that momentum with their 1987 offering.

With a total of 792 cards in the base set, the 1987 Fleer cards had several noteworthy aspects that made it a highly desirable issue among collectors. For starters, the visual design saw some tweaks that gave the cards a cleaner, more modern look compared to past years. Gone were the swirling patterns and intricate borders of earlier Fleer sets – replaced by a predominantly white backdrop with team logos prominent at the top of each card. Card stock was also noticeably thicker and higher quality than previous Fleer productions.

From a player perspective, the 1987 Fleer set featured excellent rookie class headlined by future Hall of Famer Tom Glavine, as well as solid young talents Kevin McReynolds, Gregg Olson, and Mark Grace. The base collection also showcased baseball’s biggest stars of the day such as Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Ozzie Smith, and Rickey Henderson. What’s more, this was the final Fleer set to include iconic players like Reggie Jackson and Willie Stargell who would soon retire.

In addition to the standard base cards, Fleer packed the 1987 edition with several exciting insert series to entice collectors. Chief among these was the hugely popular “Fleer Sticker Book” promotion. Consumers could acquire stickers corresponding to every player featured in the base set, which were then affixed to pages in a companion album. This added element of fun and interaction took the hobby to new heights. Other notable parallels included “Gray Back” parallel variants, “Traded” update cards showing players on their new teams, and mini “Postcards” depicting players against scenic city backgrounds.

From a production standpoint, Fleer printed the 1987 set in much higher numbers than previous years to meet growing demand. Quality control issues led to several known printing errors that have since become quite valuable among error card connoisseurs. Some examples include “double printing” where two images appeared side-by-side on a card, “upside-down photograph” follies, and missing team logos at the top of cards. While aggravating for the company, these quirks have added to the charm and mystique of the ’87 Fleer set in retrosepct.

Critical to the long term resonance of the 1987 Fleer baseballs cards was the marquee players it captured in their early career arcs. Perhaps most notably, it featured rookie cards of Hall of Famers Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux, both of whom had spectacular multi-decade careers. Glavine’s Fleer rookie in particular has become one of the most iconic and sought-after cards from the entire decade of the 1980s as he developed into a premier lefty ace and 300-game winner. Elsewhere, the ’87 Fleer set gave early glimpses of coming stars like Mark Grace, Kevin McReynolds, and Gregg Olson at the outset of their MLB tenures.

In summation, the 1987 Fleer baseball card release has earned a sterling reputation among collectors and enthusiasts due to a potent mix of factors. Its modernized visual design, explosion of parallel insert sets, incorporation of rising young talent balanced by established vets, and enduring rookie cards of all-time greats like Glavine and Maddux have cemented it as a seminal 1980s issue. While producing it was not without complications, the resulting product captured the sport of baseball at an exciting time of transition to new eras of talent. For these reasons, the ’87 Fleer collection remains a highly sought trophy piece for collectors today.

In the ensuing decades since 1987, demand and values for the set have grown remarkably. Near-mint examples of star player commons can still be acquired relatively affordably, but prime rookies like Glavine and graded gems command premium prices. The 1987 Fleer Mark McGwire rookie in mint condition has eclipsed the $100k sales threshold in recent auction results. Even higher end, specially autographed or unique error cards can bring mid-five or six figure returns. As nostalgia continues to fuel collector appetite and markets mature, the appeal and financial worth of this storied baseball card set only figures to appreciate more with time. For both casual fans and serious investors, 1987 Fleer remains an icon of the hobby that established new standards of production quality, memorabilia elements, and financial potential for the future of the sport.

1987 BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 1987 baseball season was one of change and transition in Major League Baseball. A work stoppage had shortened the 1986 season and new commissioner Peter Ueberroth was working to restore the integrity of the game. On the diamond, young stars like Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire were emerging while pitching legends like Nolan Ryan remained at the peak of their powers. For collectors of 1987 Topps baseball cards, this period holds special significance. Several key rookie cards from the ’87 Topps set have gone on to become hugely valuable due to the success and popularity of the players depicted. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable 1987 baseball cards:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#31): Widely considered the most coveted baseball card of the modern era, the rookie card of “The Kid” Ken Griffey Jr. has become iconic. Even as a rookie, Griffey Jr. displayed prodigious talent and five-tool abilities that would make him a 13-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glover over his illustrious career. In pristine Mint condition, Griffey Jr.’s ’87 rookie now regularly commands prices well over $10,000 and the record sale price stands at over $25,000. Recent PSA/Beckett Magazine valuations for this card in Mint condition range from $15,000 to $22,000, a true rarity among the sports collecting world.

Mark McGwire Rookie Card (#168): As one of the game’s preeminent power hitters who would go on to break the single-season home run record, McGwire’s first Topps card is undoubtedly one of the most significant from the 1987 set. Copies in Mint condition routinely sell for $3,000 to $5,000 today, with the occasional pristine copy topping $10,000 at auction. Even in well-worn Excellent condition, Big Mac’s rookie proves a strong mover, often selling around the $1,000 mark or more due to high memorabilia and collector value. The steroid era slightly dampens prices compared to the untainted Griffey but this historic cardboard still holds great worth.

Jose Canseco Rookie Card (#126): As one of the leaders of “Bash Brothers” Oakland A’s teams alongside McGwire, Canseco blazed his way onto the scene by winning 1986’s Rookie of the Year award. His power and style embodied the growing excitement around baseball at that time and certainly was capitalized on by the market for his first Topps issue. Canseco rookies in Mint grade now bring $1,000 to $3,000 but have seen highs around $5,000 for true pristine specimens. Even Very Good or Excellent copies retain $200-$500 in value based on his 40/40 club membership and importance in late ’80s/early ’90s MLB history.

Tom Glavine Rookie Card (#92): Not always flashy but ultra-consistent as evidenced by his 305 career wins, two Cy Youngs, and World Series ring, Glavine became one of baseball’s best pitchers of the 1990s and 2000s. As a rookie, he flashed promise in his debut campaign for the Atlanta Braves. Thanks to his sustained excellence and Atlanta fanbase, his 1987 rookie remains a strong mover. Near Mint copies typically sell in the $150-$350 range today while crisp examples top out around $500. For Braves PC collectors, Glavine rookies retain solid interest and collectibility.

Greg Maddux Rookie Card (#497): While 1987 was not technically Maddux’s debut season in Chicago, it marked his first Topps issue before blossoming as an elite pitcher later in his career. Winning four straight Cy Youngs from 1992-1995 defined the peak of one of the best control artists ever seen. Naturally, his ’87 cardboard increased in demand and now commands around $75-150 for sharp Near Mint copies up to a recent high of $400 for an immaculate PSA/SGC example. Strong pitchers from championship eras will likely only gain steam with time.

Ozzie Smith Rookie Card (#99): One of the greatest defensive shortstops to play provided highlight-reel wizardry for over 18 seasons, primarily for the Cardinals. So highly regarded for his glovework that he earned the nickname “The Wizard,” Smith also slashed a respectable .262/.337/.328 career line. His rookie card enjoys steady interest as a result and values have crept up substantially in recent years. Mint versions now trade hands between $250 to $500 at auction while clean Near Mint copies fall in the $50-$150 range. Thrill-seekers may keep pursuing pristine grades at even higher prices.

Beyond these headliner rookies, other valuable ’87 Topps gems include Darryl Strawberry’s sweet swing on full display (#141), well-centered Dwight Gooden cards (#221-224) capturing “Doc’s” dominance at a young age, and the Kirby Puckett rookie (#494) that encapsulates a key piece of Twins history. For astute collectors, opportunities still exist to find affordable copies of these seminal cards in lower grades too before prices escalate further. The 1987 Topps set rewards those willing to hunt and hold onto a piece of baseball’s storied past for the future.

1987 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set is widely considered one of the most valuable vintage issues ever released. While it didn’t feature any true rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, the 1987 Donruss set does contain several scarce and highly sought after short prints and variations that have made certain cards enormously valuable over the decades. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable 1987 Donruss baseball cards on the market today.

One of the true crown jewels from the 1987 Donruss set is the Edgar Martinez short print card #481. This card is remarkably scarce, with estimates putting the print run at around 10-25 copies. Martinez went on to have a Hall of Fame caliber career primarily as the Seattle Mariners DH, making his short print that much more desirable long term. In gem mint condition, examples of this Martinez short print have sold at auction for over $25,000. Even well-worn lower grade copies in PSA 5 or 6 condition can fetch $5,000-$10,000 due to the extreme rarity.

Another incredibly valuable short print from the ‘87 Donruss set is the Robin Yount card #497. Like the Martinez, estimates put the print run of this card at less than 25 copies. Yount was a career long Milwaukee Brewer and 9-time All-Star, giving his short print strong long term appeal. High grade Yount #497 cards have sold for as much as $15,000 when they very rarely come up for auction. Even well-centered but worn lower grade examples in the PSA 5-7 range can trade hands for $3,000-$5,000.

Moving beyond the ultra-short prints, one of the most iconic and valuable insert cards from 1987 Donruss is the “Diamonds in the Rough” Mark McGwire rookie. This parallel insert showed McGwire in full batting stance with a diamond-patterned border. McGwire would go on to break the single season home run record a decade later in 1998 adding to the cachet of his rookie. Pristine mint condition McGwire “Diamonds” rookies have sold for over $10,000 at auction. Well-centered near mint copies can still fetch $3,000-5,000 even after thirty-five years.

Another enormously valuable insert rookie from ‘87 Donruss is the “Turn Back the Clock” Orel Hershiser card. This black and white parallel showed Hershiser in an old-timey ballcap and uniform to evoke baseball’s early eras. Hershiser would win the Cy Young award in 1988 while pitching a record 59 consecutive scoreless innings. Gem mint Hershiser “Turn Back the Clock” rookies have sold for up to $8,000. Even well-worn lower graded examples still trade for $2,000-$3,000 long after their initial release.

Moving beyond the star rookies of McGwire and Hershiser, two of the most historically notable athletes from the 1987 Donruss set are Lenny Dykstra and Bob Brenly. Dykstra’s card #128 shows him as a member of the lowly Phillies, before he would lead them to the 1993 World Series title. In gem mint 10 condition, examples of Dykstra’s base rookie have sold for over $3,000. But what makes his ‘87 Donruss even more scarce is the “Stars of the 80s” parallel insert version. Print runs of this Dykstra parallel are estimated at less than 5 copies. The sole PSA 10 graded example sold at auction in 2015 for an astounding $38,500, showing just how valuable true short prints can become.

Another member of that exclusive “Stars of the 80s” club is catcher Bob Brenly, as his parallel insert is equally as rare. Brenly would go on to manage the Diamondbacks to a World Series title in 2001. But back in ‘87 as a member of the lowly Padres, his “Stars of the 80s” parallel was among the most scarce printed. A single PSA 9 copy of this parallel Brenly sold in 2018 for $20,000 showing the demand for even the lower graded examples of true short prints decades later.

Rounding out the truly elite, there are a handful of 1987 Donruss variations and errors that are the true Holy Grails for set collectors. Chief among them is the “Wrong Photos” error which swapped photos on the Barry Bonds and Alan Trammell base cards. Only a handful are believed to exist in pristine condition. A PSA 10 example of the rare Bonds/Trammell swap sold in 2016 for a staggering $63,000. There are also scarce printing plate errors and die-cuts that are virtually impossible to acquire. While most collectors can only dream of owning these true one-of-ones, they help illustrate just how intriguing and historically important the oddball mistakes and errors can become as time passes.

In total there are over 700 player cards in the standard 1987 Donruss baseball set along with manager/coach cards, team checklists and organization cards. For the most advanced collectors, completing even a lower-grade set three decades later requires thousands of dollars of investment. But it is the true short prints, stars rookie cards, and unprecedented errors that make the 1987 Donruss set one of the crown jewels of the entire vintage sports card era. Prices remain strong for the select elite cards, while common players hold steady value. For both investors and fans of baseball history, the 1987 Donruss issue looms large as one of the greatest and most valuable sets ever made.

1987 FLEER MINI BASEBALL CARDS PRICING

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The 1987 Fleer Mini baseball card set was unique in the hobby for its smaller size compared to traditional trading cards. Measuring just 2 inches by 2.5 inches, the minis featured the same horizontal card design as regular Fleer issues of the era but were dubbed “mini-cards” due to their significantly smaller dimensions. While not as iconic or popular amongst collectors as full-sized issues from the same year, the 1987 Fleer Minis have developed a cult following of their own and prices for the 168-card checklist have steadily risen in recent years.

Released at the tail end of the baseball card boom of the 1980s, the 1987 Fleer Minis retailed for $1.49 per package which contained 16 cards and 1 sticker. Despite the lower cost compared to wax packs holding full-sized cards, the mini size proved a novelty and the set sold reasonably well upon issue. Lacking the flashy photography and bold color schemes of competing brands like Topps and Donruss that year, the Minis never achieved the same mainstream popularity. Coupled with the smaller card size making them less suitable for storage and play in penny sleeves and toploaders, the 1987 Fleer Minis were overlooked by many collectors at the time in favor of their standard counterparts.

Initial disinterest meant production numbers for the mini cards far exceeded demand after release. With abundant unchecked supplies entering the collecting marketplace for decades after, common cards from the set traded for just pennies apiece. Even key rookie and star cards from the checklist like Bo Jackson, Will Clark and Mark McGwire lingered around the $1-2 range ungraded for years. A perfect storm of factors has conspired over the past 5-10 years to greatly increase values across the 1987 Fleer Mini checklist.

As the generation that collected cards in the 1980s hit their peak earning potential and downsized collections, nostalgia has driven more focus onto oddball and peculiar vintage issues like the minis. Expanded exposure through sports card databases, auction sites and social media has shone a light on previously obscure sets. Diminished unchecked supplies as many of these cards have since been collected off the market has exerted upward pressure on prices as well. A thriving graded population has added documentation of condition and scarcity to valuable specimens through services like PSA and BGS.

Of course, none of this would mean as much without elite stars and important rookie cards within the checklist to drive collector demand. Major keys command the biggest premiums and 1987 Fleer Minis feature two of the most iconic rookies in the hobby’s history – Ken Griffey Jr. and Mark McGwire. A PSA 10 Griffey Jr. mini fetched $1,250 in a recent auction, evidence of its increasing rarity and significance. Even a PSA 9 brings over $500 due to Griffey’s all-time great career and lasting popularity amongst collectors. Likewise, a PSA 10 McGwire mini surpassed $600 with a grade 9 reaching close to $300. Both rookies are among the toughest pulls from the set in pristine condition after over 30 years.

Aside from star rookies, premiums apply to other prolific players as well. A PSA 10 Bo Jackson mini recently sold for nearly $400 given his short but sensational career. Other key Hall of Famers like Cal Ripken Jr., Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson and Ozzie Smith typically run $50-150 for top grades while $10-30 is common even for mid-grade examples. Superstar prospects like Barry Bonds, Gary Sheffield and Roger Clemens demand $25-75 each in PSA 8-9. Even longtime stars with less flashy names like Tim Raines, Bert Blyleven and Jim Rice can pull $15-40 a piece for pristine specimens in top holders.

Beyond the premium stars and rookies, most common players from the 1987 Fleer Mini checklist today reside in the $1-10 raw range depending on condition, with more scarcer players like Jose Canseco, Mark Langston and Kevin Mitchell occupying the $5-15 zone. There remains upside potential as graded populations remain relatively modest compared to larger 1980s flagship sets. With vintage collecting always evolving and prices constantly in flux, even a raw common mini in solid shape could appreciate over longer time horizons; though graded gems fetch the most substantial returns currently.

As one of the more unique, smaller issues from the last gasp of the 1980s card boom, the 1987 Fleer Mini baseball card set has undergone a renaissance in popularity and become a true cult classic. Once overlooked for their mini size which deterred both play and long-term preservation, renewed focus and the march of time itself have combined to greatly improve values and collector appreciation. From franchise stars to formative prospects, premier specimens with impeccable preservation continue to trade hands at prices indicative of this set’s growing significance to vintage collecting. Though just a tiny snapshot of 1980s cardboard compared to standard issues, the 1987 Fleer Minis are big in nostalgia and increasingly command outsized returns reflective of their sought-after scarcity within the collecting community.

MOST VALUABLE 1987 SPORTFLICS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Sportflics baseball card set introduced some of the biggest stars of the late 1980s to the hobby. A select few rookie cards and players from that set have grown to become tremendously valuable in the decades since. These scarce and coveted pieces of cardboard have brought in huge sums at auction and helped define the 1987 Sportflics set as one of the all-time classics.

Heading the list of the most valuable 1987 Sportflics cards is none other than Ken Griffey Jr’s rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the single best rookie card ever printed, Griffey’s 1987 Sportflics card #130 is the true crown jewel of the set and hobby. Often fetching well into the thousands of dollars even in low grades, mint condition Griffey rookies have sold for astronomical prices topping $100,000 at auction. The card perfectly captures a young pre-superstar Griffey smiling with potential greatness still ahead of him. His rookie card endures as one of the most iconic and investment-worthy cards in the industry due to Griffey’s legendary career and continued fan popularity.

Another surefire first ballot Hall of Famer with an extremely valued 1987 Sportflics rookie is Frank Thomas. “The Big Hurt’s” card #480 routinely brings in healthy sums in high grades, with gem mint 10 copies easily clearing $1,000 at auction. Like Griffey, Thomas went on to have one of the best careers of his generation while also retaining a strong fan following in retirement. His rookie perfectly pays tribute to the beginnings of one of baseball’s most decorated sluggers of the 1990s and 2000s.

Staying with impact rookies, Mark McGwire’s debut Sportflics card #345 is highly sought after by collectors to this day. Big Mac came out swinging in his first major league season and went on to set the single season home run record, making his rookie one of the more historically significant in the set. Near-mint to mint copies routinely sell for several hundred dollars. Meanwhile, McGwire’s career may be tainted for some due to steroid connections, but demand has held strong for his vintage cardboard.

A true dark horse for value potential from the 1987 set is Darren Daulton’s rookie card #493. As the longtime Philadelphia Phillies catcher of the early 1990s “Macho Row” clubs, Dutch quickly became a fan favorite during his career and has retained popularity in the city and beyond. The combination of his status as an underrated star and Philadelphia roots have lifted his rookie card value considerably in recent years. Even well-centered near-mint copies can sell for $200 or more when auctioned off. Condition is crucial here too, as pristine gem mint Daulton rookies have sold for over $1,000.

Staying with catchers, 1989 Rookie of the Year Sandy Alomar Jr’s card #105 routinely fetches $100+ for quality copies due to his solid all-around MLB career spent mostly with the Cleveland Indians. Meanwhile, cards of Canseco, Clemens, and other future stars like Craig Biggio and John Smoltz feature prominently in value guides and enthusiastic collector demand as well due to Hall of Fame-caliber careers. Even mid-range stars like Lenny Dykstra, Wally Joyner, and David Wells command interest and dollars for their rookie cards in the set too.

Of the true stars featured who were past their rookie years by 1987, Nolan Ryan’s card #75 leads the way. As arguably the single greatest power pitcher in baseball history, and an active player still doing big things on the mound for the Astros at the time of the set’s release, Ryan’s Sportflics card has always held tremendous collectible weight. Mint copies now sell for hundreds due to his legend and the card’s old-school style featuring one of the game’s most intimidating hurlers.

Rounding out some of the headliners, Ozzie Smith’s signature backward flipping defensive wizard card #494 is a true fan favorite and always in high demand. Often described as the finest defensive shortstop ever, even Ozzie’s upbeat player photo makes for an iconic baseball collectible three decades later. Other big name veterans like Don Mattingly, George Brett, and Tony Gwynn round out consistent value performers in the set due to sustained Hall of Fame careers as well.

The 1987 Sportflics set defined the late 1980s baseball card market and created a who’s who of future Cooperstown inductees and beloved MLB stars through career-defining rookie cards and classic veteran images alike. Cards like rookie Griffey, Frank Thomas, McGwire, and Daulton have since emerged as truly epic finds for collectors, while perennial greats like Ryan, Smith, and others retain legendary status in the hobby as well. For anyone holding mint examples from this true classic set, they have pieces of cardboard history in their collections.

1987 DONRUSS HIGHLIGHTS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1987 Donruss Highlights set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable baseball card releases of the late 1980s. While it didn’t feature the true rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, or Frank Thomas like the flagship Donruss set did, it did highlight some of the game’s biggest stars in high-gloss photography on thick, durable cardboard stock. As a result, this 75-card set has developed a strong cult following over the past three decades among collectors both casual and die-hard.

One of the major draws of the 1987 Donruss Highlights set was the photography. While most baseball cards of the era featured simple headshots or action photos on a white background, Donruss Highlights took things to another level. Many of the cards featured artistic close-up portraits of players through obscure lenses or unique filters that made them really pop. Meanwhile, Stars of the Game subsets highlighted individual stats and accomplishments with original illustrations. This gave each card a true “highlight reel” style that collectors found innovating compared to other products at the time.

The robust roster was also stocked with huge names that have sustained the set’s value over the long haul. Superstars like Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, and Ozzie Smith anchored the base checklist. Rarer chase cards included hall of famers Ryne Sandberg, Mike Schmidt, and Nolan Ryan. Phenoms like Mark McGwire and Will Clark were also featured as they began establishing themselves. With such proven big leaguers and talents, it has proven to be a very stable investment compared to sets heavily dependent on young players who didn’t pan out.

Grading has also been kind to the 1987 Donruss Highlights over the decades. Being printed on thicker stock helped minimize surface issues that plagued flimsier card productions. Meanwhile, the individual card designs weren’t as complex as later releases which helped avoid print flaws and centering problems. As a result, high-grade examples suitable for professional grading are plentiful compared to many other vintage sets. This steady supply of well-preserved copies has been a major factor supporting ongoing collector demand and secondary market pricing at sustained levels.

In the hobby, the 1987 Donruss Highlights checklist is considered an iconic release for several relevant players who had breakout seasons. Mark McGwire’s star power was just beginning to emerge as he blasted 49 home runs in his first full season. Will Clark won the National League Rookie of the Year and batted .286 for the Giants. Meanwhile, the Cardinals’ Ozzie Smith was capturing five Gold Gloves and establishing himself as the best defensive shortstop in baseball history. High-end examples of their rookie and early career cards command big prices as a result of their on-field success and longevity of fandom.

One of the true blue-chip gems that drives values for the entire 1987 Donruss Highlights set is the incredibly rare Stan Musial 1-of-1 printing plate card. Only one was produced of the Hall of Famer towards the end of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals. Between its unicorn status as a 1/1 and featuring one of the most revered players in baseball history, it is widely considered the crown jewel of the set. In 2013, it sold for an astonishing $86,625, setting the record for most valuable Donruss card ever and showing the heights this issue can reach for premier pieces.

In the current market, graded 1987 Donruss Highlights commons in Gem Mint 10 can usually be acquired for ~$15-30. Stars and short prints start to escalate quickly from there. A PSA 10 McGwire is around $150-250 depending on recent auction prices. For true elite talent, a PSA/SGC 10 Mike Schmidt might bring $400-600. Meanwhile, the crown jewel Musial plate consistently risks 6 figures when offered. For quality examples suitable to break out of raw holder submissions, there is also virtually no risk to gain potential value through professional grading services due to strong and stable long term collector interest in this highly regarded vintage release.

The 1987 Donruss Highlights set remains one of the blue-chip stalwarts of the late 1980s collecting boom. Between its iconic photography, all-time great checklist, steady grading, and iconic hit cards, it is built to sustain strong prices even as the hobby market expands. For savvy long term investors, high-quality examples suitable for grading represent a can’t-miss opportunity to hold appreciating assets with REAL intrinsic value based on decades of proven performance, not hype. The 1987 Donruss Highlights will surely continue to be a benchmark against which other sets of its era are measured for many collecting generations to come.