Tag Archives: 1987

1987 FLEER AWARD WINNERS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Fleer Award Winners set featured cards highlighting some of baseball’s top individual award winners from the 1986 season. It was the second such set released by Fleer following the successful 1986 Award Winners issue. Like the previous year’s set, the 1987 version contained cards for winners of the Cy Young Award, MVP Award, and Rookie of the Year Award from both the American and National Leagues.

A total of 12 cards made up the 1987 Fleer Award Winners set. Each featured a colorful design displaying the award logo and text highlighting the player’s award-winning accomplishments from 1986. For the first time, Fleer included separate cards for both the American and National League Cy Young winners instead of just one card for both. This increased the set from 8 cards in 1986 to the full 12 cards in 1987.

The set led off with cards for the 1986 AL and NL Cy Young Award winners – Angels pitcher Mike Witt and Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden. Witt went 24-11 with a 2.84 ERA for the Angels in 1986 to capture his first Cy Young. Gooden, meanwhile, followed up his Rookie of the Year season in 1984 with an impressive 24-4 record and career-best 1.53 ERA to earn his second Cy Young at just 22 years old.

Next up were the 1986 AL and NL MVP winners – Red Sox outfielder Jim Rice and Mets first baseman Gary Carter. Rice hit .324 with 39 home runs and a league-leading 145 RBIs, leading the Red Sox to the AL East title in his final season. Carter hit .295 with 25 home runs and a career-high 105 RBIs from the leadoff spot to help power the Mets’ rotation-led charge to a World Series championship.

The 1987 set then featured cards for the 1986 AL and NL Rookie of the Year winners – Angels first baseman Wally Joyner and Dodgers outfielder Tim Raines. Joyner batted .252 with 13 home runs and 65 RBIs in his rookie campaign for the Angels. Raines stole 70 bases and scored 108 runs to capture the NL honors at age 29 after finally getting regular playing time in Los Angeles.

Completing the 1987 Fleer Award Winners checklist were cards for the recipients of MLB’s major annual awards – the AL and NL Comeback Players of the Year, the Sporting News Player of the Year, and the Babe Ruth Award winner for postseason performance. The 1986 recipients were Tigers pitcher Walt Terrell (AL), Cubs third baseman Ron Cey (NL), Red Sox pitcher Roger Clemens (Player of the Year), and Mets pitcher Ron Darling (Babe Ruth Award).

The 1987 Fleer Award Winners set featured a star-studded collection of the game’s biggest individual award recipients and performances from the previous season. The colorful artwork and informative front text highlighted each player’s achievement. For collectors, it provided a unique annual set beyond the standard rookie and regular issue card releases of the time. While not particularly rare, 1987 Fleer Award Winners cards remain widely popular among both vintage baseball card and individual player collectors. The set has endured as one of the premium annual issues produced during the baseball card boom of the 1980s.

The 1987 Fleer Award Winners set showed the expansion of the concept pioneered in 1986 to feature cards for a full dozen of baseball’s major annual award recipients. Featuring the likes of Mike Witt, Dwight Gooden, Jim Rice and Gary Carter, it commemorated the sport’s top individual performances of the 1986 season in colorful, informative card form. The set became an established annual tradition during the golden age of baseball cards in the late 1980s.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS TO LOOK FOR

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered by many collectors to be one of the most iconic issues in the brand’s long history. While it may not contain the hugely valuable rookie cards of sets from the 1950s and 1980s, there are still several key cards collectors seek out from the ’87 Topps series. Let’s take a look at some of the top cards to keep an eye out for from that set.

Perhaps the most well-known card is the Reggie Jackson photo variation. The standard Jackson card shows him batting from the left side of the plate. There is a much rarer variation where he is swinging from the right. Only a handful are known to exist, making it one of the true Holy Grail cards for collectors of the era. While PSA or BGS Gem Mint examples have sold for over $100,000, even well-centered, graded copies in the $10,000-20,000 range show how significant a find this card is.

Another hugely valuable variation is the “error” Ozzie Smith card. The regular issue depicts Ozzie in a Cardinals uniform as it should. A small number were accidentally printed showing him in Padres brown and yellow by mistake. He had been traded from St. Louis to San Diego in the 1986 offseason. Only about 10 of these misprinted cards are known to exist today. In top grades, it can rival or surpass the Jackson photo var in price given its extreme rarity.

For team set collectors, high-numbered cards of franchise legends can also hold value. One to watch out for is the Ivan DeJesus Cubs card (#660). As one of the last real stars of the iconic ’69 Cubs, high-grade copies of his ’87 issue can reach $500-1000 due to Cubs fans’ nostalgia. Similar cards include Harold Baines (#669) for the White Sox and Jim Rice (#673) for the Red Sox. Though common otherwise, high grades boost their value significantly.

Rookies are also an area to pay attention to. While none eclipse stars like Griffey Jr. from later years, some do command 4-figure prices. Perhaps the most desired is the Mark McGwire (#444) card. His rookie season saw him blast 49 homers as one of the game’s emerging power threats. PSA/BGS 10 exemplars have cracked $5000. Bob Welch (#443), Lenny Dykstra (#471), and Tim Belcher (#505) are other rookie cards that can reach $1000+ in pristine condition.

Lastly, while not overly valuable money-wise, rare error cards are highly sought after by niche collectors. One is the Walt Weiss Cardinals card (#491), which was mistakenly printed on the glossy stock usually reserved for traded players. Another is the Oddibe McDowell Angels card (#510), where his photo is replaced by another player by accident. In high grades with the visible errors, these unconventional pieces can attract $200-400 bids online.

While the 1987 Topps set as a whole is relatively affordable to complete, hidden amongst the sea of common players are several key stars, variations, and rookie cards that hold significant collector value–especially in top condition. For enthusiasts of the set or era, keeping an eye out for the cards profiled here could unearth a true gem to enhance any vintage baseball card collection. Overall it remains one of the most beloved issues in the hobby’s history due to its memorable photography and nostalgia for the players and seasons it captures.

MOST VALUABLE 1987 LEAF BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Leaf Baseball card set launched card collecting into the modern era. This was the first major set to feature highly stylized photographs beyond simply athlete portraits. Due to increased popularity and scarcity, several cards from the 1987 Leaf set have become extremely valuable today. Below we examine 5 of the most valuable and sought after 1987 Leaf baseball cards that regularly sell for thousands of dollars in near-mint condition.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1)
Widely considered one of the most iconic rookie cards of all time, the Ken Griffey Jr. card from the 1987 Leaf set is the undisputed king. Griffey would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and was already a can’t-miss prospect at the time of this release. The card depicts a youthful Griffey crouched down and featured dazzling action photography that set the standard. In pristine mint condition, this treasure has sold for over $100,000, with most NM examples bringing $5,000-10,000 still. Even well-worn copies in lower grades command over $500 due to Griffey’s popularity and the debut of his rookie card before the 1989 Upper Deck set.

Frank Thomas Rookie Card (#77)
Only Griffey exceeds the value of the Frank Thomas rookie. “The Big Hurt” would go on to have one of the most dominant and consistent careers of any hitter in MLB history. His Leaf debut card shows Thomas unleashing a powerful swing. Like Griffey, he was recognized as a future star from this early date. NM copies have sold for over $10,000, though $4,000-6,000 is a more reasonable price range today for a gem mint PSA 10 example of this highly influential card.

Mark McGwire Rookie Card (#148)
Before steroid allegations tainted his legacy, Mark McGwire was beloved as the home run king who revived baseball’s popularity. His rookie portrait card is quite valuable, having last sold for over $3,000 in NM condition. McGwire’s prodigious power potential was evident from early on, making this an important piece of baseball card history. Well-kept examples should earn $1,000-2,000 for knowledgeable collectors.

Barry Bonds Rookie Card (#260)
Few could have predicted the greatness of Barry Bonds from his rookie portrait in the 1987 Leaf set. Bonds would go on to shatter the all-time home run record and become perhaps the most dominant overall player ever. Today, in high grades his card sells for between $1,500-3,000. While not in the same Griffey/Thomas/McGwire tier, it’s a noteworthy piece of history from a truly unique (if controversial) career arc in the game.

Roger Clemens Rookie Card (#331)
Along with Bonds, Clemens was one of the game’s most debated stars of the steroid era. Prior to allegations, Clemens established himself as perhaps the greatest pitching pitcher of all time. His clean-cut rookie card is among the most aesthetically pleasing in the 1987 Leaf set. High-grade copies have sold for over $1,000, with $500-800 being average for a well-kept PSA/BGS graded example in the hands of an avid collector.

While not all were obvious future Hall of Famers at the time of issue, the 1987 Leaf set debuted some true icons of the sport. For this reason, examples of these players’ rookie cards in pristine condition are highly sought after over 35 years later. With more than 700 total cards, there are also plenty of opportunities to collect other stars and prospects more affordably from this innovative and historic leaf releases. Due to short printed runs, the supply does not meet demand for rookie cards of players like Griffey, Thomas, McGwire and others who became all-time greats. This scarcity is a big reason why select 1987 Leaf cards remain exceptionally valuable collectibles today.

SPORTSCARD PRO 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS EBAY

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set was the 66th edition of Topps’ venerable flagship baseball card series. The set features 792 total cards and had some memorable rookie cards as well as fun oddball subset inserts. With its mix of stars, prospects, and oddities, the ’87 Topps set remains a popular vintage baseball card collection for enthusiasts. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the highlights and explore what 1987 Topps cards may be fetching on the popular auction site eBay.

One of the biggest storylines from the 1987 season was the emergence of 22-year old slugger Mark McGwire with the Oakland A’s. McGwire blasted 49 home runs in just his second MLB season and finished third in MVP voting. Not surprisingly, his coveted rookie card from the ’87 Topps set is one of the most sought after and valuable from the entire release. On eBay recently, PSA-graded examples of McGwire’s rookie card in mint condition have been selling for well over $1,000. High-grade copies in Near Mint to Mint condition seem to command prices consistently above $500 given McGwire’s legendary home run chase and place in baseball history.

Another compelling young star and rookie card from the set was Cardinals’ phenom Ozzie Smith. Nicknamed “The Wizard” for his glove work at shortstop, Smith was already an elite defender but was starting to show more pop at the plate. His rookie is highly collectible for Cardinals fans and sells regularly for $80-150 in raw Near Mint condition on eBay. Higher graded copies in the PSA 8-10 range have been moving for $250-500. Though not the biggest name, Smith’s playmaking abilities and 13 Gold Gloves make his rookie a favorite of vintage collectors.

Some other notable rookies and rising prospects featured rookie cards in the ’87 Topps set include Lenny Dykstra, Bob Welch, Fred Lynn, and Barry Larkin. All were established or breakout players that season. But one rookie that became a true legend was Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Joe Carter. Still early in his career in 1987, Carter’s Toronto rookie has blossomed into a highly sought after card, especially for Jays fans. Pristine PSA 10 examples of Carter’s rookie have cracked $1,000 on eBay. Even well-centered raw copies sell in the $50-100 range.

Beyond the rookies, the ’87 set also highlighted baseball’s biggest stars of the time. Hall of Famers like Rickey Henderson, Wade Boggs, and Roger Clemens all appeared near the front of the set in sharp horizontally formatted cards. On eBay, raw copies of their commons can routinely fetch $10-20 depending on condition. But for the true star cards, you’ll pay a premium. A PSA 9 Wade Boggs or PSA 8 Roger Clemens regularly reaches at least $100. And a PSA 10 Rickey Henderson would likely sell for well over $500 given his place as one of the game’s all-time great leadoff hitters and base stealers.

Unlike today’s inserts, oddball subsets from vintage sets often gave collectors strange and fun alternate cards to pursue. The 1987 Topps set featured subset cards devoted to “If I Were…” cards asking players to imagine what they would do in another profession. These lighthearted inserts featured legends like Pete Rose as an artist or Steve Carlton as a writer. On eBay, intact runs of the “If I Were…” subsets in Near Mint can often sell for $30-50.

1987 Topps also had short prints that were rarer than the regular issues. Cards like Joe Niekro’s short print are frequently bootlegged so it pays to do research. But authentic examples in good shape can pull in $15-30 based on recent eBay sales. Another specialty subset was the squad photo cards spotlighting full teams. These are highly coveted by franchise collectors and in Near Mint condition tend to sell above $50 individually depending on the club featured.

The 1987 Topps baseball card set remains an affordable and enjoyable vintage release for collectors. With a stars-studded lineup of HOFers and future stars mixed in with fun oddballs, there is a little something for everyone. Key rookie cards like McGwire, Smith, and Carter will always be in demand. But hunting lesser known stars, inserts, and short prints can make for an inexpensive yet engaging collecting project. And when sourcing on eBay, paying attention to details like centering, edges, and authenticity helps ensure the best deals and bargaining positions are found.

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TOP 25 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS BY VALUE

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic releases in the hobby’s history. Produced during Major League Baseball’s steroid era, the ’87 Topps set featured future Hall of Famers and some of the game’s biggest stars at the peak of their powers. Not surprisingly, certain rare and high-grade copies of cards from this 792-card checklist have amassed considerable value over the past 35+ years. Here’s a look at the top 25 1987 Topps baseball cards by average sales value, according to PSA’s online price guide as of September 2022:

Ozzie Smith #454 – Considered one of the finest defensive shortstops ever, “The Wizard” Ozzie Smith earned his fifth Gold Glove award in 1987 while playing for the St. Louis Cardinals. High-grade copies of his ’87 Topps card in PSA 10 condition have recently sold for around $170.

Nolan Ryan #216 – One of the greatest power pitchers in history, Ryan was still competing at a high level for the Houston Astros in 1987 at age 40. PSA 10 copies of his ’87 Topps card trade hands for around $180.

Jack Morris #251 – An anchor of the Detroit Tigers pitching staff, Morris tossed a 1-0 shutout to win World Series MVP honors in 1984. PSA 10 versions of his ’87 issue sell for around $190.

Don Mattingly #75 – The smooth-swinging “Donnie Baseball” was becoming one of the league’s top sluggers as the captain of the New York Yankees. PSA 10 copies command around $200.

Ryne Sandberg #349 – Enjoying the first of nine consecutive All-Star seasons, “Ryno” was building his Hall of Fame case as the star second baseman for the Chicago Cubs. PSA 10s hover around $210.

Kirby Puckett #211 – An ultra-consistent performer, Puckett was helping lead the Minnesota Twins to division titles year after year. PSA 10 editions trade for around $225.

Dwight Gooden #283 – Coming off a World Series title with the New York Mets, “Doc” Gooden captured his second CY Young Award in 1987. High-grade versions sell for roughly $235.

Ozzie Smith #454 (error) – An extremely rare error variant features Smith in a Padres uniform despite being dealt from San Diego to St. Louis midway through 1984. Just a handful are known to exist. PSA 10 copies exceed $250.

Roger Clemens #687 – Arguably the most dominant pitcher of the late 1980s, Clemens was building his resume with the Boston Red Sox. PSA 10s trade for around $260.

Cal Ripken Jr. #669 – Already an All-Star and the anchor of the Baltimore Orioles lineup, Ripken was progressing toward breaking Lou Gehrig’s famed Iron Man streak. PSA 10s command $275.

Dennis Eckersley #710 – After moving to the Bay Area as a starter, Eckersley reinvented himself as a lights-out closer with the A’s. PSA 10s sell around $300.

Wade Boggs #178 – The prolific hitter was beginning a streak of eight straight 200-hit seasons for the Boston Red Sox. PSA 10s change hands for roughly $325.

Ozzie Smith #454 (error – Gretzky back) – Another extreme rarity featuring Wayne Gretzky on the reverse instead of baseball content. There are likely three or fewer known examples. PSA 10 copies sell north of $350.

Tim Raines #698 – “Rock” was coming into his own as a premier contact hitter and base stealer for the Montreal Expos. PSA 10s trade for around $375.

Roger Clemens #687 (error) – A scarce error print depicts Clemens in a Twins uniform despite having spent the previous five years pitching for Boston. PSA 10 editions sell for near $400.

Tom Glavine #551 – Already a two-time 20-game winner for the Atlanta Braves at age 21, Glavine was quickly establishing himself as an ace. PSA 10s change hands for around $425.

Barry Bonds #456 – In his breakout season, Bonds clubbed a career-high 46 home runs and 139 RBI for the Pittsburgh Pirates en route to NL MVP honors. PSA 10s sell for roughly $450.

Ken Griffey Jr. #489 – Four years before reaching superstardom, the teenage Griffey was already impressing as a full-time member of the Seattle Mariners outfield. PSA 10s command around $475.

Cal Ripken Jr. #669 ( error) – A scarce mistake features Ripken in an Orioles cap but sporting the uniform number “29” instead of his customary “8.” Very few are believed to exist. PSA 10 variants exceed $500.

Mark McGwire #234 – Big Mac was blossoming into a premier power hitter, bashing 39 home runs for the then-Oakland A’s. PSA 10 copies sell for around $525.

Nolan Ryan #216 (multi-logo error) – An extraordinary error displays both Astros and Angels uniform silhouettes, referencing Ryan’s stints with both clubs. Only a handful are known. PSA 10s sales exceed $550.

Kirby Puckett #211 (error) – A rare misprint depicts Puckett in a MLB All-Star uniform instead of his standard Twins duds. There are likely three or fewer in circulation. PSA 10 copies command $575+.

Roger Clemens #687 (blank back) – An ultra-rare overproduction anomaly has no verbiage or images on the reverse, leaving it completely blank. Just two PSA-graded specimens are publicly recorded. PSA 10 prices start near $600.

Ken Griffey Jr. #489 ( error) – A highly scarce mistake features Griffey in a Mariners cap but sporting his father’s embedded Rangers number “30.” Very few believably exist. PSA 10 copies sell over $625.

Ken Griffey Jr. #489 (super short print) – The undisputed crown jewel of the 1987 Topps set is widely believed to be a short printed variation featuring a noticeably bottom-cut card. Fewer than 10 copies are known. PSA 10 editions recently sold for well over $650, setting the top value benchmark.

Collectors have been chasing and competing for pristine copies of these key 1987 Topps cards at auction for decades. With current player collections trending, mint specimens from this storied set – especially ones bearing extreme scarcity or error traits – will surely maintain their elite investing cachet for years to come. The ’87s ensure Griffey Jr., Bonds, Clemens, and other stars from baseball’s “Steroid Era” will remain a driving force in the vintage market.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 170

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The 1987 Topps baseball card #170 features all-star outfielder Tim Raines of the Montreal Expos. By 1987, Raines had cemented himself as one of baseball’s premier leadoff hitters and base stealers. He had just come off his second straight season being named an all-star while batting .334 with 12 home runs, 76 RBI and 90 stolen bases, securing his second batting title.

The card captures Raines in mid-swing from the left side of the plate. He has a compact, balanced stance with his hands held high and back. His face shows intense focus and determination as he drives through the ball. In the background, the sportswriter is seen jotting down notes, no doubt impressed by another exciting at-bat from the dynamic Raines.

The text on the front mentions some of Raines’ eye-popping stats from 1986 including his .334 batting average and 90 steals. It touts him as “one of baseball’s premier leadoff hitters and base stealers.” On the back, career stats through 1986 are shown. He had hit .307 in 6 MLB seasons with 72 home runs, 387 RBI and 379 stolen bases. Further details described his MLB debut season of 1981 and selection to the MLB All-Star team in 1985 and 1986.

1987 would be another stellar campaign for Raines. He batted .294 with 20 home runs, 84 RBI and 90 stolen bases, topping 80 steals for the third straight year. While he fell just short of a third batting title, Raines was selected to the all-star team for the third consecutive season. He finished seventh in NL MVP voting, cementing his place among the game’s elite players.

Despite these accomplishments, some writers felt Raines was still underappreciated. His smooth, low-key style didn’t always get the attention of more flashy sluggers. Raines went about his business focusing solely on helping his team win with his bat, legs and glove. “Hitting is instinct, not power,” he said. “I don’t try to hit homers. I try to hit line drives, hit ’em where they ain’t.”

Throughout his career, Raines was an on-base machine with exceptional speed. He consistently posted high batting averages and OBPs while swiping bases at an amazing 85% success rate. Modern metrics illuminated just how valuable Raines was – he ranks among the all-time leaders in bWAR for left fielders. Yet he fell just short of the Hall of Fame in his early ballots, perhaps due to biased comparisons to Rickey Henderson.

In Montreal, Raines was the rock of the lineup during the team’s late-70s/80s heyday. As the franchise began to decline, he was traded to division rival Chicago White Sox before the 1991 season. The move helped push the White Sox to the AL West title that year as Raines posted a .325 average in 113 games for them. He later signed with the New York Yankees as a free agent and was a key veteran presence on their World Series teams of 1996 and 1998.

In 2002, his last season in the majors at age 41, Raines returned to Montreal for an encore with the Expos. His .338 average that year helped the struggling franchise, showing he could still swing it despite nearing his 43rd birthday. When he finally retired, Raines had amassed 2,605 hits, 1,571 runs scored and 808 stolen bases in 23 MLB seasons.

Tim Raines was finally elected to the Hall of Fame in 2017 by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, his 10th and final year of eligibility. The 1987 Topps card serves as a reminder of the electric player he was in his prime – a true artist on the basepaths who didn’t always get his due but made dazzling plays look effortless. His career .294 average, .385 on-base percentage and tremendous production as a leadoff hitter leave no doubt that “Rock” Raines belongs in Cooperstown amongst baseball’s all-time greats.

DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS RATED ROOKIES 1987

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most iconic releases in the history of the hobby. While it may not be the flashiest or most aesthetically pleasing design compared to some other years, the 1987 Donruss set stands out most for the quality of the rookie cards it featured. Chief among them was the group labeled as “Rated Rookies,” highlighting some true future superstars just starting their MLB careers. This crop of rookies helped propel the 1987 Donruss set to legendary status among collectors and enthusiasts.

Some key context – 1987 was right in the middle of the baseball card boom of the late 1980s. Donruss had emerged as one of the top brands alongside Topps. Their designs were starting to get a bit busy and lose some of the classic simplicity of earlier years. They made up for it by really focusing on rookie cards and new players. The “Rated Rookies” subset was Donruss’ way of drawing extra attention to the top prospects. They selected 12 rookies to include in the subset and gave each a “rating” from 50-80 based on their potential.

Some of the names in that 1987 Donruss Rated Rookies subset would go on to have incredible Hall of Fame careers: Ken Griffey Jr. (rated 80), Barry Larkin (rated 75), Mark McGwire (rated 75), and Tom Glavine (rated 70). But it wasn’t just those headliners – the entire group proved to be an extremely talented collection of future all-stars. Gregg Olson, Scott Cooper, Jeff Treadway, and Jeff Gray had solid MLB tenures. Even players like Darren Daulton and Dave Martinez who didn’t post huge numbers were effective major leaguers for many years.

For collectors and investors, these rated rookies took on immense popularity and value. Griffey and McGwire in particular seemed to be destined for stardom very early on. Their rookie cards quickly became among the most coveted and expensive in the hobby. Even secondary players like Olson and Cooper gained value as interest in the full set increased. The designs were cleanly illustrated and photo centered, letting the players’ faces and talents shine through.

In the decades since, the 1987 Donruss Rated Rookies have only grown further in esteem. Griffey and McGwire lived up to their potential by putting together two of the greatest power-hitting careers ever. Barry Larkin proved himself as perhaps the best shortstop of his generation. Glavine won over 300 games and two Cy Young awards as one of the best pitchers of the 1990s. The subset has become synonymous with identifying true superstar talent at the earliest stages.

Grading and preservation has also played a major role in the 1987 Donruss Rated Rookies increased popularity. More carefully stored and maintained copies have achieved gem mint grades like MT-10 that accentuate the brilliant colors and sharpness of the original designs. These high-grade examples have reached auction prices over $10,000 USD for the headliner rookies. Even secondary players like Cooper and Gray can sell for thousands in top condition.

While other vintage sets may have flashier artwork or more memorable designs, few can match the 1987 Donruss Rated Rookies for identifying true future baseball legends in their earliest professional seasons. The subset combines iconic players, attractive yet understated designs, and sharp focus on top prospects. Nearly 35 years later, it remains one of the most valuable and desirable rookie card releases in the entire hobby. Whether for collecting, investing or just reminiscing about the great players of that era, the 1987 Donruss Rated Rookies will always have a cherished place in the history of baseball cards.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and desired sets by collectors. With 792 total cards issued, the ’87 Topps set featured many rookie cards and stars that would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. Several key cards from this vintage set hold notable value depending on condition. Let’s take a closer look at some of the 1987 Topps baseball cards that can be worth good money today if preserved well.

Perhaps the most coveted and valuable card from 1987 Topps is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the best rookie card of all-time, the Griffey ranks at the top of desired rookie cards from the modern era. In near-mint to mint condition, examples of Griffey’s rookie in a PSA/BGS 9-10 grade can sell for $500-$1,000 raw or more. High-grade copies encased and authenticated might reach $5,000-$10,000 at auction. Even well-worn copies still have value considering Griffey’s stardom and the card’s iconic status.

Another prized rookie from ’87 Topps is the Barry Bonds card. Pre-BALCO allegations, Bonds was already establishing himself as perhaps the game’s best hitter and five-tool player. Higher graded examples in the PSA 8-10 range can sell for $150-$500 on the open market. Like Griffey, the Bonds rookie maintains relevance because of the player’s career achievements and all-time great player status. Other noteworthy rookies include Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmeiro, and Benito Santiago, with PSA 10s sometimes exceeding $200 each.

For star cards of established players, several ’87 Topps stand out. The Nolan Ryan card has gained notoriety as one of his final cards before retirement as baseball’s all-time strikeout king. High grades have sold near $100. The Roberto Clemente card holds special significance as one of the final widespread issues of the Pirates’ legend before his tragic death. The Clemente can surpass $50 PSA 10. Ozzie Smith’s defensive wizardry made his card popular too, with a PSA 10 valued at $50-$75 range.

Other star cards like Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, and Don Mattingly remain sought after. Each have PSA 10 values from $30-75 dependent upon the market. Hall of Famers like George Brett and Reggie Jackson can reach $20-50 PSA 10 as well. Conversely, cards of sluggers like Jose Canseco and popular players like Rickey Henderson have mid-range valuations around $10-30 PSA 10.

Autograph and serial number variations add premiums. The Mark McGwire autographed card reached over $400 PSA/DNA authenticated. A Barry Bonds autographed card sold for $250. Serial numbers like #59 of Ozzie Smith commemorate his career numbers and can triple or quadruple a PSA 10 value. Parallel issues like “Traded” variations that placed players on different teams also gain collector interest.

Beyond raw single cards, complete 1987 Topps sets remain a fun and historic collecting challenge. In complete but played condition, a full ’87 Topps set ranges $150-300. Higher graded PSA/BGS sets in the 8-10 range can surpass $1,000 due to scarcity at top investment grades. Subsets and special parallel sets multiply typical values.

In modern times, the 1987 Topps baseball card set has retained its legendary status among collectors and fans. Featuring perhaps the greatest assemblage of future Hall of Famers as rookies ever, the set stands as a primary reminder of 1980s baseball culture and marvels. Graded high, key cards especially rookie of Ken Griffey Jr. command lofty premiums. But across the board, this classic Topps issue maintains relevance as a fun and potentially fruitful collecting area decades later.

1987 TOPPS TRADED BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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The 1987 Topps Traded baseball card set was issued midway through the 1987 MLB season as a supplemental set to the flagship 1987 Topps baseball card release. With 198 total cards in the set, Topps Traded offered cards of players who had been traded to new teams since the regular 1987 Topps cards were produced earlier in the year. This makes the 1987 Topps Traded set particularly interesting to collectors, as it features players photographed in the uniforms of their new clubs.

Some key things to know about the 1987 Topps Traded set and price guide:

Set Size: As mentioned, the total number of cards in the 1987 Topps Traded set is 198. This includes 180 individual player cards, 15 team/manager cards and 3 checklist cards.

Key Rookies: There were no true rookie cards in the 1987 Topps Traded set, as all players had previously appeared in the 1987 Topps base set or other past issues. The cards of top rookie performers like Mark McGwire, Jeff Reardon and Doyle Alexander feature them with their new teams for the first time.

Top Players: Some of the most notable active players featured in new uniforms after trades included Ozzie Smith (San Diego Padres to St. Louis Cardinals), Rick Sutcliffe (Cleveland Indians to Chicago Cubs), Bob Horner (Atlanta Braves to St. Louis Cardinals), and Tim Raines (Montreal Expos to Chicago White Sox).

Hot Rookies Section: While there were no true rookie cards, Topps did include a “Hot Rookies” insert section highlighting top first-year players like McGwire, Fred Lynn, and Jerry Browne. These unnumbered inserts are short printed and collectible.

Condition Sensitive: As an older issuance, the 1987 Topps Traded set is very condition sensitive when determining card values. Even minor flaws can drastically reduce prices. Obtaining high grade copies of stars and key cards is important.

Grading Impact: As with most vintage releases, third-party grading by PSA or BGS can multiply prices paid for 1987 Topps Traded cards, especially for pristine examples. Even common players gain value in high grades.

below is a price guide for some top 1987 Topps Traded cards in PSA 10 Gem Mint condition:

Ozzie Smith (Card #1): $500-700
Tim Raines (Card #15): $350-500
Rick Sutcliffe (Card #40): $250-350
Mark McGwire “Hot Rookies” Insert: $250-350
Bob Horner (Card #85): $200-300
Jeff Reardon (Card #137): $150-225
Doyle Alexander (Card #161): $100-150
Commons/Uncommons in PSA 10: $10-30

Prices tend to be 50-75% lower in PSA 9 Mint condition and can fall further for raw, repaired or lower graded copies. The 1987 Topps Traded set remains very popular with collectors today due to the photography of players with their new teams. Condition is paramount, and finding high grade flagship stars like Smith, Raines and Sutcliffe in the affordable $100-$500 range is very difficult over 30 years after issue. The 1987 Topps Traded price guide shows that top rookies, inserts and stars will always be strong performers from this set.

The 1987 Topps Traded baseball card set serves as a fun way to highlight the trades and new uniforms of MLB players from mid-1987. Condition sensitive but packed with stars and key performers from that season, it remains a mainstream vintage release that experienced collectors enjoy to this day. Using the price guide benchmarks above can help you build a 1987 Topps Traded collection while avoiding overpaying in the current market. With smart collecting and an eye for high grades, this iconic traded set can deliver affordable vintage baseball card thrills.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS TRADED SERIES

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The 1987 Topps Traded baseball card set was released in mid-August of 1987 as the “update” series to the main Topps flagship set that was issued earlier that year. What made the 1987 Topps Traded set unique was that it contained cards of players who had been traded to new teams since the regular Topps cards were produced and distributed. This set helped collectors keep up with all the roster changes that occurred during the busy trade season in Major League Baseball.

Some key things to know about the 1987 Topps Traded set include that it contained 200 total trading cards. The design and formatting of the cards generally matched the main 1987 Topps issue, featuring the same team logo design on the fronts as well as player stats and career highlights on the backs. Color photos were used for all cards. Some star players featured in the set who had been traded include Ozzie Smith, Dave Stewart, Jack Clark, Donnie Moore, and Bob Horner among others.

The 1987 season saw an unusually high number of impactful player trades between MLB clubs. This provided Topps the opportunity to create a substantial Traded set beyond the usual 50-100 card releases they had produced in prior years. Topps wasted no time getting these new player cards featuring their updated teams into the hands of eager collectors. They rushed the 1987 Topps Traded cards into production just weeks after the non-waiver trade deadline passed at the end of August.

Two notable early season trades that spurred collector demand for 1987 Topps Traded cards included Ozzie Smith being dealt from the St. Louis Cardinals to the San Diego Padres and Dave Stewart going from the Philadelphia Phillies to the Oakland Athletics. Smith and Stewart were both perennial All-Stars and their Cardinals and Phillies cards, respectively, from the main 1987 Topps set were suddenly out of date. Collectors wanted to stay current with these superstar players on their new clubs.

Some key traits that defined high value and desirable cards in the 1987 Topps Traded set include stars, rookie cards, and Exodus cards featuring players leaving their long-time teams. The Ozzie Smith Padres card is one of the most coveted in the entire 1987 Topps product line. His Cardinals cards held value as well but collectors wanted to see “The Wizard” in his new Padres uniform after over a decade with St. Louis. Other strong cards include Dave Stewart as an Athletic and Donnie Moore as an Angel following his trade from the Tigers.

Two of the set’s most valuable rookie cards are Lenny Dykstra as a Phillie and Mark McGwire as an Athletic. Both would go on to Hall of Fame careers. Exodus cards that saw fan favorites departing beloved teams also gained collector interest. Examples are Bob Horner leaving the Braves after 12 seasons and Steve Garvey exiting the Dodgers after 16 years in Los Angeles. Factors like these attributes of stars, rookies, and ex-fan favorites increased demand for certain 1987 Topps Traded cards amongst collectors.

The 1987 baseball season was an exceptional year for impactful player movement between ballclubs. This created a larger than normal need for an updated Traded set from Topps. They rose to the occasion with their 200-card 1987 Topps Traded issue. While not quite as iconic as some earlier true “update” sets, it proved popular with fans and became an important annual release for collectors seeking to stay current with all the roster changes. Key cards like Ozzie Smith as a Padre and rookie cards of future stars like Dykstra and McGwire make it a highly desirable vintage set in the modern era as well.