The 1987 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the decade. Following several years of skyrocketing hobby popularity fueled by the television card in every pack model, Donruss delivered another impressive checklist for collectors. While not the flashiest design compared to competitors like Topps and Fleer, the 1987 Donruss set featured many of the game’s biggest young stars and rising talents. With a sharp focus on photography and player uniqueness, several cards from the 1987 Donruss set have emerged as highly coveted by collectors even decades later. Here’s a look at the top 10 most valuable and desirable 1987 Donruss baseball cards:

Ozzie Smith (#390) – Considered one of the greatest defensive shortstops of all time, Ozzie Smith was in his prime during the late 1980s. His 1987 Donruss card depicts “The Wizard” gliding across the field, showcasing his elite range and basketball-like leaping ability. Highly sought after by Smith completists, respectable PSA 10 examples can fetch $150-200.

Tim Raines (#143) – Nicknamed “Rock,” Tim Raines was one of baseball’s most exciting players of the 1980s, a base stealing machine with the Expos. His 1987 Donruss issue features fantastic action photography of Raines rounding third on his way home. Still reasonably affordable in top grades, a PSA 10 Raines typically sells in the $200 range.

Roger Clemens (#401) – Entering his peak years with the Red Sox in 1987, Roger Clemens was already establishing himself as one of the game’s most intimidating aces. His Donruss card captured the raw competiveness and fire of “The Rocket.” Higher grade Clemens rookies are quite costly, with a PSA 10 approaching $500.

Ken Griffey Jr. (#471) – One of the true steals of the 1987 draft by Seattle, teenage phenom Ken Griffey Jr was already wowing scouts in the minors. His rookie card perfectly captured his smooth left-handed swing and laid-back style. Junior’s popularity only grew, making this a must-have for any collection. PSA 10s trade hands for $600-700.

Mark McGwire (#156) – Already hammering prodigious home runs for Oakland by 1987, “Big Mac” McGwire was on his way to superstardom. His powerful left-handed swing is immortalized on this early Donruss RC. High-grade McGwire rookies remain quite rare and valuable, with a PSA 10 in the $800 range.

Barry Bonds (#295) – Entering his 4th MLB season with just 126 career at-bats, few suspected Bonds would develop into the home run king. But his amazing talents were evident, as shown on this crystal clear action shot. Pristine PSA 10 Barry Bonds rookies crack four figures, around $1,000-1200.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#351) – Already a rising star for Baltimore by 1987, Cal Ripken Jr’s consistency and work ethic were unparalleled. This Donruss issue beautifully captured Ripken’s sweet lefty stroke. Highly treasured by Orioles collectors, a PSA 10 sells north of $1,500.

Nolan Ryan (#306) – At age 40 in 1987, “The Ryan Express” was still blowing away hitters with triple digit heat for the Astros. This classic portrait shows the sheer intimidation factor of the all-time strikeout king. Top quality Nolan Ryan rookie stars regularly surpass $2,000.

Kirby Puckett (#401) – Emerging as a superstar center fielder for the Twins, Puckett had one of the sweetest swings in the game. His eye-catching 1987 Donruss RC is action-packed, leading many to call it the set’s best photo. Graded specimens over $3,000, with a PSA 10 pushing $4,000.

Dwight Gooden (#320) – At just 22 years old in 1987, “Doc” Gooden was the most electric young arm in baseball following his Rookie of the Year campaign. This card perfectly captures the drama and excitement of his follow through mid-pitch. Widely considered the crown jewel of the 1987 Donruss set, a PSA 10 Gooden RC breaks the $5,000 barrier.

While not as aesthetically flashy as some other ’80s releases, the 1987 Donruss baseball set holds immense nostalgia and demand among enthusiasts of the era. With many true rookie stars and future Hall of Famers prominently featured, select high-grade specimens continue to appreciate strongly thanks to the scintillating photographs and player likenesses frozen in time. For aficionados of ’80s cardboard and the players who defined that decade, 1987 Donruss remains a must-have collection.