The 1987 Fleer Baseball card set is one of the most popular and valuable sets from the 1980s. It was the third Fleer baseball card set produced and included cards of many legendary players from that era. While it did not feature the same huge rookie class that Topps had in 1987, there are still some highly valuable and desired cards that regularly fetch high prices at auction. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top 1987 Fleer baseball cards:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card: Widely considered the crown jewel of the 1987 Fleer set, Griffey’s rookie card is one of the most iconic in the history of the hobby. Griffey was just an incredibly talented teenager breaking into the majors with the Mariners and already showing signs of his potential superstardom. His rookie card has only increased in value over time as his Hall of Fame career took off. PSA 10 examples of his rookie currently sell for well over $10,000 and only continue climbing in price. Even well-centered lower grade copies still demand over $100 due to the card’s fame and Griffey’s legendary status.

Roger Clemens: Clemens was already establishing himself as one of the best pitchers in the game during the late 1980s. His fearsome fastball and dominating performances made him a fan favorite. The 1987 Fleer Clemens card shows him pitching for the Red Sox and captures him at the absolute peak of his powers. High grade copies regularly sell for $500-$1,000 due to Clemens’ pitching prowess and Hall of Fame plaque.

Ozzie Smith: Already a glove wizard shortstop for over a decade by 1987, “The Wizard” was a fan favorite for his acrobatic defense. The 1987 Fleer Smith card portrays him for the Cardinals and has only grown more desirable as Ozzie’s career has been celebrated and commemorated. Higher grades still fetch $100-300 depending on condition due to Smith’s iconic playing style and longevity in the sport.

Wade Boggs: Widely considered the best hitting third baseman of the 1980s, Boggs was on his way to another batting title season with the Red Sox in 1987. His card shows him in the classic Boston uniform and is a key piece for any Red Sox or 1980s player collector. Higher grades still sell consistently for $50-150 given Boggs’ Hall of Fame playing career and hitting records.

Jose Canseco: While he was still early in his career, Canseco was already gaining notice for his incredible power numbers with the Athletics on the heels of winning the 1986 AL Rookie of the Year award. His 1987 Fleer RC is one of the more desirable and sought after cards from the set. PSA 10s can sell for $150-250 nowadays due to Canseco’s fame and relevance in the steroid era discussions.

Dwight Gooden: Coming off back-to-back Cy Young award winning seasons, Doc Gooden was the most exciting young arm in baseball during the mid 1980s. His blazing fastball and dominant performances made him must-see TV. The 1987 Fleer Gooden card is a key piece for any Mets or 1980s collector. Higher grades still trade hands for $50-150 given Gooden’s meteoric early career success.

Kirby Puckett: While he wouldn’t become a true superstar until the late 80s and 1990s, Puckett was already a fan favorite as the sparkplug center fielder for the Twins. His 1987 Fleer issue portrays him during the earliest days of his career. Higher grade examples in the $40-100 range remain très popular pickups for Twins collectors and 1980s enthusiasts.

Orel Hershiser: After breaking out as a star during the Dodgers 1988 World Series championship run, Hershiser became one of the top right-handed starters of the late 80s. His 1987 Fleer depicts him earlier in his career still with the Dodgers. Values have steadily increased to $30-80 range based on his eventual Cy Young awards and postseason heroics.

Don Mattingly: The smooth swinging “Donnie Baseball” was the most popular Yankee of the late 1980s. His power and consistency at first base made him a perennial All-Star and fan favorite. The 1987 Fleer Mattingly has endured as one of the set’s most sought after vintage Yankees insert cards. Higher grades still command $30-100 premiums.

Bert Blyleven: A crafty righty known for his baffling curveball, Blyleven continued racking up strikeouts well into his late 30s. The 1987 Fleer shows him pitching for the Twins later in his illustrious career. It remains a strong pickup for Twins PC builders at $15-50 depending on condition.

While not as dense with rookie stars as the flagship Topps set, 1987 Fleer still includes many legendary players and some highly valuable longtime favorites. Condition is crucial as always, but even well-centered lower grades of the top stars can be affordable pickups for vintage player collectors and 1980s baseball fans. The Griffey Jr. RC leads the way as one of the most blue-chip cards in the entire hobby.