The 1987 Topps baseball card set was the 66th year for Topps to produce baseball cards and contained 792 total cards after 1986 saw Topps release their largest set to date of 726 cards. While not quite as large as 1986, the 1987 Topps set still featured many of baseball’s biggest stars and several highly sought after rookie cards. Below we take a look at what could be considered the top 25 cards from the 1987 Topps baseball card release based on player performance, condition of the card, and desirability/demand from collectors.
Roger Clemens, Boston Red Sox – One of the most dominant pitchers of the 1980s and 90s, Clemens’ 1987 Topps card is considered by many to be the flagship card from the set. Clemens would go on to win the American League Cy Young Award in 1986 and 1987, establishing himself as the ace of the Red Sox staff. High grade versions of his 1987 Topps card still fetch thousands of dollars today.
Ozzie Smith, St. Louis Cardinals – Arguably the greatest defensive shortstop of all-time, Smith’s slick fielding made him a fan favorite. His 1987 Topps card shows him making an acrobatic play, captured his signature style. Even in the high end hobby, mint Ozzie Smith cards remain attainable for most collectors.
Rickey Henderson, Oakland A’s – The all-time stolen base king, Henderson was a dynamic player in his prime during the late 80s. His speed and base running prowess led to AL MVP honors in 1990. Low number copies of his 1987 rookie card have crossed the $10,000 mark.
Wade Boggs, Boston Red Sox – The hitting machine was coming off a .368 batting average season in 1986. His smooth left-handed swing made him box office at Fenway Park. Top graded Boggs ’87s can yield over $1,000.
Mike Schmidt, Philadelphia Phillies – Already a future Hall of Famer in ’87, Schmidt was still raking home runs for the Phils. The 3-time NL MVP was baseball’s biggest star on the east coast. High grade examples fetch $500-1000.
George Bell, Toronto Blue Jays – Bell took home the 1987 AL MVP award after slamming 47 home runs in helping lead the Blue Jays to their first-ever playoff appearance. Low print runs make his rookie card quite valuable today.
Kirby Puckett, Minnesota Twins – Puckett was just breaking in as the Twins’ young center fielder, but would emerge as a fan favorite and future Hall of Famer. His iconic smile on his rookie card captures the essence of his personality.
Dwight Gooden, New York Mets – Coming off a 24-4 season and Cy Young win in 1985, Dr. K’s dominance made him a must-have for any collection. Even today, a pristine Gooden can easily exceed $1,000.
Roger Clemens UD, Boston Red Sox – Clemens’ underage rookie with the signature on the front is the true starring rookie from 1987. High grade versions are prize possessions in mint condition.
Mark McGwire, Oakland A’s – Big Mac hit 49 home runs in 1987, establishing himself as one of the game’s premier power hitters. His rookie card shows his immense strength. Low print runs keep it highly valuable.
Jose Canseco, Oakland A’s – Canseco paired with McGwire to form the “Bash Brothers,” slugging 33 homers as a rookie. The A’s young stars helped capture the imaginations of collectors.
Ozzie Smith Error, St. Louis Cardinals – Topps made an error by putting Smith in a Padres uniform, making this one of the most famous error cards ever. Roughly only 10 are known to exist.
Cal Ripken Jr., Baltimore Orioles – Ripken was becoming the Iron Man, starting his then-record consecutive games played streak. He represented classic Baltimore baseball at its finest.
George Bell All-Star, Toronto Blue Jays – Bell’s performance in the 1987 Midsummer Classic led to this sharp looking parallel card with the All-Star logo.
Greg Maddux, Chicago Cubs – Maddux broke in as a late-season call up for Chicago in 1986, showing glimpses of the future Hall of Famer he would become.
Tim Raines, Montreal Expos – “Rock Raines” was a perennial batting title threat, stolen base machine, and Expos franchise player throughout the late 80s.
Dwight Gooden UD, New York Mets – Like Clemens, Gooden had his own underage set that carries special allure for collectors. About a quarter of the rarity of the Clemens.
Andre Dawson, Chicago Cubs – “The Hawk” was in his prime as one of baseball’s premier power-speed outfielders. He’d win the 1987 NL MVP playing home games at legendary Wrigley Field.
Tony Gwynn, San Diego Padres – Gwynn was making a name for himself as one of the game’s best contact hitters starting in 1987. He’d go on to win 8 batting titles.
Don Mattingly, New York Yankees – The smooth swinging “Donnie Baseball” was already the face of the Yankees franchise by the late 80s. High grades are difficult to acquire.
Wade Boggs ASN, Boston Red Sox – Boggs’ American Sports Network parallel places him in the all-time great “Spittin’ Image” set alongside Clemens and Gooden.
Jack Morris, Detroit Tigers – “Moral Victory” Jack helped lead the Tigers to terrific seasons in the late 80s as one of the AL’s top starting pitchers.
Jim Abbott, California Angels – Abbott showed immense promise as a rookie pitcher in 1987 for the Angels before injuries slowed his career.
Barry Larkin, Cincinnati Reds – Larkin was but a rookie sensation starting at shortstop for the Big Red Machine in 1987. A PSA 10 could get $1,000+ today.
Dave Stewart, Oakland A’s – Stewart emerged as the ace of the A’s staff, helping lead them to an AL West title in 1987. He’d win 20 games and a World Series MVP award.
The 1987 Topps set remains a classic among collectors not only for its array of future Hall of Famers, but more so because it captured pivotal seasons for countless stars. From standouts like Clemens, Gooden and the Bash Brothers to franchise cornerstones like Ripken, Boggs and Raines, the 1987s offer a tremendous glimpse at the game during one of its most exciting eras. Condition sensitive cards like an error Ozzie Smith or low serial Clemens rookie stand among the most prized vintage cardboard in the hobby. Overall, 1987 Topps endures as one of the truly legendary releases from the golden age of baseball cards in the 1980s.
