The 1987 baseball season was a landmark year for the sport. It was the year that marked a resurgence of interest in the hobby of baseball card collecting. While the 1980s saw inflated production numbers that depressed individual card values, 1987 stands out as a true high point for the hobby. Several all-time favorite and highly sought after rookie cards were released in 1987 sets. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most noteworthy and valuable 1987 baseball cards according to hobby experts and trading data.
One of the most iconic and valuable modern-era rookie cards is the Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck card. Griffey was one of the most naturally gifted players to ever play the game and is widely considered one of the best all-around center fielders of all time. The hype surrounding Griffey’s major league debut was unmatched. His smooth left-handed swing and athleticism reminded many of Willie Mays. In 1987, Upper Deck released its groundbreaking and highly innovative first baseball card set. The Griffey rookie was one of the true superstar rookie cards included alongside Mark McGwire. High-grade Griffey rookies regularly sell for thousands of dollars today and a Near Mint condition example could fetch over $10,000.
Another massive star that debuted in 1987 was Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Fred McGriff. Known as “Crime Dog,” McGriff put together a Hall of Fame worthy career that saw him hit 493 home runs and drive in over 1500 runs. McGriff’s rookie card came from the 1987 Topps set. The iconic design featured players’ faces in front of solid color backgrounds. McGriff’s blue background makes his card really stand out in collections. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples have sold for over $2,000 showing that McGriff still maintains strong interest from collectors today as a consistent 20+ home run threat for over a decade.
Arguably the biggest star of the late 1980s and 1990s was pitcher Greg Maddux. Maddux would go on to win 4 Cy Young Awards and anchor Atlanta Braves staffs that dominated the National League for much of the decade. His rookie card is considered one of the key chase cards from the oft-overlooked 1987 Fleer set. Maddux sports his distinctive toothpick chewing stance on this early action shot card. High-grade Maddux rookies continue to gain value as his Hall of Fame pitching career and dominance are further cemented. A PSA 10 grade ranks as one of the more valuable 1987 cards on the market at $4,000-$5,000 in recent sales.
While 1987 Griffey and McGriff receive more attention, another superstar debuted that would smash home run records – Mark McGwire. Big Mac’s rookie season saw him mash 49 home runs for the A’s and establish himself as one of baseball’s true power threats. His rookie card was again included in the groundbreaking 1987 Topps Traded set, a high-gloss photo variation release that took the hobby by storm. Sharp eyed fans gobbled up racks of packs hunting star rookies. Top grade McGwire rookies now approach $1,000 in value and remain a must-have for any collection of 1987’s best.
rounding out the true rookie class of 1987, Baltimore Orioles’ shortstop Cal Ripken Jr’s Fleer debut showed promise of what was to come – an Iron Man who would break Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record. While not as flashy stat-wise as the power hitters, Ripken earned cult status for his all-out defensive style and durability. High-end PSA/BGS 9+ examples of Ripken’s smooth smiling debut routinely top $500. When factoring in what Ripken would accomplish, it remains one of the most historically significant rookie cards of the decade.
Beyond the rookie standouts, seasoned veterans delivered iconic 1987 cards as well. Reds ace pitcher Nolan Ryan’s action photo from Score shows him mid-windup, muscular right arm extended in a classic Ryan over-the-top delivery. As one of the true workhorses and strikeout artists in MLB history, Ryan cards remain fan favorites. All-time Dodger greats Orel Hershiser and Steve Sax also had tremendously popular cards in 1987. Sax’s smooth defensive play at second for “L.A.” and Hershiser’s dominant pitching that led LA to a World Series title created lasting fan appeal for these cardboard stars.
In summary, 1987 was a landmark season that saw the arrival of future Hall of Fame talents like Ken Griffey Jr., Fred McGwire, and more. Iconic rookie cards from the debut sets like Topps, Fleer and Upper Deck have become benchmark sports memorabilia artifacts from the decade. Coupled with showcase cards of then active heroes like Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr. and Orel Hershiser, 1987 cards stand tall as some of the most prized possessions in any serious baseball card collection. Prices remain strong for high-quality vintage pieces from that special season over 30 years later as nostalgia continues to fuel collector demand.
