The 1987 baseball card season saw the rise of some legendary players who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. Cards from sets like Topps, Donruss, and Fleer from this year featuring young stars like Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine have become highly valuable modern investments. While it may be difficult to find unopened 1987 packs or boxes today, there are still many coveted singles circulating in the hobby. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable 1987 baseball cards to be on the lookout for.
One of the clear standouts from 1987 is the Barry Bonds rookie card from Topps. Widely considered one of the most iconic rookie cards in the modern era, Bonds’ eventual track record of performance has only increased interest in his freshman Topps issue over the years. In Near Mint to Mint condition, the Bonds rookie in now routinely appraised at over $20,000. For the condition it’s in, it’s arguably one of the best long term investments a collector could make. Bonds went on to smash the all-time home run record and win a record 7 MVP awards, cementing his status as one of the greatest to ever play – and that legacy is reflected financially in the value of his rookie card.
Another blue chip rookie from 1987 is Greg Maddux’s card from Donruss. Maddux became one of the most dominant and consistent pitchers of his generation, winning 4 Cy Young awards as well as 355 career games. In top condition his Donruss cardboard debut regularly brings over $10,000 today. Like Bonds, Maddux’s elite performance and longevity has matched the growth in value seen over the decades for this coveted rookie issue. Many consider Maddux’s various rookie cards to be the shining pitching equivalents to Bonds’ iconic Topps card.
In addition to rookies of future Hall of Famers, 1987 also saw the rise of cards featuring true icon Frank Thomas in the midst of his ascendant early career. Thomas’ flagship Topps card from this season, showing him in a classic White Sox stance, has climbed well above $2,000+ in top grades due to his status as one of the game’s all-time great pure hitters. His Donruss rookie from 1986 also fetches north of $1,000. “The Big Hurt” was the heart of some of the best Chicago teams in baseball history and cemented his popularity amongst collectors along the way.
The ’87 Topps set also gave collectors a first glimpse of budding superstar Tom Glavine during his early Atlanta Braves days. Glavine went on to be one of the greatest lefty pitchers ever, winning 305 games and 2 Cy Youngs across a storied career. Graded examples of his sophomore Topps card now bring over $1,000 due to his status. Being a key member of those dominant Braves rotations of the 1990s only added to Glavine’s legend in the hobby. His key rookie cards hold considerable long term value as well.
Not every highlight from 1987 involved rookies, as veteran talent like Mike Schmidt and Eddie Murray also boasted some of the sets’ most desirable issues. Schmidt’s final Topps card from his Hall of Fame Phillies tenure trades hands upwards of $500 in top condition due to his iconic status in Philadelphia. Murray’s ’87 Donruss saw him midway through his own Cooperstown-caliber run and that coveted issue can command over $300 in high grades. Valuable veteran cards are a valuable asset for collectors seeking historical pieces of the 1980s game.
Condition is always key when discussing the value of any collectible like classic baseball cards. But for the truly iconic stars whose performances resonated through the decades, even well-loved examples still hold value relative to the player’s reputation. Take for example the famous Nolan Ryan 1991 Upper Deck card that shows “The Ryan Express” firing a 101 MPH heater. Heavily played high-grade versions still trade in the $50-100 range due to Ryan’s status as perhaps the greatest flamethrower in baseball history. Something similar holds true for the all-time greats featured in 1987 – there will always be demand.
While the headliner rookie cards take the spotlight, savvy collectors know to scout the complete 1987 sets for hidden gems as well. Unlikely stars like David Cone’s Donruss rookie has cracked $500 due to his 5 World Series rings and consistency at the game’s highest level. Toronto Blue Jays fan favorites like George Bell and Fred McGriff have their share of affordable key ’87 cardboard in the $50-100 range. Even role players associated with golden eras can hold nostalgic niche appeal – the Dennis Eckersley seen alongside the Bash Brothers fetches $25-50. There are profitable finds to be made across the board from the premium issues all the way down to common cards.
The legendary 1987 season was a launching pad for some of the greatest players in baseball history. Cards like Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, and Frank Thomas rookies from the premier brands remain crown jewels for savvy vintage collectors. Supporting stars and role players also boast dedicated followings and affordable niches. Overall, 1987 represents the roots of a golden age of baseball that still pays dividends today for collectors. With so many future Hall of Famers, solid investments can still be made even in the well-known stars of the vintage cardboard hobby.
