Key Points from the Lecture on 1952 Topps Baseball Cards

Introduction to 1952 Topps Baseball Cards

• Significance: These cards changed the card market forever.
• Design: Big, bold, colorful, based on real photos but finished with painting tinting.
• Card Selection: Featured 407 players, from big names to common players.
• Impact on Market: Difficult for Bowman to compete; marked the beginning of the end for Bowman.
• Current Market: Strong market for all 1952 Topps cards, especially legendary rookie cards and high numbers. Prices are driven across all series.

Key 1952 Topps Baseball Cards

1. Mickey Mantle (#311)

• Importance: Not technically a rookie card but considered the most important post-war card next to T206 Honus Wagner.
• Value: Six-figure sum in PSA 7 condition.

2. Eddie Matthews (#407)

• Bio: Third baseman, one of the game's greatest, member of Boston/Milwaukee Braves.
• Value: Roughly $20,000 in PSA 7 condition.
• Significance: Rookie card, last in the set adds to scarcity.

3. Willie Mays (#261)

• Bio: Known for his 1951 Bowman rookie card.
• Value: About $10,000 in PSA 7 condition.

4. Andy Pafko (#1)

• Bio: Power source from third base/outfield, primarily for Chicago Cubs, later Brooklyn Dodgers.
• Value: Around $10,000 in PSA 7 condition.
• Significance: First card in the set leading to condition issues.

5. Jackie Robinson (#312)

• Bio: Broke baseball's color barrier, multiple award winner.
• Value: About $7,500 in PSA 7 condition.

6. Roy Campanella (#314)

• Bio: Hall of Fame catcher, multiple MVP awards.
• Value: About $1,900 in PSA 7 condition.

7. Johnny Rutherford (#320)

• Bio: Played one major league season, not the race car driver.
• Value: About $1,700 in PSA 7 condition.

8. Pee-wee Reese (#333)

• Bio: Brooklyn Dodger who made his way to Cooperstown.
• Value: About $1,250 in PSA 7 condition.

9. Yogi Berra (#191)

• Bio: American League equivalent of Campanella, multiple MVP awards.
• Value: About $1,200 in PSA 7 condition.

10. Bill Dickey (#400)

• Bio: Played and coached for New York Yankees, Hall of Fame catcher.
• Value: Around $1,200 in PSA 7 condition.

11. Pete Reynolds (#2)

• Bio: High-average hitter in the early 1960s, successful run with Washington Senators.
• Value: North of $1,000 in PSA 7 condition.

12. Hoyt Wilhelm (#392)

• Bio: First relief pitcher to be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, knuckleballer.
• Value: Around $1,000 in PSA 7 condition.

Conclusion

• The 1952 Topps baseball cards are highly valued and collectible, icons in sports memorabilia.