When Baseball Cards Disappeared
While baseball continued to be played on the field during World War II, the trading cards defining the era were extinguished by a sudden, total collapse of the supply chain.
1952 Topps: Johnny Schmitz
Johnny Schmitz threw an entire decade with the Cubs and is portrayed as a Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher in the 1952 Topps baseball card checklist, yet he will always be a Washington Senator in my mind.
I Can’t Think of a Golf Pun Title…But I Should
Lou Kretlow probably should shout “Fore!” whenever he gets a ball in his hand. After all, this wild pitcher was much better at golf than baseball.
The 2025 Refractor Report
This is the second installment of my annual look at the current market environment for the famed 1993 Finest Refractor baseball card set. Transaction and grading trends, card availability, and other insights are explored and tracked over time.
1949 Leaf: Wig
A short nickname for a short career. This is the second in a series of profiles of the nicknames appearing in the 1949 Leaf baseball card checklist.
2025 Collection Annual Report
It’s that time of year again! Get ready for the annual look back at the ways my baseball card collection has changed. There’s a smaller number of cards and even a white whale that smells faintly of hot dogs.
The J.R. Richard of 1952 Topps
A Houston Astros power pitcher, a similar story from a guy who dished out shutouts at the same rate as Nolan Ryan, and the image from the 1951 World Series used on a 1952 Topps baseball card.
1949 Leaf: Hippity Hopp
The first in a series of 98 explorations into how seemingly every player depicted in the ’49 Leaf Baseball set earned their nicknames. Before the advent of Rapper’s Delight, Hippity Hop carried a decidedly baseball flavored meaning.
1952 Topps Yakyu Player: Leo Kiely
Get out your boom sticks and prepare to chant your favorite player’s name. It’s time for the crossover between Japanese baseball and 1952 Topps baseball cards.