1952 Topps Completed!*
Celebration time! In the mail this week was the final card needed for the non-high number portion of my 1952 Topps set building project.
1952 Topps
“Mid” Century: 1952 Topps Demographics
This set included much more demographic data than previous baseball cards, including some real oddities like eye and hair color. Based solely on this information, which name in the checklist can claim the total of “most average ballplayer?”
You’re Supposed To
Faye Throneberry and I grew up in entirely different worlds. I never knew high school could be optional.
Filling in the Blanks with Johnny Kucab
Another budget high number joins the 1952 Topps set building project. There is some blank space on the back for collectors to consider.
The Argument I’m Not Making (Except Maybe I Am)
I would not have voted for Mike Garcia to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but I absolutely would want him to at least be in the conversation when ballots are printed. Time for an argument.
Gallows Humor in the Bullpen
I’ve never seen the movie Fargo, but I have seen a guy in a wood chipper. After that alarming note, I feel I have some explaining to do.
Every Team Needs a Catcher (or Four, or Five…)
1952 Topps is overflowing with catchers, even if they didn’t stay in one place very long.
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 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.