1952 Topps
Playing Beisbol Got Max Lanier Banned from MLB for Half a Decade
MLB banned nearly two dozen ballplayers for joining a rival league in the 1940s. Not since the expulsion of 8 players in the Black Sox scandal of 1919 had the sport kicked out so many players.
Playing the Role of Duke Snider
Snider’s career was seemingly dreamed up by a group of Hollywood writers. This card was picked up in my first card show since the 1990s.
Card Spotlight: 1952 Topps Howie Judson
Three pitchers have played MLB baseball with sight in one eye. This one leads the rest with more than 600 innings of work in his career.
The Child Actor in 1952 Topps
“Peanuts” Lowrey appeared in various episodes of The Little Rascals before finding success on the diamond.
1952 Topps: Ted Wilks
Wilks and his Cardinals teammates had a reputation for throwing at black batters. Years later this came back to haunt him when a member of his own team knocked him down.
The Ex-Manager in ’52 Topps
I guess being labeled “ex-manager” is better than your baseball card describing your position as “unemployed.”
1952 Topps: The Best Catcher of the 1940s Makes His Appearance
Collectors take notice when you’re the best player at your position for a decade.
I Like This Card the More I Look at It
Something about the coloring and layout of Joe Hatten’s 1952 Topps card reminds me of the 1930s Diamond Stars set.