The Pafko Effect
The first card in a set typically gets more than a fair share of attention. Perhaps no other card #1 exhibits this better than that of Andy Pafko in the ’52 Topps checklist.
1952 Topps
Want to Start an Argument About the Hall of Fame? Mention George Kell
Nothing starts a good nerd fight like a discussion of who should or should not be in the Hall. Among vintage collectors, George Kell provides an excellent jumping off point for such a discussion. Elected to the Hall by the Veterans Committee in 1983, his selection remains controversial.
Old Man Warren Spahn
I caught a glimpse of an older fellow who was renowned for his longevity on the pitching mound.
George Spencer Was Easy to Hit, Unless You Were Joe DiMaggio
A so-so pitcher for the Giants turns out to have some terrific highlights sprinkled across his athletic career.
The Only Guy Jackie Robinson Tried to Hurt
Davey Williams was a very good and fast defensive player, ranging far from second base to make plays. He holds the distinction of being one of only a handful of players to turn a triple play, shutting down a Brooklyn Dodgers rally in 1955. Unfortunately for Williams, it is another incident involving the storied 1955 Dodgers that he gets remembered for.
Six Years After Appearing in ’52 Topps Les Moss Was Feared Lost at Sea
The St. Louis Browns’ longtime catcher and his family were swept away off the coast of Florida in 1958.
Good Footwork on the ’52 Topps Barge Myth
One of the most enduring myths in the card collecting world is that Topps destroyed many of its 1952 high numbered cards by dumping them in the ocean. A deeply researched blog highlights some evidence against this tale.
’52 High Numbers Continued: Bob Hooper
A quick look at the brief career of Bob Hooper, one of the many players getting a short glance in the upper reaches of the 1952 Topps checklist.
First Day on the Job: Throws a No-Hitter
How’s this for an MLB rookie? A pitcher with just one inning of experience is called into a game as a reliever in the fourth inning. He proceeds to hold the opposing team hitless for 9 more frames and wins the game well into extra innings. While not technically a no-hitter, I’m the one writing this post and I will let the title stand.
Bill Posedel is Possibly the Most Nautical Card in ’52 Topps
It’s understandable why “Barnacle Bill” Posedel is associated with the water. He spent more time in Navy ships than pitching in the major leagues.