A Prototypical Early-50s Pittsburgh Pirate
The Pirates sucked in the early ’50s. And yes, Bill Howerton absolutely looks like a grown-up version of The Sandlot’s Ham Porter.
1952 Topps
Active Duty at Fort Eustis
With more than 50% of the players appearing in the 1952 Topps checklist having been in the military, there was bound to have been a lot of baseball played on military bases.
A Bullpen Catcher’s Baseball Card Sent a Half Dozen People to the World Series
Johnny Bucha batted just .205 with a negative WAR in a short career. A surprisingly impressive baseball card sent some of his fans to the World Series.
The Patch Card in 1952 Topps
A staple of modern collecting, patch cards take on a different meaning when trying to pin down when a player was photographed for his card.
Say “Cheese!”
Chris Van Cuyk looks absolutely thrilled to be on his first baseball card. It looks like he is saying, “cheese” for the photo, but when did people start doing this when posing for pictures?
Murry Dickson the Magician
Distraction and sleight of hand work together to create successful performances of magic tricks. Murry Dickson was a master of both and employed these skills to create one of the most steady pitching performances of a career that reached into parts of three decades. This story has it all, from card tricks and baseballs that seemingly pass through opposing bats to vanishing bank robbers and an arm that made Father Time a liar.
Willie Mays Isn’t Here, Perhaps Chuck Diering Can Help You Instead?
Almost immediately following Willie Mays in the 1952 Topps checklist is the guy hired specifically to replace him. Also, I need to get some sunscreen.
A Good Looking Card With a Less Attractive Legacy
If I ever get one of those little yappy dogs that thinks it is always right and ten times its actual size I’m going to name it Solly. The name just fits.
Detroit Can Get a Little Rough
Be careful attending sporting events in Detroit. The action on the field sometimes spills into the stands.