Most 1952 Topps cards have either a washed-out stadium scene in the background or utilize a solid color as a photo backdrop. Joe Hatten’s card is different. The artist coloring his black and white photo gave an almost comic book feel to the background of this card. The stadium roof line is outlined while areas in shadow are given a solid fill. It reminds me of the background of popular pre-war Goudey and Playball issues.
This card marks the end of Hatten’s major league career as his last MLB game came in July 1952. He continued in the Pacific Coast League and played professionally through 1960. Hatten’s pitching was marked by wildness with lots of walks and hit batters. Despite this lack of control, he holds the record for the fewest pitches in a complete game shutout (51 pitches against Cincinnati in 1948). A year earlier he was the winning pitcher in both games of a double header.
