More Likely to Steal a Basketball than a Base
Did you know a slow-footed catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals also played professional basketball?
1952 Topps Profile
Strikeout King and Protector of Umpires, Max Surkont
Though Max Surkont had a 61-76 record for his career, he finished 40-36 for the Braves and never once posted a losing year in that span. He moved with the team to Milwaukee in 1953 and promptly became a local favorite, earning a lifetime supply of sausages.
A Battery on the Field and in Business
Pitchers and catchers work well together. It’s only fitting they should run a business together.
Card Show Pickup: Elmer Valo
I drove 110 miles for a card show and this was the first card I bought upon arrival.
Reading the Back of Sam Mele’s ’52 Topps Card
Lots of good stuff is in the text of the card of the future Twins manager. Also, check out his tattoo.
Active Duty in ’52 Topps
Topps thought enough of some prospects to include them in the 1952 checklist despite military service keeping them from playing.
Hall of Pretty Good Candidate Sid Gordon
He may have been the hardest hitting ballplayer not named Gil Hodges in the five years leading up to his 1952 Topps baseball card.
Kid Pitcher Outhits “The Kid”
Carl Scheib was pitching in the majors at an age when many teens are learning to drive. Ted Williams couldn’t keep up.
Cookie Lavagetto Always Had a Fan Club
In addition to the admiration of teammates and coworkers everywhere he went, Cookie literally had a fan club.