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.
1952 Topps Profile
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.
’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.
I Have Most of an Archie Wilson Card
Sometimes you have to round upwards to claim ownership of a single baseball card. That is certainly the case with the first 1952 high number entering my collection.
456 Strikeouts in a Single Season
Bill Kennedy gets overlooked when baseball fans discuss the greatest strikeout pitchers.
Ralph Houk Saw Plenty of Action (And Occasionally Played Baseball)
“The Major” didn’t earn the MVP, an All-Star nod, or even a regular spot in the lineup. He was, however, decorated with a Silver Star and Purple Heart.
Phil Masi Left Behind a Confession
Phil Masi appears in the 1952 Topps set in his final card as a player. His stats show a solidly average major-leaguer and he carried a reputation as an excellent catcher and battery mate. Unusually fast for a catcher, he was used on occasion as a pinch runner. I imagine young Indians fans cursing under their breath as they pulled a Masi card from a pack while Braves fans smirked under similar circumstances. Why would the card of the White Sox backstop engender such a reaction?