The Next Big Thing
Someone had to replace the soon-to-retire Johnny Mize and it looked like that would be Don Bollweg.
1952 Topps Profile
The One Point Club
Not many guys in the NBA have a career total of just one point. Even fewer go on to win multiple World Series rings.
Better Late Than Never: A Rookie Card Two Years After His Last At-Bat
Mickey Mantle’s rookie card is not in the 1952 Topps checklist, but Bob Wellman’s is.
How Did Eddie Robinson Sit Out a Contest and Still Play More than the Scheduled 154 Games?
Eddie Robinson, a dependable Chicago White Sox first baseman with a terrific eye for the strike zone, appeared in 155 games in the 1952 baseball season. This is remarkable, not because of the durability needed to play every game, but rather because the team was scheduled to play 154 games in their 81-73 season.
Revenge of the Old Timers
A player is told he is too old to play, and then gets replaced by someone the same age. The newcomer proceeds to make the swap look like a genius move.
Baseball Success Starts with Cracker Jacks
Baseball and snacking on Cracker Jacks have been inseparable since a pair of songwriters who had never seen the game wrote Take Me Out to the Ballgame 116 years ago. A different sort of Cracker Jack changed Bob Lemon’s career.
Erv Palica’s Surprising Appearance in 1952 Topps
Almost by sheer force of will, Topps crammed as many hometown Brooklyn Dodgers as possible into the bubble gum maker’s 1952 set.
Backstop Trash Talk
Can it get any better than a trash talking catcher? How about a pitching/catching battery that roast batters?
The Imaginary White Sox Outfielder in ’52 Topps
An optimistic Sy Berger once saw a member of the Philadelphia Phillies’ minor league affiliate lead the league in home runs. He promptly assigned him a role with the White Sox in the 1952 checklist.
Sauer, Kiner, and Wrigley’s Tobacco Infused Foliage
The Cubs and Pirates routinely fought for last place despite having batting orders anchored by two of the most prodigious home run hitters in the game’s history.