Top 10% of 1952
Mr. Team Could Have Been Captain America
Bob Elliott carried his teams through several tough seasons and would have undoubtedly brought the same intensity to the military if not for some wayward baseballs.
Al Rosen Was a Holy Terror to Pitchers
Al Rosen could have been one of the game’s all-time greats if not for a late start and a contract dispute.
The First HR-Hitting Shortstop Was in ’52 Topps
Home runs didn’t come from shortstops until Junior Stephens got to the majors.
Never Injured, Bob Friend Spent a Lot of Time with the Nurse
Bob Friend was durable. He was never on the disabled list at any point in his career, but that didn’t stop him from hanging around the office of the team doctor. He married the resident nurse.
Gil Hodges Gets Some Respect
Gil Hodges’ early death 50 years ago came as a shock. His addition to Cooperstown this year was not.
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.
Old Man Warren Spahn
I caught a glimpse of an older fellow who was renowned for his longevity on the pitching mound.
Iowa Cornfields Contain Very Good Baseball Players
The best fastball pitcher prior to the arrival of Nolan Ryan quite literally stepped out of a cornfield and onto the diamond.