1952 Topps 392 Hoyt Wilhelm

The 1952 Topps 392 Hoyt Wilhelm baseball card is Wilhelm’s rookie card. It is a part of the high numbered Topps series that was issued in 1952. Hoyt Wilhelm was a talented relief pitcher that had an outstanding career, with the 1952 season being one of his best. That year, he had a winning percentage of .833, a 15-3 record and an ERA of 2.43. This would be his best year on the diamond in terms of winning percentage.

Wilhelm totaled 227 saves during his career. He was especially known for his low ERA percentage and his ability to throw the knuckleball.

In 1952, Wilhelm was in the hunt for the Rookie of the Year. Joe Black (Brooklyn Dodgers) would go on and win the award, though his career would be far less impressive then Wilhelm. Hoyt would play for over 20 years and would be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985. He was the first relief pitcher to be inducted into the Hall.

Hoyt Wilhelm both batted and threw right-handed. He stood roughly 6’0 tall and weighed just shy of 200 pounds. He entered the league in 1952 and would play his last game in 1972. He passed away in 2002.

This high numbered Topps series baseball card can be difficult to find in really good condition, though there are definitely some out there. Look for a baseball card with well-balanced centering and minimal wear and tear (if you are purchasing it as an investment). The gloss on really expensive trading cards should be intake and the color rich.

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