July 2009
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.
1952 Topps 314 Roy Campanella
The 1952 Topps 314 Roy Campanella baseball card was issued in the company’s high number series. It features one of the Brooklyn Dodger’s favorite players, Roy Campanella. Campanella was a very accomplished catcher who was able to work well with the pitchers he played with. He was also able to successfully throw out runners trying to steal bases, and save errant pitches. For many fans, Campanella was the consummate catcher. He had all of the skills of a big-time catcher. Roy Campanella was the first black catcher in Major League Baseball.
Campanella was known as “Campy” by some. In 10 years, he hit 242 home runs and led all catchers in the NL (National League) in putouts a whopping six times. For nine years (1948-1957) he played catcher for the Dodgers (Brooklyn). He participated in 5 World Series and was named the MVP of the National League three times. These years were 1951, 1953 and 1955. He would go on to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969.
If you are looking for baseball cards featuring Roy Campanella, you can find a number of high quality and well preserved ones online. The price that you will pay for a baseball card will depend on what it is graded and what condition it is in.
Trading cards tend to create feelings of nostalgia, especially for true fans. If you are interested in getting your hands on a Topps baseball cards, eBay and other online auction websites are a great place to begin looking.
1956 Topps 135 Mickey Mantle
The 1956 Topps 135 Mickey Mantle is one of the most coveted and popular of all of the Mickey Mantle baseball cards. It goes without saying that a Mickey Mantle card in mint condition will cost you more then mere pocket change. However, if you are really serious about the hobby and have the money to purchase one, then you should definitely do what you can to get it for your collection.
Mickey Mantle is one of the most revered of all of the New York Yankees and of all available Topps cards, the 1956 Topps 135 Mickey Mantle cards is one of the most important. This is in part because this year (1952) was one of Mantle’s best, professionally. He was voted the MVP that year and also was a Triple Crown winner.
This particular card in mint condition is worth a good deal of money. At its’ best, the colors will be vibrant, the edges sharp and it will have no blemishes. It can pretty difficult to find many of these cards in mint condition though there are definitely some available. eBay is a good place to begin.
If you plan on purchasing a Mickey Mantle baseball card be on the lookout for good deals. You should be prepared to spend a good deal of money. However, you may be able to save some money if you take your time, see what’s out there and compare prices, you may be able to avoid paying too much.
