1952 Topps Con Dempsey Card

Baseball cards are much more than pieces of cardboard with pictures of players on them; they are a testament to the passion and dedication of the athletes who have graced the sport throughout history. One such card is the 1952 Topps Con Dempsey (#44), which features the image of an up-and-coming young pitcher who made a mark in Major League Baseball (MLB) during his short career. This article will delve into the life and career of Con Dempsey, his MLB stats, and the current estimated value of his 1952 Topps card.

Who was Con Dempsey?

Connell James Dempsey, better known as Con Dempsey, was born on December 4, 1924, in St. Charles, Missouri. He was an American professional baseball player who made his MLB debut as a pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 30, 1951. Dempsey's career in the MLB was brief, spanning only two seasons from 1951 to 1952, but he left a lasting impression on the field.

Dempsey was a right-handed pitcher who stood at 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighed 205 pounds. He had a fastball that was described as "heavy" and an above-average curveball. His size and pitching repertoire made him a promising talent for the Pirates.

Con Dempsey's MLB Stats

Dempsey's career in the Major Leagues may have been short-lived, but he achieved some noteworthy stats during his tenure:

• MLB debut: April 30, 1951, for the Pittsburgh Pirates

• Final MLB appearance: September 28, 1952, for the Pittsburgh Pirates

• Win-loss record: 3-3

• Earned run average (ERA): 4.99

• Strikeouts: 41

• Innings pitched: 79.2

Personal Life

Outside of baseball, Con Dempsey lived a relatively private life. He married Beverly Dempsey, and they had two children together. After retiring from baseball, Dempsey worked as a construction foreman in St. Charles, Missouri, his hometown. He passed away on January 7, 2011, at the age of 86.

The 1952 Topps Con Dempsey Card (#44)

The 1952 Topps Con Dempsey card is part of the legendary Topps baseball card set, which is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and valuable sets in the hobby. The set contains 407 cards and is famous for its large size, colorful artwork, and the inclusion of some of the most sought-after rookie cards, such as the Mickey Mantle rookie card (#311).

The front of Dempsey's card features a large, vividly colored portrait of the young pitcher in his Pirates uniform. He is depicted with a serious expression on his face, his cap tilted to one side, and his glove resting on his right knee. The card's background is a solid red color, which contrasts sharply with the white borders and the player's name and team in bold black lettering.

On the back of the card, a short biography and cartoon illustration provide additional information about Dempsey. The text emphasizes his strong fastball, describing it as a "smoke ball" that made him a formidable presence on the mound. The cartoon shows Dempsey striking out a batter with a caption that reads, "Con has a 'heavy' fast one."

Estimated Value of the 1952 Topps Con Dempsey Card (#44)

As with all vintage baseball cards, the value of the 1952 Topps Con Dempsey card depends on several factors, including condition, rarity, and demand. Although Dempsey may not be as famous as some of the other players in the 1952 Topps set, his card still holds a special place in the hearts of collectors, particularly those who focus on the Pittsburgh Pirates or the era in which he played.

In terms of condition, the 1952 Topps Con Dempsey card's value can vary widely. Cards that are in mint condition (graded a 9 or 10 by professional grading services such as PSA or SGC) are quite rare and can command a higher price. On the other hand, cards with visible wear, creases, or other defects are more common and will generally be worth less.

Based on recent sales and current market trends, the estimated value of the 1952 Topps Con Dempsey card (#44) can be broken down as follows:

• Mint condition (PSA 9 or SGC 9): $2,000 - $3,000

• Near mint to mint condition (PSA 8 or SGC 8): $500 - $700

• Near mint condition (PSA 7 or SGC 7): $150 - $250

• Lower grades (PSA 6 and below or equivalent SGC grades): $50 - $100

It's important to note that these values are only estimates and can fluctuate based on various factors, such as the overall state of the vintage card market or the demand for cards featuring Con Dempsey or the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The 1952 Topps Con Dempsey card (#44) is a testament to the brief but memorable career of a talented pitcher who left a mark on Major League Baseball. While Dempsey's time in the big leagues may have been short, his card remains a sought-after piece of baseball history, particularly for collectors who appreciate the iconic 1952 Topps set or have a connection to the Pittsburgh Pirates. As with all vintage baseball cards, the value of the Con Dempsey card depends on its condition, rarity, and demand, but it will always be a cherished part of the hobby for those who appreciate the story it represents.