One of the most Iconic Baseball Card Sets in History
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One of the most Iconic Baseball Card Sets in History
The 1952 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and sought-after collections in the world of sports memorabilia. Among the many cards in this legendary series is card number 87, featuring Dale Coogan. While Coogan’s name may not echo like Mantle or Mays, his card holds a special place for collectors due to its vintage appeal, rarity in high-grade condition, and its role in the historic 1952 set.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the life and career of Dale Coogan, explore his brief stint in Major League Baseball, examine the 1952 Topps card that features him, and evaluate its current value in today’s collector market. We'll also touch on lesser-known facts and the broader historical context that makes this card noteworthy.
Dale Coogan was born on August 14, 1930, in Los Angeles, California. A left-handed batter and thrower, Coogan excelled in baseball from an early age. He attended the University of Southern California (USC), a school known for producing top-tier baseball talent. His performance at the collegiate level earned him attention from Major League scouts, ultimately leading to his signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Coogan made his MLB debut on April 22, 1950, at the age of 19. At 6 feet tall and weighing around 190 pounds, he was a physically solid presence at first base. However, his time in the major leagues was brief, spanning just a single season with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Coogan’s career in Major League Baseball was short-lived but promising. He played exclusively for the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 1950 season. Here’s a breakdown of his MLB statistics:
Games Played: 53
At-Bats: 170
Hits: 43
Batting Average: .253
Home Runs: 2
Runs Batted In (RBI): 17
On-Base Percentage: .313
Slugging Percentage: .341
Although he didn’t become a household name, Coogan showed flashes of talent during his time with the Pirates. He hit his first home run against the Chicago Cubs and was considered a capable left-handed hitter with solid defensive skills at first base. Unfortunately, Coogan did not return to the majors after 1950, spending the remainder of his professional baseball career in the minor leagues.
After retiring from baseball, Dale Coogan returned to California and transitioned into a successful career in education. He earned multiple academic degrees and eventually became a school administrator and college professor. His passion for education mirrored the discipline he had shown on the baseball field.
Coogan passed away on March 8, 1989, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 58. While his baseball career was brief, he is remembered as a dedicated player and a lifelong learner who contributed to his community well beyond the diamond.
The 1952 Topps baseball set is a cornerstone in the hobby of baseball card collecting. It was the first full-scale baseball card set released by the Topps Chewing Gum Company and consisted of 407 cards. The design was groundbreaking for its time, featuring vivid colors, player portraits, facsimile signatures, and team logos.
Card number 87, featuring Dale Coogan, is part of the first series (cards #1–80) and the early portion of the second series. The first two series of the 1952 Topps set were widely distributed, making them somewhat more accessible than the notoriously rare high-numbered cards (cards #311–407). However, even lower-numbered cards like Coogan’s can be valuable in excellent condition due to the overall age and collectability of the set.
The Dale Coogan card (#87) is a classic representation of early 1950s baseball card aesthetics. Here are some features collectors appreciate:
Front Design: A full-color portrait of Dale Coogan wearing his Pittsburgh Pirates cap. He is smiling slightly, giving a wholesome post-war Americana feel to the card. The player’s name appears at the bottom in bold letters, along with a facsimile signature.
Team Logo: Pittsburgh Pirates logo prominently displayed.
Back Design: Printed in red and black ink, the reverse side includes biographical information, a short write-up about Coogan, and statistical data from the 1950 season.
Card Size: Approximately 2-5/8” by 3-3/4”, a larger format compared to earlier baseball cards.
The card’s visual appeal and historical context make it a favorite among vintage collectors, even if Coogan himself was not a superstar.
Like most vintage cards, the value of the 1952 Topps Dale Coogan card depends on several factors, including condition, centering, corners, surface, and grading by third-party services like PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) or SGC (Sportscard Guaranty).
Estimated Values by Condition:
Ungraded (Poor to Good): $10 - $30
Very Good to Excellent: $30 - $75
Near Mint: $100 - $200
PSA 7 (Near Mint): $200 - $400
PSA 8 (Near Mint-Mint): $500 - $750+
PSA 9 or Higher: Rarely found; could exceed $1,000
Keep in mind that actual prices vary depending on demand, auction platform, and market trends. High-grade examples of any card from the 1952 Topps set tend to command strong interest due to the set’s legacy.
According to PSA population reports (as of 2024), there are over 300 graded examples of the Dale Coogan card. Most are in the PSA 4 to PSA 6 range, with fewer than 10 examples graded PSA 9 or higher. The scarcity of high-grade cards is largely due to print quality and distribution methods from the early 1950s.
Collectors often seek this card to complete their 1952 Topps set, particularly those building lower-series runs. The relative accessibility of Coogan’s card makes it a logical and affordable target for set builders.
Youngest Pirate in 1950: Coogan was among the youngest players on the Pirates roster during his lone MLB season.
USC Alumni: Like several MLB stars, Coogan honed his skills at the University of Southern California, a baseball powerhouse.
Card Errors: There are no known printing errors or variations for card #87, making it a relatively straightforward inclusion in collections.
Not a “High Number” Card: While not as rare as the high-numbered cards in the 1952 Topps set, Coogan’s card still benefits from the prestige of being part of this historic issue.
For many collectors, owning a piece of the 1952 Topps set is like holding a fragment of baseball’s golden era. The Coogan card, despite representing a lesser-known player, has nostalgic and historical value.
Reasons to consider collecting this card include:
Completing the Set: Essential for any serious 1952 Topps collector.
Affordable Entry Point: Offers a relatively low-cost way to own a piece of a legendary set.
Educational Value: Tells the story of baseball players whose careers didn’t become legendary but were nonetheless part of the MLB fabric.
Vintage Aesthetic: Classic 1950s design and imagery appeal to collectors and historians alike.
The 1952 Topps Dale Coogan card (#87) represents more than just a piece of cardboard. It’s a snapshot of baseball history, a tribute to a young man who lived the dream of playing in the major leagues, and a foundational component of one of the most celebrated card sets ever produced.
Though Dale Coogan’s MLB career was brief, his legacy endures in the hearts of collectors who value the rich tapestry of players that shaped baseball’s past. Whether you’re a vintage enthusiast, a set collector, or someone interested in sports history, card #87 is a worthy and accessible addition to any collection.
In the grand narrative of America’s pastime, every player—and every card—has a story. Dale Coogan’s may be a quiet one, but it’s a story worth preserving.