1952 Topps Enos Slaughter Card

The world of baseball card collecting is a fascinating journey through the history of America's favorite pastime. For many, it's more than just a hobby—it's a passion. And among the countless baseball cards, a select few stand out as iconic and highly sought after. One such card is the 1952 Topps Enos Slaughter, card number 65. This article will delve into the history of Enos Slaughter, his impressive MLB career, and the value of this legendary card.

Who Was Enos Slaughter?

Enos Slaughter, born on April 27, 1916, in Roxboro, North Carolina, was a Major League Baseball (MLB) player who became a legend due to his exceptional skills on the field. Known as "Country" by his teammates, Slaughter was a hard-nosed and aggressive player who played with a unique passion and intensity. He began his professional baseball career in 1935 with the St. Louis Cardinals and played in the major leagues for 19 seasons.

Throughout his career, Slaughter was known for his relentless work ethic and ability to consistently produce at the plate. His aggressive base running, exceptional fielding, and clutch hitting made him a fan favorite and a respected competitor. Slaughter was a 10-time All-Star and a key player on four World Series-winning teams.

Enos Slaughter's MLB Career Stats

• Games played: 2,380

• At-bats: 8,691

• Hits: 2,383

• Batting average: .274

• Home runs: 169

• Runs batted in (RBI): 1,304

• Runs scored: 1,247

• Stolen bases: 71

• Walks: 1,018

• On-base percentage (OBP): .349

• Slugging percentage (SLG): .413

• Total bases: 3,592

Slaughter's MLB career spanned from 1938 to 1959, playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Kansas City Athletics, and Milwaukee Braves. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985, solidifying his status as one of the game's all-time greats.

Personal Life

Enos Slaughter was a humble man who loved his hometown of Roxboro, North Carolina. After retiring from baseball, he returned to his roots and became a successful businessman, operating a car dealership, a service station, and a farm. He was married three times, with his first marriage to Dorothy Slaughter lasting from 1940 until her death in 1978. He then married Lillian Slaughter in 1979, and the couple remained together until her death in 1996. Finally, Enos married Jean Slaughter in 1997, and they were together until his death on August 12, 2002.

Enos was known for his generous spirit and commitment to charitable work. Throughout his life, he frequently participated in charity events and supported local organizations in his community. In 1991, he was honored with the Branch Rickey Award for his lifetime commitment to community service.

The 1952 Topps Enos Slaughter Baseball Card

The 1952 Topps Enos Slaughter, card number 65, is a classic piece of baseball card history. It features a vibrant, full-color portrait of Slaughter in his St. Louis Cardinals uniform, along with his name and position in bold lettering. The card's design perfectly captures the essence of Slaughter's playing style and personality.

This card is part of the legendary 1952 Topps set, which is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and significant baseball card sets of all time. The set marked a turning point in baseball card design, as it was the first Topps issue to feature full-color player photographs rather than illustrations. It also introduced card collectors to the concept of series, with cards being released in several waves throughout the season. This innovation changed the hobby forever and set the standard for future card releases.

The 1952 Topps set is famous for its inclusion of many Hall of Famers, including Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Jackie Robinson, among others. The Enos Slaughter card is highly sought after by collectors due to its striking design, historical significance, and the fact that it represents one of baseball's all-time greats.

Estimated Value of the 1952 Topps Enos Slaughter Card

The value of a 1952 Topps Enos Slaughter card can vary greatly depending on its condition and whether it has been professionally graded. Cards in lower grades, such as Poor (PR) to Very Good (VG), can typically fetch anywhere from $50 to $150. Cards in better condition, ranging from Excellent (EX) to Near Mint (NM), can command prices from $200 to $800 or more.

High-grade examples of the Enos Slaughter card, graded Near Mint-Mint (NM-MT) or better, can be quite scarce and are highly prized by collectors. These cards can sell for thousands of dollars at auction, with prices often reaching $5,000 or more. The highest recorded sale for a 1952 Topps Enos Slaughter card graded Gem Mint (GM) by a reputable grading company, such as PSA or SGC, was for $28,800 in 2021.

Several factors can impact the value of a 1952 Topps Enos Slaughter card, including its centering, corner sharpness, surface quality, and overall eye appeal. Collectors seeking this card should carefully consider the card's condition and grading before making a purchase, as these factors can significantly influence its value and long-term investment potential.

The 1952 Topps Enos Slaughter card is a true classic and an essential addition to any serious baseball card collection. The card captures the essence of one of the game's all-time greats, who made a lasting impact on the sport through his hard-nosed playing style and unwavering dedication to the game. Collectors who own this piece of baseball history can take pride in knowing that they possess a timeless tribute to a legendary player whose legacy continues to inspire and captivate fans of America's favorite pastime.