One of the most Iconic Baseball Card Sets in History
1952 Topps Gordon Goldsberry Card
The 1952 Topps baseball card set is widely regarded as one of the most iconic card sets in the history of sports memorabilia. Among the cards in this set is card number 46, featuring Gordon Goldsberry. While Goldsberry may not be as well-known as some of the other players featured in the set, his 1952 Topps card still holds a special place in the hearts of baseball card collectors. In this article, we will delve into the life of Gordon Goldsberry, his MLB career, and the value of his 1952 Topps card.
Gordon Goldsberry: The Man and the Ballplayer
Gordon "Gordie" Goldsberry was born on May 29, 1927, in San Francisco, California. He attended Lowell High School, where he excelled in baseball, eventually earning a scholarship to play at Saint Mary's College of California. After graduating, Goldsberry would go on to play professional baseball, becoming a major league first baseman.
Goldsberry began his MLB career with the Chicago White Sox, where he made his debut on April 17, 1951. Over his seven-year career, he played for the White Sox and the St. Louis Browns/Baltimore Orioles. His career stats are as follows:
MLB debut: April 17, 1951, for the Chicago White Sox
Final game: September 28, 1957, for the Baltimore Orioles
Batting average: .256
Home runs: 12
Runs batted in: 110
Hits: 222
Doubles: 39
Triples: 8
Stolen bases: 3
Games played: 414
At-bats: 866
Goldsberry was known for his defensive prowess at first base, as well as his ability to hit for average. Though his power numbers were modest, he was a solid contributor to his teams throughout his career.
Personal Life
Gordon Goldsberry was a private man, but he was known to have been married to his wife, Patricia, and they had two children together. After retiring from baseball, Goldsberry returned to his native San Francisco and worked as a sales representative for a paper company. He also remained involved in baseball as a coach for local youth leagues, sharing his knowledge and passion for the game with the next generation of players. Goldsberry passed away on March 6, 1996, at the age of 68.
1952 Topps Card: The Design and the Value
The 1952 Topps card set was a groundbreaking release in the world of sports cards, as it was the first to feature color photos of players on the front, as well as biographical information and statistics on the back. The set was designed by Sy Berger, who would go on to become a legendary figure in the baseball card industry.
Gordon Goldsberry's card (#46) features a close-up color photo of Goldsberry in his Chicago White Sox uniform, along with his name, position, and team printed at the bottom. The card's back includes a brief biography, along with his statistics and a fun cartoon related to Goldsberry's career. The card's vibrant colors, detailed design, and high-quality printing make it an attractive addition to any baseball card collection.
The estimated value of a 1952 Topps Gordon Goldsberry card varies based on several factors, including the card's condition, centering, and whether it has been professionally graded. Here are some approximate values for a 1952 Topps Gordon Goldsberry card in various conditions
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and grades:
Ungraded (Good to Very Good): $25 - $75
Ungraded (Excellent): $100 - $200
Graded PSA 5 (Excellent): $250 - $350
Graded PSA 6 (Excellent-Mint): $400 - $600
Graded PSA 7 (Near Mint): $800 - $1,200
Graded PSA 8 (Near Mint-Mint): $1,500 - $2,500
Please note that these values are approximate and can fluctuate based on market demand, the card's specific condition, and the grading company used. For the most accurate assessment of your card's value, consult a reputable card dealer or auction house.
Gordon Goldsberry may not have been a household name in the world of baseball, but his career and contributions to the game are forever immortalized on his 1952 Topps card. The card's iconic design and historical significance make it a valuable piece of sports memorabilia for collectors and fans alike. Whether you are just starting your baseball card collection or looking to add a vintage piece to your existing collection, the 1952 Topps Gordon Goldsberry card is an excellent choice that represents a classic era in both baseball and card collecting.