One of the most Iconic Baseball Card Sets in History
1952 Topps Hank Sauer Card
For generations, baseball card collectors have sought out prized possessions to add to their collections. Among the many highly valued cards, the 1952 Topps Hank Sauer, card number 35, is a classic piece of Americana that captures the spirit of the game and the legacy of a great player. This article will delve into the life and career of Hank Sauer, explore his Major League Baseball (MLB) statistics, and discuss the value of this iconic baseball card.
The Life and Times of Hank Sauer:
Henry John "Hank" Sauer was born on March 17, 1917, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Growing up during the Great Depression, Sauer, like many young men of his time, found solace in the game of baseball. He honed his skills on the sandlots of his hometown, eventually signing with the Cincinnati Reds as a free agent in 1937.
Sauer spent several years in the minor leagues, struggling to make a name for himself. He finally got his shot at the majors in 1941, but it was short-lived due to the onset of World War II. Sauer joined the United States Coast Guard, serving his country from 1943 to 1945. Upon his return to civilian life, Sauer resumed his baseball career, rejoining the Reds in 1945.
Throughout his career, Sauer was known for his powerful swing and his ability to hit home runs. Despite a late start in the majors, he established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the field. Sauer played for the Cincinnati Reds (1941-1942, 1945-1949), the Chicago Cubs (1949-1955), the St. Louis Cardinals (1956), and the New York Giants (1957). He retired from the MLB in 1957.
Career MLB Baseball Statistics:
Games Played: 1,392
At-Bats: 4,747
Runs: 759
Hits: 1,267
Doubles: 223
Triples: 28
Home Runs: 288
Runs Batted In: 876
Stolen Bases: 19
Walks: 556
Strikeouts: 615
Batting Average: .266
On-Base Percentage: .343
Slugging Percentage: .508
Total Bases: 2,411
Extra-Base Hits: 539
Times on Base: 1,823
Sauer's notable achievements in his MLB career include:
2-time All-Star (1952, 1954)
National League MVP (1952)
3-time National League home run leader (1948, 1952, 1954)
National League RBI leader (1952)
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame inductee (1982)
The 1952 Topps Hank Sauer Card: A Priceless Piece of Baseball History
The 1952 Topps Hank Sauer card (#35) is a key card in the groundbreaking 1952 Topps set. This set is often considered the first modern baseball card set, as it introduced a new standard card size (2-5/8" by 3-3/4") and featured full-color photographs with player information and statistics on the back. The 1952 Topps set also introduced a numbering system that has become the standard for card sets to this day.
Card #35 features a close-up photograph of Sauer in his Chicago Cubs uniform, looking confidently into the distance. The card's vivid colors, sharp focus, and excellent print quality make it a standout piece in any collection. The back of the card provides Sauer's personal and player information, including his batting and fielding statistics, as well as a short biography highlighting his career accomplishments.
The value of the 1952 Topps Hank Sauer card can vary greatly depending on its condition. Cards in mint or near-mint condition are highly sought after by collectors and can fetch a significant price. Factors that affect the value of the card include centering, sharpness of corners and edges, and the absence of creases, stains, or other imperfections.
In recent years, the popularity of sports card collecting and investing has surged, leading to increased demand for vintage cards like the 1952 Topps Hank Sauer. As a result, the value of these cards has seen a steady rise, with well-preserved examples commanding even higher prices. While it is difficult to pinpoint an exact value for the card, collectors should expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for a high-quality example of this iconic card.
It is important to note that the value of a 1952 Topps Hank Sauer card can be significantly influenced by its grading. Professional grading services, such as Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Sportscard Guaranty (SGC), evaluate cards based on their condition and assign a numerical grade on a scale from 1 to 10. Cards with higher grades are generally worth more than those with lower grades. Grading is a crucial factor for serious collectors and investors, as it ensures the card's authenticity and provides an objective assessment of its condition.
In conclusion, the 1952 Topps Hank Sauer card is an iconic piece of baseball memorabilia that showcases the life and career of one of the game's great sluggers. Its stunning design, historical significance, and the enduring popularity of the 1952 Topps set make it a must-have for collectors and baseball enthusiasts alike. With a storied career that spanned over a decade and saw numerous accomplishments, Hank Sauer's legacy lives on through this classic card, which remains a sought-after treasure in the world of sports card collecting.