1952 Topps Irv Noren Card

The 1952 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and highly sought-after collections in the world of sports memorabilia. Among the many historic cards in the set, card number 40 features Irv Noren, an exceptional outfielder who left a lasting impact on Major League Baseball (MLB) during his playing days. In this article, we'll explore the life and career of Irv Noren, delve into his MLB stats, and provide an estimated value of his 1952 Topps card.

Irv Noren: The Man Behind the Card

Born on November 29, 1924, in Jamestown, New York, Irving Arnold Noren was a talented athlete who excelled in multiple sports. Before entering professional baseball, Noren was a standout basketball player, even playing for the National Basketball League's Chicago American Gears for a short time. However, it was on the baseball field where Noren truly made his mark.

Noren began his professional baseball career in 1946, playing in the minor leagues for the Brooklyn Dodgers organization. After two impressive seasons, the Washington Senators acquired Noren, and he made his MLB debut on April 20, 1949. Over the course of a 12-year MLB career, Noren played for five different teams, including the Washington Senators, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Kansas City Athletics, and Chicago Cubs. Known for his solid defense and ability to hit for average, Noren was an integral part of the legendary New York Yankees teams of the 1950s.

Irv Noren's MLB Career Stats

• Games Played: 1,092

• Batting Average: .275

• Hits: 857

• Home Runs: 65

• Runs Batted In: 453

• Runs Scored: 366

• Doubles: 157

• Triples: 35

• Stolen Bases: 24

• Walks: 315

• Strikeouts: 343

Noren was an All-Star in 1954 and won three World Series championships with the New York Yankees in 1952, 1953, and 1956. In addition to his successful playing career, Noren transitioned into coaching after his retirement as a player. He went on to serve as a coach for the Washington Senators, Oakland Athletics, and several other MLB clubs. Noren passed away on November 15, 2019, at the age of 94.

1952 Topps Irv Noren: The Card

Card number 40 in the iconic 1952 Topps baseball card set features a vibrant color illustration of Irv Noren in his Washington Senators uniform. The card is characterized by its striking design, which includes a player portrait, a facsimile signature, and a baseball containing the player's name and position. The reverse side of the card features Noren's personal and professional information, including his full name, birth date, height, weight, batting and throwing hand, and a brief career summary.

The card's position within the set is significant, as the 1952 Topps set is divided into several series, with the first 80 cards comprising the initial release. As card number 40, Noren's card is part of this first series, making it more accessible to collectors and enthusiasts than some of the higher-numbered cards that followed.

Estimated Value of Irv Noren's 1952 Topps Card

The value of a 1952 Topps Irv Noren card can vary significantly based on its condition, with well-preserved examples commanding higher prices in the market. Grading services such as Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Sportscard Guaranty (SGC) use a 1-10 scale to rate the condition of vintage sports cards, with 10 representing a "Gem Mint" example and 1 representing a "Poor" condition card.

Based on recent sales and auction data, the estimated value of Irv Noren's 1952 Topps card in various conditions is as follows:

• PSA 1 (Poor): $25 - $50

• PSA 2 (Good): $50 - $100

• PSA 3 (Very Good): $100 - $200

• PSA 4 (Very Good-Excellent): $200 - $300

• PSA 5 (Excellent): $300 - $500

• PSA 6 (Excellent-Mint): $500 - $800

• PSA 7 (Near Mint): $800 - $1,200

• PSA 8 (Near Mint-Mint): $1,200 - $2,000

• PSA 9 (Mint): $2,000 - $4,000

• PSA 10 (Gem Mint): $4,000 - $8,000

Please note that these estimated values are subject to change based on market conditions, and actual sale prices may vary. Additionally, ungraded cards or cards graded by lesser-known companies may command lower prices than those graded by PSA or SGC.

The 1952 Topps Irv Noren card is a fascinating piece of baseball history, capturing the likeness of an accomplished player who made significant contributions to the sport during his career. With a storied past and a place in one of the most celebrated card sets of all time, the Irv Noren 1952 Topps card remains a popular and valuable item for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a casual fan, this card offers a tangible connection to the rich history of America's pastime and the talented athletes who have graced the field over the years.