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 series is a legendary set among collectors, known for its vibrant design, rich color palette, and iconic rookie cards. Nestled within this historic release is Card #89 – Johnny Lipon, a name that may not instantly ring a bell like Mantle or Mays, but one that carries its own unique baseball legacy. This article delves into Johnny Lipon's career, his 1952 Topps card, and the value it holds for collectors today.
John Joseph Lipon, known professionally as Johnny Lipon, was born on November 10, 1922, in Martins Ferry, Ohio, and grew up in Detroit, Michigan. A skilled infielder with a keen baseball mind, Lipon carved out a respectable Major League Baseball (MLB) career over nine seasons primarily as a shortstop.
Lipon made his MLB debut on September 18, 1942, with the Detroit Tigers, during a time when baseball was deeply affected by the looming shadow of World War II. After a three-year hiatus for military service in the U.S. Navy, he returned to the game and established himself as a reliable presence in the infield.
He went on to play for several teams:
Detroit Tigers (1942, 1946–1952)
Boston Red Sox (1952–1953)
St. Louis Browns (1953)
Cincinnati Redlegs (1954)
His MLB career concluded on September 26, 1954.
While not a superstar, Johnny Lipon was a consistent and fundamentally sound player. His career stats reflect a solid middle infielder during an era dominated by big names:
Games Played: 767
Batting Average: .259
Hits: 737
Doubles: 91
Triples: 14
Home Runs: 10
Runs Batted In (RBIs): 266
Stolen Bases: 32
On-Base Percentage (OBP): .343
He was known more for his defensive acumen and ability to make contact than for power hitting. Lipon often hit second or eighth in the batting order, setting the table or acting as a situational bat.
Like many players of his generation, Johnny Lipon served during World War II, pausing his career to enlist in the U.S. Navy. From 1943 to 1945, he fulfilled his duty before returning to the Tigers in 1946. This service contributed to the respect he received among fans and fellow players alike, though it also meant sacrificing what could have been prime years in his career.
After his playing days ended, Lipon remained deeply entrenched in the game. He transitioned into coaching and managing within the minor leagues and earned a brief but notable call-up to manage in the majors.
Lipon managed extensively in the minor leagues across three decades, mentoring future stars and maintaining the traditions of the game. He earned the nickname “The Professor” among his players for his calm demeanor and deep understanding of baseball.
In 1971, he was appointed interim manager of the Cleveland Indians, replacing Alvin Dark. Though his major league managerial stint was brief (only 59 games with a 18–41 record), it was a testament to his lifelong commitment to the game.
Johnny Lipon was known off the field as a quiet, thoughtful, and humble man, the kind who led by example rather than bravado. He married and raised a family in Texas, where he would later pass away on August 17, 1998, in Houston at the age of 75.
Lipon was admired not just for his baseball skills but for his military service, his mentorship in the minor leagues, and his ability to transition seamlessly into coaching. He embodied the kind of dedication and resilience that defined so many ballplayers of the 1940s and 1950s.
Before diving into Lipon’s individual card, it’s important to understand the context of the 1952 Topps set. This was Topps’ first true full-sized baseball card set, consisting of 407 cards and measuring 2-5/8" by 3-3/4"—larger than the standard Bowman cards of the time.
The set revolutionized the industry by offering:
Full-color artwork
Team logos
Biographical info
Complete stats
Eye-catching design
Because of its pioneering nature and low surviving population, especially of high-numbered cards, the 1952 Topps set remains one of the most iconic and valuable sets in the hobby.
Card #89 features a classic Topps portrait shot of Johnny Lipon in his Detroit Tigers uniform. The background is a colorful ballpark sky-blue gradient, with Lipon posing in a calm, confident manner. His name appears in white script across a red nameplate at the bottom, with his team and position shown in a bold black font beneath that.
On the reverse side:
Biographical info (height, weight, birthplace, date of birth)
A brief career summary
1951 and career batting stats
A colorful cartoon with a baseball-related fact
This card captures Lipon in the midst of his long tenure with the Tigers, just before being traded to Boston later that year.
While Lipon’s card is not among the most valuable in the set, it still carries collector appeal due to the 1952 Topps brand and its historical importance.
As of mid-2025, estimated prices for Card #89 – Johnny Lipon vary depending on condition and grading:
Low-grade (Poor to Good): $5 – $15
Mid-grade (VG to EX): $20 – $40
High-grade (EX-MT to NM): $50 – $90
PSA 5 (Excellent): $40 – $70
PSA 7 (Near Mint): $100 – $150
PSA 8 (NM-MT): $200 – $300
PSA 9+: Rare; value could exceed $500 depending on market demand
The value remains modest compared to Mantle or Robinson, but for team collectors, Tigers fans, or set builders, the Lipon card is a crucial piece of 1952 Topps history.
While card #89 is not part of the ultra-scarce "high-number" series (cards #311–407), it still faces the same age-related condition challenges:
Centering issues are common
Corner wear and surface creases affect many raw copies
Print dots and miscuts impact visual appeal
Because many of these cards were rubber-banded or stacked carelessly, finding a Lipon card in near-mint or better condition remains a challenge.
Military Veteran: Lipon is part of the honored group of MLB players who served during WWII, alongside legends like Ted Williams, Bob Feller, and Hank Greenberg.
Managed in MLB: Though often overlooked, Lipon briefly managed the Cleveland Indians in 1971.
Minor League Mentor: He managed and mentored several young players who went on to play in the majors during his time in the Pirates and Braves farm systems.
Baseball Lifelonger: From his debut in 1942 to managing in the 1980s, Lipon's career in baseball spanned five decades.
Multiple Trades in 1952–53: Lipon was involved in several trades that reflected the turbulent roster moves of postwar MLB, including moves to Boston, St. Louis, and Cincinnati.
Even though Lipon isn’t a Hall of Famer, his card still resonates with collectors for several reasons:
Historical Significance – As part of the inaugural full-sized Topps set, Lipon's card is a time capsule of early '50s baseball.
Team Collecting – Detroit Tigers fans and team set builders often seek out his card.
Complete Set Value – Serious collectors aiming for the full 407-card 1952 Topps set need #89 to complete their collection.
Military Tribute – Collectors who focus on cards of WWII veterans hold Lipon's card in high regard.
The 1952 Topps Johnny Lipon card (#89) may not headline auctions or grace the pages of glossy hobby magazines, but it holds a quiet importance. It represents not just the dawn of a new era in trading cards, but the enduring spirit of a man who dedicated his life to baseball, both on the field and in the dugout.
Lipon's career, marked by military service, unselfish team play, and decades of coaching, exemplifies the unsung heroes of baseball's golden age. For collectors, his 1952 Topps card remains a meaningful artifact—a piece of cardboard that captures a lifetime of dedication to America’s pastime.