1952 Topps Johnny Wyrostek Card

The 1952 Topps Johnny Wyrostek card, card number 13 in the series, is a classic piece of baseball memorabilia that pays tribute to a talented and tenacious player. For collectors and enthusiasts, this card represents the golden era of baseball and the heyday of baseball card collecting. In this article, we will explore the life and career of Johnny Wyrostek, his Major League Baseball (MLB) statistics, and the estimated value of this highly sought-after card.

Johnny Wyrostek: An Introduction

John Barney Wyrostek (1919-1986), better known as Johnny Wyrostek, was an American MLB outfielder who played for 11 seasons between 1942 and 1954. Born in Fairmont City, Illinois, Wyrostek began his professional baseball career with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1942. He then went on to play for the Cincinnati Reds and the St. Louis Cardinals before returning to the Phillies in 1952. Wyrostek was a two-time All-Star, in 1950 and 1951, and was known for his consistent and solid offensive contributions.

Johnny Wyrostek's MLB Stats

Throughout his MLB career, Johnny Wyrostek achieved impressive statistics, proving his worth as a reliable and talented player. Here are some of his most notable career stats in bullet points:

• Games Played: 1,481

• At-Bats: 5,249

• Runs: 730

• Hits: 1,541

• Doubles: 302

• Triples: 52

• Home Runs: 58

• Runs Batted In (RBI): 682

• Stolen Bases: 37

• Batting Average: .293

• On-Base Percentage: .361

• Slugging Percentage: .404

• All-Star Appearances: 2 (1950 and 1951)

1952 Topps Johnny Wyrostek Card: A Closer Look

Card number 13 in the 1952 Topps set features a captivating color portrait of Johnny Wyrostek, who was then playing for the Philadelphia Phillies. The card showcases Wyrostek with a smile on his face, wearing the Phillies' cap and uniform. The design of the card includes a black nameplate at the bottom with "Johnny Wyrostek" written in white letters, and the team name "Phillies" inscribed below in red. The card's background consists of a crowd of cheering fans, adding to the card's nostalgic appeal.

The back of the card provides a wealth of information about Wyrostek, including his height, weight, batting and throwing preferences, and a short biography. The card also features a trivia question, a popular feature of the 1952 Topps set, and a brief cartoon illustrating Wyrostek's career highlights.

Estimated Value of the 1952 Topps Johnny Wyrostek Card

The value of the 1952 Topps Johnny Wyrostek card depends on several factors, including the card's condition, rarity, and demand among collectors. Cards in mint or near-mint condition, free from any creases, stains, or other imperfections, command higher prices than cards with visible flaws or damage.

In recent years, the value of the 1952 Topps Johnny Wyrostek card has been steadily rising, with high-grade examples fetching a considerable sum at auctions and private sales. The estimated value of a 1952 Topps Johnny Wyrostek card in excellent to near-mint condition ranges from $300 to $600, while cards in mint condition can command prices upwards of $1,000 or more. It is important to note that these values are subject to fluctuation based on market conditions and the specific circumstances of individual sales.

Several factors can influence the value of the 1952 Topps Johnny Wyrostek card. These include:

Condition: As mentioned earlier, the condition of the card plays a significant role in determining its value. Collectors often grade cards on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 representing a "gem mint" card. Cards with a grade of 7 (near mint) or higher are more desirable and fetch higher prices.

• Grading: Having a card professionally graded by a reputable organization, such as Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) or Sportscard Guaranty (SGC), can enhance its value. A high-grade card with a grading company's certification is often more attractive to collectors and can command a premium price.

• Centering: The centering of the card's image and text can impact its value. A well-centered card, with equal borders on all sides, is more desirable than a card with off-center images or text.

• Population: The number of high-grade examples of a particular card in existence can influence its value. If there are only a limited number of high-grade 1952 Topps Johnny Wyrostek cards in the market, the demand for those cards will be higher, driving up their value.

• Market Trends: The overall market for vintage baseball cards can also affect the value of individual cards. During periods of increased interest in vintage cards, the value of a 1952 Topps Johnny Wyrostek card may rise accordingly.

The 1952 Topps Johnny Wyrostek card is a classic piece of baseball memorabilia that serves as a testament to the talent and career of one of the MLB's standout outfielders. Collectors and enthusiasts alike appreciate the card's nostalgic design and the rich history it represents. With a steadily rising value and a strong demand among collectors, the 1952 Topps Johnny Wyrostek card is a prized possession for any baseball card enthusiast.

As with any collectible item, it is essential to research and assess the current market conditions before investing in a 1952 Topps Johnny Wyrostek card. By considering factors such as condition, grading, centering, population, and market trends, collectors can make informed decisions and better understand the potential value of this vintage treasure.