One of the most Iconic Baseball Card Sets in History
1952 Topps Merl Combs Card
For collectors and baseball enthusiasts, the 1952 Topps Merl Combs card is a valuable piece of history. As card number 18 in the iconic 1952 Topps set, this card holds a special place in the hearts of many baseball fans. This article will delve into the life and career of Merl Combs, the man depicted on the card, as well as provide an estimated value for this classic piece of baseball memorabilia.
Who was Merl Combs?
Born on December 11, 1919, in Los Angeles, California, Merl Russell Combs was an American professional baseball player. The 6-foot tall, 175-pound Combs was a talented shortstop and third baseman who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) between 1947 and 1952.
Combs started his professional baseball career in the minor leagues, initially signing with the Boston Red Sox organization. After his military service during World War II, he returned to baseball and finally made his MLB debut with the Red Sox on September 12, 1947. Throughout his career, Combs played for three different MLB teams: the Boston Red Sox (1947), the Washington Senators (1948-1950), and the Cleveland Indians (1951-1952).
Merl Combs' MLB Stats
Over the course of his six-year MLB career, Merl Combs played in a total of 415 games. Below are some of his career statistics:
• Batting average: .202
• Hits: 239
• Doubles: 35
• Triples: 10
• Home runs: 7
• Runs batted in (RBIs): 95
• Runs scored: 123
• Stolen bases: 5
• Walks: 142
• Strikeouts: 160
Although Combs' offensive numbers might not seem impressive, he was known for his defensive skills on the field. As a shortstop and third baseman, Combs played a total of 1,062 fielding chances with a .956 fielding percentage, committing only 47 errors.
The 1952 Topps Merl Combs Card
Card number 18 in the 1952 Topps set features a portrait of Merl Combs in his Cleveland Indians uniform. The card boasts a classic design, with Combs' name, position, and team printed below the image. The card's reverse side contains a brief biography, a trivia question, and his statistical information up to the 1951 season.
The 1952 Topps set is often considered one of the most iconic and sought-after baseball card sets in history. This set marked the beginning of Topps' long-standing dominance in the baseball card market, and it introduced a new era of card collecting with its innovative design and large format. The set contains 407 cards, including legendary players such as Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Jackie Robinson.
Estimated Value of the 1952 Topps Merl Combs Card
The value of the 1952 Topps Merl Combs card can vary significantly based on several factors, including the card's condition, rarity, and demand among collectors. It is important to note that the condition of the card is the most critical factor in determining its value. Cards in excellent or mint condition can fetch higher prices, while those in poor condition may only be worth a fraction of their mint counterparts.
To provide an accurate estimate of the card's value, we'll consider three different grades: poor, excellent, and mint condition.
Poor Condition: Cards in this condition show significant wear and tear, with creases , heavy fading, rounded corners, and possibly even damage such as tears or stains. A 1952 Topps Merl Combs card in poor condition may be valued around $10 to $20.
Excellent Condition: Cards in excellent condition exhibit moderate wear, such as light corner or edge wear, slight surface scratches, or very minor creases. These cards maintain a good overall appearance and are still visually appealing to collectors. A 1952 Topps Merl Combs card in excellent condition may be valued between $75 and $150.
Mint Condition: Mint condition cards are the most valuable, as they are almost flawless. These cards have sharp corners, no creases, bright colors, and a clear, glossy surface. A 1952 Topps Merl Combs card in mint condition can fetch between $350 and $600, depending on factors such as demand and rarity.
It's worth noting that these values are only estimations and can vary depending on market conditions, collector preferences, and the specific condition of the card in question. Additionally, professionally graded cards (by companies like PSA, SGC, or Beckett) may command even higher prices, as the grading process provides an added level of assurance to collectors regarding the card's condition and authenticity.
The 1952 Topps Merl Combs card is a piece of baseball history that holds both sentimental and monetary value for collectors. While Merl Combs may not be remembered as one of the all-time greats, his career in the MLB still stands as a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport. His inclusion in the iconic 1952 Topps set ensures that he will always have a place in the hearts of baseball fans and collectors alike. Whether you're a casual collector or a die-hard baseball enthusiast, the 1952 Topps Merl Combs card is a classic piece of memorabilia worth cherishing.