One of the most Iconic Baseball Card Sets in History
Welcome to 1952 Baseball
One of the most Iconic Baseball Card Sets in History
The 1952 Topps baseball card set is arguably the most iconic card series in the history of sports collectibles, and among its 407 classic cards sits a gem that often flies under the radar: Card #91 featuring Red Schoendienst. While many collectors gravitate toward the bigger names like Mickey Mantle or Willie Mays, Red Schoendienst's card represents not only a cornerstone of mid-century baseball history but also a tribute to one of the game's most enduring figures — a man whose career spanned over 70 years as a player, coach, and manager.
This article explores the life, career, and legacy of Red Schoendienst, dives into his MLB stats, provides insight into his personal life, and gives an updated estimate of the value of his 1952 Topps card. Let's uncover the story behind this Hall of Famer and his memorable cardboard legacy.
Albert Fred "Red" Schoendienst, born on February 2, 1923, in Germantown, Illinois, was a professional baseball player, coach, and manager known for his resilience, baseball IQ, and fiery red hair — hence the nickname “Red.” He grew up during the Great Depression in a modest family and took an interest in baseball from a young age, playing on sandlots and local teams.
Schoendienst's journey to Major League Baseball was marked by perseverance. As a teenager, he suffered a severe eye injury that doctors believed would end his hopes of playing professionally. But Red defied the odds, making a name for himself as a versatile and dependable infielder.
He made his MLB debut on April 17, 1945, with the St. Louis Cardinals, embarking on a career that would span nearly two decades as a player and continue for decades more in coaching and managing.
Red Schoendienst played 19 seasons in Major League Baseball, primarily as a second baseman, and became known for his exceptional fielding, contact hitting, and leadership. His time as a player included stints with the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Giants, and Milwaukee Braves.
Career Highlights and Stats:
Career Batting Average: .289
Hits: 2,449
Home Runs: 84
Runs Batted In (RBIs): 773
Runs Scored: 1,223
Stolen Bases: 89
Games Played: 2,216
All-Star Appearances: 10 (1950–1957, 1959)
World Series Titles: 2 as a player (1946 Cardinals, 1957 Braves), 1 as a manager (1967 Cardinals)
Red was renowned for his consistency. He led the National League in hits (200) in 1957, the same year he helped the Milwaukee Braves capture the World Series title against the Yankees. He was a key figure on multiple championship-caliber teams and was respected across the league for his tenacity and team-first mentality.
Schoendienst returned to the Cardinals late in his playing career, solidifying his deep connection with the St. Louis organization.
After retiring as a player in 1963, Red quickly transitioned to coaching. He was named manager of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1965, and his leadership paid off just two years later when the Cards won the 1967 World Series.
He managed the team through 1976, then served as a coach and special assistant for many years. In total, Schoendienst spent over 70 years in a professional baseball uniform, an unparalleled achievement in MLB history.
Managerial Record:
Wins: 1,041
Losses: 955
Winning Percentage: .522
In recognition of his remarkable career, Schoendienst was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989 by the Veterans Committee.
Red Schoendienst was as respected off the field as he was on it. A humble, soft-spoken Midwesterner, he lived much of his life in Illinois and Missouri. Despite achieving immense success in baseball, he remained grounded and was beloved by fans, players, and colleagues alike.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, though his time was cut short due to a medical discharge caused by malaria and a shoulder injury. This early adversity shaped his tough, never-quit attitude.
Red was married to Mary O’Reilly Schoendienst, and together they raised four children. He was deeply involved in the St. Louis community and became a local icon, often participating in team events and charitable causes well into his 90s.
Red passed away on June 6, 2018, at the age of 95, leaving behind one of the most enduring legacies in all of baseball.
The 1952 Topps set is a foundational piece of sports card history — the first major set issued by Topps with full-color images, team logos, player bios, and stats on the back. It marked the beginning of the modern baseball card era.
Card #91: Red Schoendienst is a vivid representation of this era. The card features a youthful Schoendienst in his St. Louis Cardinals uniform, bat in hand, with a bright and classic stadium background.
Set: 1952 Topps
Card Number: 91
Team: St. Louis Cardinals
Position: Second Base
Image Style: Portrait pose with bat
Back: Player bio and statistics
This card has become increasingly desirable in recent years as collectors continue to seek out the stars of the 1952 set beyond just Mantle and Robinson.
The value of a 1952 Topps Red Schoendienst card depends on several factors: condition, grading, centering, and market demand.
As of 2025, here is a general breakdown of current market estimates:
Condition
Estimated Value (Raw)
PSA Graded Value
Poor (Ungraded) $20–$40
VG (Very Good) $50–$100
PSA 3: $90–$120 EX (Excellent)
$100–$175 PSA 5: $175–$250
NM (Near Mint) $250–$400
PSA 7: $450–$600 Mint/NM-MT (PSA 8+)
$800–$1,200+ PSA 8+: $1,000+
While not among the highest-value cards in the set, it’s appreciated both by vintage collectors and Cardinals fans for its historical significance and eye-catching design.
Longest Tenure in Uniform: Schoendienst wore a Major League Baseball uniform for 73 consecutive seasons, from 1945 to 2018 — a record that will likely never be broken.
Hall of Fame Induction: Inducted into Cooperstown in 1989, his induction speech emphasized humility, teamwork, and love for the game.
Overcame Eye Injury: As a teenager, Red nearly lost his baseball vision in one eye. He taught himself to switch-hit (though he ultimately stuck to batting right-handed), showing incredible adaptability.
World War II Veteran: His military service adds another layer of honor to his story. Though discharged early, he proudly served his country during a turbulent time.
Manager of the Year: In 1967, he led the Cardinals to a World Series win in his first full year as manager.
Beloved Mentor: Generations of Cardinals players credited Red with shaping their careers and character, including legends like Bob Gibson and Ozzie Smith.
Legacy Statue: In 2017, the Cardinals honored Red with a statue outside Busch Stadium, recognizing him as a true franchise pillar.
The 1952 Topps Red Schoendienst card (#91) is much more than a vintage piece of cardboard. It’s a tribute to a baseball lifer — a man who played the game with grit, led with integrity, and embodied the spirit of the St. Louis Cardinals for over seven decades.
For collectors, this card represents value both sentimental and historical. It honors a Hall of Famer whose impact far outlasted his playing days, and whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of Major League Baseball. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a fan of the Cardinals, or simply an admirer of baseball history, owning this card means owning a small part of the game’s golden era.
As interest in vintage cards continues to rise, the Red Schoendienst 1952 Topps card is poised to grow in appreciation. It's not just an investment — it's a celebration of a life well played.