What was the best 1952 Topps card ..... in 1952?

[swarmee]

This set coming on the heels of the Shot Heard Round The World probably made the Bobby Thomson a good card; but I would bet most people looked forward to the Jackie Robinson. If any of the baseball names were household at that point, it was Jackie.
And so many of the luminaries (at least the ones we consider today) are all in the high series or semi-high series. I bet a lot of the purchasers were like, "where are all the stars?" Did the kids know they'd never get a Musial or Ted Williams in a pack?

[1952boyntoncollector]

Originally Posted by swarmee

This set coming on the heels of the Shot Heard Round The World probably made the Bobby Thomson a good card; but I would bet most people looked forward to the Jackie Robinson. If any of the baseball names were household at that point, it was Jackie.
And so many of the luminaries (at least the ones we consider today) are all in the high series or semi-high series. I bet a lot of the purchasers were like, "where are all the stars?" Did the kids know they'd never get a Musial or Ted Williams in a pack?

Whoever was double printed....including the mantle would also be logical to assume they were more popular

[KCRfan1]

You make a nice point John.

There was no checklist, and the back of the 52's do not indicate how many cards are in the set nor does the wrapper.

I guess we'll consult the experts.

Was there a way to know how many cards were in the 52 set or who was in the set when you were buying packs in 52?

[OsFan]

From everything I’ve read Mantle was always the card. Maybe not on the way to the five and dime but once kids got a look at it they knew. It just looks important. No other card in that set came close.

[irv]

Originally Posted by irv

That is a great question! I think TedZ might have an answer as he remembers purchasing these cards back in 52 but with no Williams, Musial, etc, like Bob mentioned, maybe, because they were new(er) to the market, collectors just had to have them?

I am guessing Bob's picks/choices were likely the main reasons, but it will be interesting to hear what TedZ has to say?

Not tooting my own horn here but this article holds some water with what I was thinking.
https://www.psacard.com/articles/art...-ever-produced

Also, like they mention in this piece, these players were likely highly sought after as well.
This sheet featured all-time greats: Phil Rizzuto, Warren Spahn, Gil Hodges, Duke Snider and Robin Roberts.

This is also a great piece/site, if you will. Tons of great info which I have used repeatedly for various reasons.
http://www.1952toppsbaseballcards.com/