1952 Topps - The Missing 3

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by Zach Wheat

Agree. I believe it was at least a partially licensed set but the litigants versus Hit Parade et al (the firms named in the original lawsuit) had representation contracts with some but possibly not all of the players in the set. I believe that's why their initial "test run" Berk Ross set in 1951 included so many outside MLB. I believe their initial legal complaint was based upon their $20 compensation was not enough for the rights to their "NIL" and therefore the request for $50K in total. (I could not find the original suit yet - just Lemke's summary). I believe the players ended up losing the legal battle, but this set the stage for the later NIL legal proceedings with Haelean, Shapiro and Marvin Miller, etc.

I have a 1953 Bowman Mickey Vernon but it doesn't have any actual dollar amount listed. I also have a card contract of Mickey Owen for 1955 Topps. He had a choice of picking a Polaroid camera, a set of Spalding Golf clubs, RCA Hi-Fi Phonograph, or a check. Does not give amount check would be. I have owned a few others and the players made very little from the card companies based on the ones I have seen/owned.

[Republicaninmass]

I'd have to check back, but I believe the 1952 players were paid $250. Ralph branca once told a story how he was trying to persuade billy loes to sign for his REPRINT card (was never made since he wouldn't sign) and topps offered the same amount in 1982/83 as they had in 1952. Loes felt they should pay more as it was years later. Branca was trying to convince him the work was done and it would just be free money for signing the authorization. I can't remember where Branca told this.

[toppcat]

Originally Posted by bnorth

I have a 1953 Bowman Mickey Vernon but it doesn't have any actual dollar amount listed. I also have a card contract of Mickey Owen for 1955 Topps. He had a choice of picking a Polaroid camera, a set of Spalding Golf clubs, RCA Hi-Fi Phonograph, or a check. Does not give amount check would be. I have owned a few others and the players made very little from the card companies based on the ones I have seen/owned.

I can't tell if he filled out the first line but if he did, Mickey Owen may have taken too many hits to the noggin in his days behind the dish.

[Zach Wheat]

David wrote an excellent article on how Topps was rushing to fill the "2nd series" which we now refer to as the 6th series in this article:

https://www.thetoppsarchives.com/sea...pps%20Baseball

Great research and information David. Maybe Sy meant to add Wally Berger....Sy had previously referenced Wally as his favorite player. However, at the time Topps was filling out the 6th series subject list, they were scrambling. They had even added Paul Richards who last played with the Detroit Tigers in 1946, so it was not unusual to add an inactive player. Berger last played in 1940 with Philly.

[G1911]

Originally Posted by Zach Wheat

David wrote an excellent article on how Topps was rushing to fill the "2nd series" which we now refer to as the 6th series in this article:

https://www.thetoppsarchives.com/sea...pps%20Baseball

Great research and information David. Maybe Sy meant to add Wally Berger....Sy had previously referenced Wally as his favorite player. However, at the time Topps was filling out the 6th series subject list, they were scrambling. They had even added Paul Richards who last played with the Detroit Tigers in 1946, so it was not unusual to add an inactive player. Berger last played in 1940 with Philly.

Richards is in the 1952 Topps set as the active manager of the White Sox, not an inactive player. Inactive players who were not active coaches were not included.

[Republicaninmass]

Originally Posted by G1911

Richards is in the 1952 Topps set as the active manager of the White Sox, not an inactive player. Inactive players who were not active coaches were not included.

Does aaa count?
Marv rickert aaa
Bob wellman aaa
Joe.page active 1950, then not until 54
Off the top of my head
Plenty of other players who were not in MLB

[G1911]

Originally Posted by Republicaninmass

Does aaa count?
Marv rickert aaa
Bob wellman aaa
Joe.page active 1950, then not until 54
Off the top of my head
Plenty of other players who were not in MLB

Yes there are rookies and active minor leaguers who were in roster competition, as in pretty much every Topps set until 2007. These players were not inactive,
or long retired guys. They were not including inactive players from the mid 40’s to fill out the set.

[ALR-bishop]

We once did a Topps Gallery thread here for 52 and 54 where everyone posted their cards cards from the entire sets. As I recall each set had some players who never appeared in an MLB game in the year of issue. But I am old and memory fades. Plus all were active in some way in professional baseball