1952 Topps Junkie...

[campyfan39]

One of my favorite sets for sure. Wish I had more income to be able to go after it!

[Tcards-Please]

I remember seeing a 1952 Topps Ed Mathews in 1978 as a 9 year old with my grandmother at a card store. I was a huge Braves fan and didn't even know they played in Boston. Although a neat card, I was buying packs of 1978 Topps looking for Eddie Murray as I watched him play minor ball in Charlotte, NC at the old Crockett Park. Me and grandma sitting at the kitchen table opening packs and quickly fingering through them. I remember her saying, "Pete Rose, I've heard of this guy", but I didn't say a word (probably due to the wad of gum in my mouth), just nodded and kept right on looking for that elusive Eddie Murray card.

Fast forward through high school, college and my first marriage and raising kids, I was never in a position to go after that set, but never forgot about that Ed Mathews card and how I would one day like to have that card.

About 5 yrs ago, I started collecting my first prewar set, T205s. Although that kept my attention and funds for a while, my mind kept going back to that 52 Ed Mathews card. While I still haven't finished that set (about 50 cards short), I found myself in a position last year to either acquire a complete low number 1952 set or the 1952 Mantle & the Campos (black star). Kept going back and forth between a complete set or 2 cards, although 2 very desirable cards. Needless to say, I ended up going for the Mantle & Campos. Although they are great cards and I need them for my attempt at completing that set, my mind kept going back to ole Ed Mathews and was waiting for the day that I had him on my shelf. Well that day came last night and now I'm waiting impatiently for its arrival.

I'm now looking for the day that I can join you in saying that I'm down to my last two cards.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

r/
Frank

[cdn_collector]

Congrats Frank! Sounds like your '52 set is off to a heck of a start!

And thanks for that post, too. I'm like campyfan on this one -- one of my favourite sets, but not enough cash to make it happen. Instead, I live vicariously through posts like yours

Regards,

Richard.

[Brianruns10]

I got hooked on cards because of my dad. He saved all his, a complete run of Topps 57 to 63.

I wanted to start my own set, and the 52s just grabbed ahold of me.

The odd thing is I care not a bit to watch baseball today. I have zero interest. But I adore the cards of the period, and especially the 52s, let me count the ways

1) They are works of art. Make no doubt about it, these cards are truly gorgeous works of craft. I adore the handcolored feel, and how each card is a little different. Some (Walter Masterson) just have a light color wash and have a faded, well loved look. Others, like the Durocher are intricate, lovingly detailed, almost photographic in their color realism.

2) They are devoid of cynicism. I go to card shows when they come around, but I mostly abhor the crap being peddled. Ready made, prefab collectibles that go straight from the pack to the plastic. The early topps cards were MADE for kids. Made to be LOVED. I love each card I buy for the fact that there was surely some young kid who loved that card, who spent his hard earned money, and walked or biked to the Rexall or the Woolworth to buy a pack. I feel like I'm keeping that feeling alive by treasuring these cards, and keeping them out of the hands of dealers just looking to make their 20 percent.

3) They represent a bygone era. I don't want to fall into the trap of saying the 50s were the good ole days. They weren't. Nuclear war, red scares, segregation...they weren't the best of times. But what I DO mourn, what I regret that I will never know, was baseball as it was regarded at the time. I can only go from what my Dad tells me, that baseball was EVERYTHING to a boy growing up then. These cards depict players that kids looked up to. They were athletes, gods and your big brother rolled up in one. Some are goofy looking, some actually have halos! Most of all, they were loyal to their teams. Guys spent whole careers with a team. They were loved. Now, players sell themselves to the highest bidder. Sure they were getting screwed in the past by being paid less, but for free agency and those pay checks, many have lost their souls, and helped kill the game as it once was.

4) Least of all, though still important, these cards do retain their value. I don't trust investing in pieces of paper for companies that will mismanage my investment, or run sweatshops, or in general work against the common interest of the people at large. I rather invest in something I can hold in my hand. I want to build a collection of something to be proud of, that people will enjoy, that one day I will donate or sell to establish a fund or scholarship.


I simply LOVE those 52s, and I'll build one of the best sets ever!

[Volod]

Brian: Thanks for that highly articulate and moving comment. You are a man after my own heart and I really enjoyed reading your views and reflections on cards and other stuff.

[toppcat]

Originally Posted by Brianruns10

1) They are works of art. Make no doubt about it, these cards are truly gorgeous works of craft. I adore the handcolored feel, and how each card is a little different. Some (Walter Masterson) just have a light color wash and have a faded, well loved look. Others, like the Durocher are intricate, lovingly detailed, almost photographic in their color realism.

I agree 100%-there is something about the look of this set, more than any other from Topps, that just draws me in.