One of the most Iconic Baseball Card Sets in History
1952 Topps Billy Loes Card
The world of baseball cards has long been a fascinating aspect of baseball culture, capturing the hearts of fans and collectors alike. One such card that stands out in the history of baseball card collecting is the 1952 Topps Billy Loes card, card number 20. This article delves into the story of Billy Loes, his Major League Baseball (MLB) career, and the significance of his 1952 Topps card.
Who was Billy Loes?
William Loes, better known as Billy Loes, was a talented right-handed pitcher who played in the MLB for 11 seasons from 1950 to 1961. Born on December 13, 1929, in Astoria, New York, Loes started his professional baseball career with the Brooklyn Dodgers, later playing for the Baltimore Orioles and the San Francisco Giants. He was a skilled pitcher, known for his unique pitching style, and played a significant role in the Dodgers' 1952 and 1955 National League (NL) pennants.
Major League Baseball Career Stats
Billy Loes had a solid MLB career, making a name for himself as a reliable and effective pitcher. Here are some of his notable career statistics:
• Win-Loss Record: 80-63
• Earned Run Average (ERA): 3.89
• Strikeouts: 645
• Walks: 440
• Innings Pitched: 1,288.1
• Games Played: 266
• Games Started: 162
• Complete Games: 45
• Shutouts: 9
• Saves: 16
• World Series Championships: 1 (1955)
Billy Loes' MLB Career Highlights
Loes had several standout moments during his MLB career. Some of his key accomplishments include:
1952 All-Star Selection: Loes was named to the National League All-Star team in 1952, a testament to his excellent pitching skills that season.
1955 World Series Champion: As a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Loes contributed to the team's victory in the 1955 World Series against the New York Yankees. This championship marked the Dodgers' first and only World Series title while based in Brooklyn.
Strong Postseason Performance: Loes' postseason record demonstrates his ability to perform under pressure. He pitched in three World Series (1952, 1953, and 1955), accumulating a 2-2 record with a 3.77 ERA across 14.1 innings.
The 1952 Topps Billy Loes Card
The 1952 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets in the hobby. It was the first set to feature full-color player photographs and included statistics, biographical information, and a facsimile autograph on the front of the card. Card number 20, featuring Billy Loes, is part of this historic set.
The card features a portrait of Loes wearing his Brooklyn Dodgers cap and smiling at the camera. The card's design includes a team logo, player name, and position on a baseball graphic. The back of the card provides Loes' biographical information, a brief career summary, and a cartoon illustrating a baseball fact or rule.
Estimated Value of the 1952 Topps Billy Loes Card
The value of the 1952 Topps Billy Loes card can vary significantly depending on the card's condition and the demand among collectors. Grading services such as Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Sportscard Guaranty (SGC) evaluate the condition of cards on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being "Poor" and 10 being "Gem Mint." Cards in better condition will generally command higher prices in the market.
Here are some estimated values for the 1952 Topps Billy Loes card based on its condition:
• PSA/SGC 1 (Poor): $20 - $50
• PSA/SGC 3 (Very Good): $50 - $100
• PSA/SGC 5 (Excellent): $100 - $200
• PSA/SGC 7 (Near Mint): $300 - $600
• PSA/SGC 9 (Mint): $1,000 - $2,000
Please note that these values are only approximate and can fluctuate depending on factors such as market demand, recent sales, and the specific grading company used. It is also essential to consider that the 1952 Topps Billy Loes card is not one of the high-profile cards in the set, such as the iconic Mickey Mantle card. However, it still holds historical significance and is a valuable piece for any collector looking to complete the 1952 Topps set or acquire a piece of Brooklyn Dodgers history.
The 1952 Topps Billy Loes card is an important piece of baseball memorabilia that tells the story of a talented pitcher who played a crucial role in the success of the Brooklyn Dodgers during the 1950s. The card's inclusion in the iconic 1952 Topps set adds to its significance and appeal for baseball card collectors. The estimated value of the card depends on its condition, but even in lesser grades, it remains a sought-after piece for fans of the game and its rich history. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting, the 1952 Topps Billy Loes card represents a fascinating snapshot of a bygone era of baseball and a player who made a lasting impact on the sport.