1952 Topps Bobby Hogue Card

Bobby Hogue, born Robert Glenn Hogue on April 28, 1921, in Miami, Oklahoma, was a right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) whose career spanned from 1948 to 1952. Though he may not be remembered as one of the sport's all-time greats, his 1952 Topps card, number 8 in the set, is an enduring piece of baseball memorabilia that still holds value today. In this article, we'll delve into the life of Bobby Hogue and discuss the value of his iconic 1952 Topps card.

Bobby Hogue: Early Life and Career

Bobby Hogue's love for baseball was evident from an early age. Growing up in Oklahoma, he played for his high school team and quickly caught the attention of baseball scouts. After graduation, Hogue began his professional career in 1940, signing with the St. Louis Cardinals organization. However, his progress was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the United States Navy from 1942 to 1945.

Upon his return, Hogue resumed his baseball career, and in 1948, he made his MLB debut with the St. Louis Cardinals. Over the next five seasons, Hogue would go on to play for the New York Yankees and the St. Louis Browns, with his final season in the majors being in 1952.

MLB Career Statistics

• Win-Loss Record: 23-22

• Earned Run Average (ERA): 4.65

• Games Played: 170

• Games Started: 28

• Complete Games: 7

• Shutouts: 1

• Innings Pitched: 443.2

• Strikeouts: 171

• Walks: 193

• WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched): 1.53

Although these numbers may not be extraordinary, Hogue was known for his steady, dependable presence on the mound. He frequently appeared in relief and was a versatile pitcher who could handle a variety of situations.

Life After Baseball

After his playing days, Bobby Hogue remained connected to the sport he loved. He worked as a pitching coach for minor league teams and later took on the role of a scout for the Kansas City Athletics and the Baltimore Orioles. Hogue retired from baseball in the late 1970s, returning to his hometown of Miami, Oklahoma, where he continued to be a passionate advocate for the sport until his passing on January 26, 1987.

The 1952 Topps Bobby Hogue Card

Card number 9 in the 1952 Topps set features a colorized photo of Bobby Hogue in his New York Yankees uniform. With a vibrant blue background, the card displays Hogue's name, team, and position in bold white letters. The back of the card contains biographical information and a brief summary of Hogue's career up until that point, as well as a cartoon illustration related to baseball.

The 1952 Topps set is considered one of the most iconic and sought-after sets in the hobby of baseball card collecting. It was Topps' first large-scale release, featuring 407 cards, and introduced several innovations that have since become standard in the industry, such as the inclusion of player statistics and the use of color photography.

Value of the 1952 Topps Bobby Hogue Card

The value of the 1952 Topps Bobby Hogue card can vary widely depending on its condition, rarity, and demand among collectors. Cards in poor condition, with significant wear and tear, may only be worth a few dollars. However , cards in near-mint or mint condition can fetch much higher prices. Here are some factors that influence the value of the 1952 Topps Bobby Hogue card:

• Condition: As with any collectible, the condition of the card plays a significant role in determining its value. Cards with sharp corners, vibrant colors, and no visible flaws are generally more valuable than those with creases, faded colors, or other signs of wear. The grading scale used by professional grading services like Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services (BGS) ranges from 1 (Poor) to 10 (Gem Mint).

• Rarity: Although the Bobby Hogue card is not among the rarest in the 1952 Topps set, it still holds a certain level of scarcity. The early card numbers in the set were printed in larger quantities than the later numbers, making them more common in the market. However, finding a card in high-grade condition can still prove to be a challenge.

• Demand: While Hogue may not be one of the most famous players from the 1952 Topps set, his card still holds a level of desirability among collectors. Those who are looking to complete the entire set, or who have a specific interest in Hogue or the teams he played for, may be willing to pay a premium for a card in top condition.

Taking these factors into account, the value of a 1952 Topps Bobby Hogue card can range from a few dollars for a card in poor condition to several hundred dollars or more for a high-grade example. Cards that have been professionally graded and authenticated by companies like PSA or BGS tend to command higher prices due to the added assurance of the card's condition and authenticity.

The 1952 Topps Bobby Hogue card is a noteworthy piece of baseball history, representing the career of a dedicated and versatile pitcher. Although Hogue may not be remembered as an all-time great, his card remains an important part of the iconic 1952 Topps set, which continues to be highly sought after by collectors. With a captivating design and a connection to the early years of Topps, the Bobby Hogue card is a treasure for any baseball card enthusiast.