1952 Topps Ferris Fain Card

The 1952 Topps baseball card collection is an iconic set of sports memorabilia that has stood the test of time, captivating the hearts of baseball fans and collectors alike. Among these treasured cards is the Ferris Fain card, number 21 in the series. Fain, a Major League Baseball player with an impressive career, is immortalized on this card. In this article, we will explore Ferris Fain's life, his MLB career and statistics, and the estimated value of his 1952 Topps card.

Ferris Fain: The Man Behind the Card

Ferris Fain was born on March 29, 1921, in San Antonio, Texas. He grew up playing baseball and eventually made his way into the big leagues, enjoying a productive career. He was a left-handed first baseman known for his excellent hitting skills and solid defensive abilities. Throughout his career, Fain was known as a gritty and hard-nosed player who never backed down from a challenge, earning the nickname "Burrhead" from his teammates.

Ferris Fain's MLB Career and Statistics

Fain's Major League Baseball career spanned ten years, from 1947 to 1956. He played for several teams, including the Philadelphia Athletics, Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, and Cleveland Indians. A five-time All-Star, Fain led the American League in batting average twice and was consistently one of the top hitters of his era. His career statistics are as follows:

• Games played: 1,234

• At-bats: 4,325

• Hits: 1,241

• Batting average: .290

• Home runs: 48

• Runs batted in (RBIs): 570

• Runs scored: 694

• Doubles: 191

• Triples: 32

• Walks: 643

• Stolen bases: 34

Fain was an integral part of the Philadelphia Athletics team that finished second in the American League in 1952. That year, he batted .324, leading the league in doubles with 43 and finishing in the top ten in runs scored, hits, RBIs, walks, and on-base percentage. Fain's accomplishments on the field earned him a place in baseball history, making his 1952 Topps card a sought-after collectible.

The 1952 Topps Ferris Fain Card: A Vintage Treasure

The 1952 Topps baseball card set marked the beginning of a new era in sports card collecting. It was the first set to feature full-color images of players, along with player biographies, statistics, and facsimile autographs on the reverse side of the card. The series' distinctive look and innovative design helped establish Topps as the leading name in sports cards, a position it has held for decades.

Card number 21 in the series features Ferris Fain in his Philadelphia Athletics uniform, set against a vividly colored background. The card's front displays an artist's rendition of Fain, along with his name, position, and team. The back of the card contains a brief biography, stats, and a trivia question, as well as a facsimile of Fain's signature.

Estimated Value of the 1952 Topps Ferris Fain Card

The value of a 1952 Topps Ferris Fain card depends on several factors, including its condition, rarity, and demand among collectors. Well-preserved examples of the card can command significant prices, particularly if they have been professionally graded by companies like Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) or Sportscard Guaranty (SGC). These grading companies use a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest grade, to determine the condition of a card. Cards in higher grades are rarer and more valuable.

Here are some estimated values for the 1952 Topps Ferris Fain card in various grades:

• PSA or SGC 1 (Poor): $50 - $75

• PSA or SGC 3 (Very Good): $100 - $150

• PSA or SGC 5 (Excellent): $250 - $350

• PSA or SGC 7 (Near Mint): $750 - $1,000

• PSA or SGC 9 (Mint): $4,000 - $6,000

It's important to note that these values are only estimates and can vary depending on market conditions, the specific card's eye appeal, and other factors. Additionally, cards with lower grades may still hold value for collectors looking to complete a set or acquire a piece of baseball history.

Caring for Your 1952 Topps Ferris Fain Card

To preserve the value and condition of your 1952 Topps Ferris Fain card, it is essential to handle and store it properly. Here are some tips to help you care for your card:

• Handle the card with clean hands: Oils and dirt on your hands can damage the card's surface, edges, and corners.

• Use card sleeves or top loaders: Card sleeves are thin plastic protectors that can help prevent scratches, scuffs, and other damage to the card's surface. Top loaders are rigid plastic protectors that provide additional support and protection.

• Store the card in a cool, dry place: Moisture and temperature fluctuations can cause warping, fading, or other damage to your card.

• Keep the card away from direct sunlight: Exposure to sunlight can cause fading and other damage to the card's colors and surface.

Consider professional grading: If you believe your card is in excellent condition, it may be worthwhile to have it professionally graded. This can help establish the card's value and provide additional protection through the grading company's tamper-evident holder.

The 1952 Topps Ferris Fain card is a vintage treasure that captures the essence of a bygone era in baseball history. As a talented first baseman with an impressive career, Fain's card holds both historical and financial value for collectors. With proper care and handling, this collectible can serve as a lasting tribute to one of baseball's greats and a cherished piece of sports memorabilia for generations to come.