1952 Topps Gil Hodges Card

The 1952 Topps Gil Hodges card number 36 is a significant piece of baseball memorabilia that holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and fans alike. This treasured card not only represents the career of a legendary player but also hails from a groundbreaking series of baseball cards that revolutionized the industry. In this article, we will explore the life and career of Gil Hodges, his impressive Major League Baseball (MLB) statistics, and the value of this iconic baseball card.

Gil Hodges: A Brief Biography

Gilbert Ray Hodges, better known as Gil Hodges, was born on April 4, 1924, in Princeton, Indiana. He was a remarkably talented and versatile athlete, excelling in both basketball and baseball during his high school years. Hodges joined the United States Marine Corps during World War II and served as an anti-aircraft gunner in the Pacific theater. After the war, he pursued his love for baseball and signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1943.

Hodges played the majority of his career as a first baseman and is best remembered for his time with the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers, where he was an integral part of the team's success from 1947 to 1961. After a brief stint with the New York Mets, he retired as a player and embarked on a successful managerial career, leading the 1969 "Miracle Mets" to their first-ever World Series championship. Hodges passed away on April 2, 1972, at the age of 47, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire baseball fans and collectors to this day.

Gil Hodges' MLB Career Statistics

Over his 18-year career in Major League Baseball, Gil Hodges compiled an impressive list of accomplishments and statistics. Here are some of the highlights:

• Games Played: 2,071

• At-Bats: 7,030

• Runs: 1,105

• Hits: 1,921

• Doubles: 295

• Triples: 48

• Home Runs: 370

• Runs Batted In (RBI): 1,274

• Batting Average: .273

• On-Base Percentage: .359

• Slugging Percentage: .487

• Fielding Percentage: .992

• All-Star Appearances: 8 (1949-1955, 1957)

• Gold Glove Awards: 3 (1957, 1959, 1960)

• World Series Championships: 2 (as a player: 1955 with Brooklyn Dodgers, as a manager: 1969 with New York Mets)

The 1952 Topps Baseball Card Set

The 1952 Topps baseball card set, which includes the iconic Gil Hodges card number 36, was a game-changer in the world of sports collectibles. Topps, a new company at the time, introduced several innovations that would become industry standards. These include larger card sizes (2.5" x 3.5"), vivid color photography, player statistics, and bios on the card backs.

The set initially featured 407 cards, with the first 310 cards released in two series. The remaining 97 cards, referred to as the high-number series, were released later in the year and are considered more scarce and valuable. The set is also notable for featuring the rookie cards of two baseball legends: Mickey Mantle and Eddie Mathews.

The Value of the 1952 Topps Gil Hodges Card Number 36

The 1952 Topps Gil Hodges card number 36 is a highly sought-after collectible due to its historical significance, the player it represents, and its association with the groundbreaking 1952 Topps set. The value of the card can vary greatly depending on factors such as its condition, centering, and whether it has been professionally graded.

Card Condition and Grading

The condition of a card plays a significant role in determining its value. Cards with sharp corners, clear images, and no creases or stains are generally more valuable than those with visible imperfections. Professional grading services, such as Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Sportscard Guaranty (SGC), use a 10-point scale to evaluate the condition of sports cards. A card with a high grade from a reputable grading service can command a premium price in the market.

Market Value

In recent years, the value of vintage baseball cards, including the 1952 Topps Gil Hodges card number 36, has increased considerably. While exact prices can fluctuate depending on market conditions and demand, here are some general value guidelines for this card:

• In "Good" condition (PSA 2 or SGC 30): $100 - $200

• In "Excellent" condition (PSA 5 or SGC 60): $500 - $700

• In "Near Mint" condition (PSA 7 or SGC 84): $1,500 - $2,500

• In "Mint" condition (PSA 9 or SGC 96): $10,000 - $15,000

It is important to note that these values are provided as general guidelines and can change depending on factors such as recent sales data, scarcity of the card in a particular grade, and the overall market trends for sports collectibles.

The 1952 Topps Gil Hodges card number 36 is a cherished piece of baseball history, capturing the essence of a bygone era and celebrating the career of a true baseball icon. Hodges' impressive career statistics and his contributions to the game as both a player and manager have left an indelible mark on baseball history. As a part of the groundbreaking 1952 Topps baseball card set, this card has become a valuable and sought-after collectible for baseball enthusiasts and card collectors alike. Whether you own one of these cards or are considering acquiring one, the 1952 Topps Gil Hodges card number 36 is undoubtedly a remarkable and timeless piece of baseball memorabilia.