1952 Topps Johnny Groth Card

The 1952 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and sought-after collections in the world of sports memorabilia. Among the 407 cards in the set, card number 25 features Johnny Groth, a talented player who enjoyed a solid career in Major League Baseball (MLB). In this article, we'll explore Johnny Groth's life and career, his MLB stats, and the estimated value of his 1952 Topps card.

Who was Johnny Groth?

John Thomas Groth, known as Johnny Groth, was an American professional baseball player born on July 23, 1926, in Chicago, Illinois. He was an outfielder who played 15 seasons in the MLB from 1946 to 1960. Groth had a promising start to his career, and his talents earned him a spot on several teams, including the Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Browns/Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, and Kansas City Athletics. He also served in the United States Navy during World War II before making his MLB debut.

Johnny Groth's MLB Stats

• Games Played: 1,248

• Batting Average: .279

• Hits: 1,293

• Home Runs: 60

• Runs Batted In (RBI): 486

• Runs: 647

• Doubles: 208

• Triples: 47

• Stolen Bases: 29

• Walks: 385

• Strikeouts: 532

• On-Base Percentage (OBP): .340

• Slugging Percentage (SLG): .387

• Total Bases: 1,853

• Extra-Base Hits: 315

• Hit by Pitch: 6

• Ground into Double Plays (GIDP): 131

• Sacrifice Hits: 33

• Sacrifice Flies: 24

• Intentional Walks: 12

• Caught Stealing: 19

Career Highlights and Achievements

Johnny Groth's career was marked by several notable achievements. Despite not having a Hall of Fame career, he contributed significantly to his teams' successes and gained the respect of his peers. Some of his career highlights include:

• A promising rookie season: In 1946, Groth's rookie season with the Detroit Tigers, he posted a solid .293 batting average with 11 home runs and 72 RBI in just 119 games.

• Top 10 in the American League (AL) for hits: In 1949, Groth finished eighth in the AL with 183 hits, an impressive accomplishment.

• Top 10 in the AL for triples: Groth ranked in the top 10 in the AL for triples in three seasons: 1949 (tied for 7th with 9 triples), 1950 (tied for 6th with 10 triples), and 1951 (tied for 9th with 7 triples).

• Career-high batting average: In 1954, Groth posted a career-high batting average of .306 as a member of the St. Louis Browns/Baltimore Orioles.

• A solid defensive outfielder: Groth was a dependable and skilled defensive outfielder. In his 15-season career, he recorded a .984 fielding percentage, committing only 53 errors in 3,297 total chances.

1952 Topps Johnny Groth Card

The 1952 Topps set is considered a landmark in the history of baseball cards due to its large-format size and innovative design. Measuring 2-5/8" by 3-34", these cards were significantly larger than previous issues, allowing for more detailed player images and information. Card number 25 in the set features Johnny Groth in his Detroit Tigers uniform, showcasing a vivid portrait of the outfielder in front of a colorful background.

The card's design includes the player's name, position, and team at the top of the card, along with the Topps logo and a facsimile autograph. The back of the card features player statistics, biographical information, and a short write-up about Groth's career, making it an informative and valuable collectible for baseball fans.

Estimated Value of Johnny Groth 1952 Topps Card

The value of a 1952 Topps Johnny Groth card can vary significantly depending on factors such as the card's condition, grade, and rarity. In general, cards that are in mint or near-mint condition and have been professionally graded by reputable grading companies like PSA or SGC command higher prices.

As of 2021, the estimated value of a Johnny Groth 1952 Topps card in mint condition (PSA 9) was around $2,000. However, it's essential to keep in mind that the value of sports memorabilia can fluctuate over time due to market trends and the ongoing interest in a particular player or set.

For cards in lesser condition, the value can range anywhere from $10 to $200, depending on factors such as centering, sharpness of corners, surface quality, and overall eye appeal. Furthermore, cards that have been autographed by Johnny Groth can command a premium, with prices varying based on the quality and authenticity of the signature.

The 1952 Topps Johnny Groth card is a fascinating piece of baseball history that honors the career of a talented and hardworking player. Although Groth may not have achieved Hall of Fame status, his contributions to the game and his teams are remembered and celebrated through this iconic card.

Collectors and fans alike can appreciate the card's vibrant design and the glimpse it offers into the life and career of Johnny Groth. As a part of the highly sought-after 1952 Topps set, the Johnny Groth card remains a valuable and cherished piece of memorabilia for those passionate about baseball's rich history.