1952 Baseball Cards - 1952 Topps Marv Rickert

One of the most Iconic Baseball Card Sets in History

1952 Topps Marv Rickert Card

The world of baseball card collecting has long been a fascination for fans and collectors alike, with some cards reaching staggering prices at auctions. One such card is the 1952 Topps Marv Rickert, card number 50 in the set. This article will explore the life and career of Marv Rickert, delving into his major league stats, personal life, and the estimated value of his iconic 1952 Topps card.

Who Was Marv Rickert?

Marvin August Rickert was born on January 8, 1921, in Longbranch, Washington, and would grow up to become a talented Major League Baseball (MLB) player. Nicknamed "Big Bopper," Rickert was an outfielder and first baseman who played for various teams during his 10-year MLB career. He made his debut on April 18, 1942, for the Chicago Cubs, and his final appearance was on September 30, 1950, for the St. Louis Cardinals. Despite not having the most dazzling career stats, Marv Rickert remains a respected name in the world of baseball.

Marv Rickert's MLB Stats

Throughout his career, Marv Rickert played a total of 978 games, amassing the following statistics:

• Batting average: .247

• Home runs: 49

• Runs batted in (RBIs): 369

• Runs scored: 337

• Hits: 751

• Doubles: 147

• Triples: 29

• Stolen bases: 13

• Walks: 437

• Strikeouts: 430

• On-base percentage (OBP): .356

• Slugging percentage (SLG): .361

• On-base plus slugging (OPS): .717

• Total bases: 1,107

Rickert's career may not have broken any records, but he was a solid player who contributed to his teams during his time in the major leagues.

Marv Rickert's Personal Life

Marv Rickert grew up in Washington state and attended Centralia High School. After graduating, he began his professional baseball journey in 1940 by signing with the Tacoma Tigers, a minor league affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. However, his career was temporarily interrupted by his military service during World War II. He served as a Seabee (Construction Battalion) in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1945. After the war, Rickert returned to baseball and continued playing until his retirement from the majors in 1950.

Rickert married his wife, Lillian, and they had two children together. After retiring from baseball, he worked as a logger and a construction worker in his home state of Washington. Marv Rickert passed away on May 20, 1978, at the age of 57.

The 1952 Topps Marv Rickert Card

The 1952 Topps baseball card set is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and sought-after card sets in the history of baseball card collecting. The cards were designed by Sy Berger, who is often referred to as the "Father of the Modern Baseball Card." The 1952 Topps set introduced several innovative design elements, including the use of color photography, player biographies, and statistics on the back of the card.

Marv Rickert's card, number 50 in the set, features a close-up portrait of him wearing the uniform of the Cincinnati Reds. While the card does not depict him in action on the field, the portrait captures the essence of the player, showcasing his determined expression and confident demeanor. On the back of the card, you'll find a brief biography, as well as a cartoon illustration and a trivia question. The card also lists Rickert's impressive stats, allowing collectors to appreciate his contributions to the game of baseball.

Estimated Value of Marv Rickert's 1952 Topps Card

The value of a Marv Rickert 1952 Topps card can vary significantly depending on its condition and rarity. Cards that are well-centered, have sharp corners, and retain their original color and gloss are generally more valuable than those with visible wear and tear. Another important factor that affects the card's value is its grade, which is determined by professional grading services such as Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) or Sportscard Guaranty (SGC).

Here are some estimated values for Marv Rickert's 1952 Topps card based on its condition and grade:

• PSA 9 (Mint): $2,500 - $3,500

• PSA 8 (Near Mint-Mint): $300 - $500

• PSA 7 (Near Mint): $100 - $150

• PSA 6 (Excellent-Mint): $50 - $75

• PSA 5 (Excellent): $25 - $40

• PSA 4 (Very Good-Excellent): $15 - $25

• PSA 3 (Very Good): $10 - $15

It is essential to note that these values are only estimates and can fluctuate based on the current market demand, recent sales, and the overall popularity of the 1952 Topps set. Additionally, ungraded cards can be challenging to value accurately, as their condition may not be apparent to the untrained eye. As a result, collectors often seek professional grading services to determine the card's grade and enhance its overall value and desirability.