1952 Topps Tommy Glaviano Card

The world of baseball card collecting is vast and full of treasures. While many collectors focus on the big names, there is an undeniable charm in discovering the stories behind lesser-known players. One such gem is the 1952 Topps Tommy Glaviano card, numbered 56 in the iconic set. This article takes a deep dive into the life and career of Tommy Glaviano, providing a glimpse into the world of baseball in the early 1950s and shedding light on the value of this unique piece of memorabilia.

Tommy Glaviano: The Player

Thomas A. Glaviano, commonly known as Tommy Glaviano, was born on October 26, 1923, in Sacramento, California. He was a versatile infielder in Major League Baseball, known for his ability to play third base, second base, and shortstop. Glaviano's major league career spanned six seasons, from 1949 to 1954, with the majority of his playing time spent with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Philadelphia Phillies.

Career Highlights and MLB Stats

Tommy Glaviano MLB career may not have been filled with All-Star appearances or World Series titles, but he was a solid contributor to his teams. Here are some of his career statistics:

• Games played: 392

• At-bats: 1,162

• Hits: 266

• Home runs: 28

• Runs batted in (RBIs): 129

• Batting average: .229

• On-base percentage: .327

• Slugging percentage: .348

• Stolen bases: 14

Glaviano made his MLB debut on April 19, 1949, with the St. Louis Cardinals. He played with the Cardinals until 1951, when he joined the Philadelphia Phillies. Glaviano's final season in the majors was 1954, with the St. Louis Cardinals once again.

Personal Life of Tommy Glaviano

Tommy Glaviano was married to Lorraine Glaviano, and together, they had four children. He was a private individual, and not much is known about his life outside of baseball. After retiring from the major leagues, he continued to play in the minor leagues for a few more years before hanging up his cleats for good. Tommy Glaviano passed away on January 19, 2004, at the age of 80.

1952 Topps Baseball Card Set

The 1952 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most important and collectible sets in the hobby. It was the first set to feature color photographs of players, a significant innovation at the time. This set marked a turning point in the baseball card industry, with Topps ultimately becoming the dominant player in the market.

The 1952 Topps set consists of 407 cards, with players organized by team and in numerical order. Many of the cards feature stunning artwork, making them highly sought after by collectors. The most famous card in the set is undoubtedly the Mickey Mantle rookie card, which has sold for millions of dollars at auction.

1952 Topps Tommy Glaviano: Card Number 56

Tommy Glaviano's 1952 Topps card features a striking color photograph of the player set against a simple background. The card design includes his name, team, and position in bold lettering, along with a facsimile autograph.

Estimated Value of Tommy Glaviano 1952 Topps Card

The value of a Tommy Glaviano 1952 Topps card depends on its condition and the grading assigned to it by professional grading companies like PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) or SGC (Sportscard Guaranty). Cards in mint condition with high grades command higher prices than those in lesser condition or with lower grades.

Here are some estimated values for the 1952 Topps Tommy Glaviano card based on condition and grade:

• PSA 8 (Near Mint-Mint): $400 - $600

• PSA 7 (Near Mint): $150 - $250

• PSA 6 (Excellent-Mint): $80 - $120

• PSA 5 (Excellent): $50 - $70

• PSA 4 (Very Good-Excellent): $30 - $50

• PSA 3 (Very Good): $20 - $30

• PSA 2 (Good): $10 - $20

• PSA 1 (Poor): $5 - $10

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary depending on market conditions and buyer interest. The actual value of a specific card may be higher or lower than the estimates provided.

The 1952 Topps Tommy Glaviano card, numbered 56, is a beautiful piece of baseball history that tells the story of a talented and versatile infielder who played in the major leagues during the early 1950s. While Glaviano may not have achieved superstar status during his career, his contributions to the St. Louis Cardinals and the Philadelphia Phillies are preserved in this classic card from one of the most significant sets in the hobby.

Collecting baseball cards is about more than just accumulating valuable assets; it's also a way to connect with the history of the game and the players who have made it what it is today. So, whether you're a dedicated collector, a casual fan, or someone looking to delve into the world of baseball memorabilia, the 1952 Topps Tommy Glaviano card is a worthy addition to any collection.