1952 Topps Tookie Gilbert Card

Tookie Gilbert's 1952 Topps baseball card, card number 61, is a classic and highly collectible piece of memorabilia that has been sought after by collectors for years. This article delves into the life and career of Tookie Gilbert, his Major League Baseball (MLB) stats, and an estimated value of the 1952 Topps card. 

Tookie Gilbert: Early Life and Baseball Career

Henry Milton "Tookie" Gilbert was born on April 4, 1929, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was the son of Larry Gilbert, a well-known baseball player and manager in the minor leagues, who led the Nashville Vols to numerous league championships. Growing up in a baseball household, Tookie developed a deep passion for the sport from an early age.

Gilbert attended Jesuit High School in New Orleans, where he excelled as a baseball player. His talent caught the attention of major league scouts, and in 1947, at just 18 years old, he was signed by the New York Giants as an amateur free agent. Tookie spent the next several years in the minor leagues, honing his skills and waiting for his chance to make it to the big leagues.

Tookie Gilbert's MLB Career

Gilbert made his MLB debut on April 17, 1950, playing for the New York Giants as a first baseman. His major league career lasted just two seasons, as he played for the Giants in both the 1950 and 1953 seasons. Although his time in the MLB was relatively short, Gilbert made a lasting impression on baseball fans and collectors alike.

Tookie Gilbert's MLB Stats

• Games Played: 183

• At-Bats: 601

• Hits: 146

• Doubles: 26

• Triples: 8

• Home Runs: 11

• Runs Batted In (RBIs): 62

• Batting Average: .243

• On-Base Percentage (OBP): .322

• Slugging Percentage (SLG): .365

Tookie Gilbert's Personal Life

Tookie Gilbert's personal life was relatively private compared to his baseball career. He married Barbara Ann Hackett in 1952, and the couple had two children together, a son named Henry Milton Gilbert Jr., and a daughter named Gail Ann Gilbert. Tookie was known to be a loving and devoted husband and father.

After his baseball career ended, Gilbert returned to New Orleans and worked in sales for a local beverage company. He remained active in the baseball community as well, helping to coach youth leagues and supporting local baseball teams.

The 1952 Topps Tookie Gilbert Card: A Classic Collectible

The 1952 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and sought-after sets among collectors, primarily due to the inclusion of the Mickey Mantle rookie card. However, many other cards in the set, such as Tookie Gilbert's card number 61, are also highly collectible and hold significant value.

The 1952 Topps Tookie Gilbert card features a color illustration of Gilbert in his New York Giants uniform, with a bright blue sky in the background. The card's design is simple yet elegant, with the player's name, position, and team displayed prominently below the illustration. The back of the card provides biographical information and statistics, which was a new feature for Topps at the time.

The card's value depends on several factors, including the condition of the card and whether it has been professionally graded. 

Estimated Value of the 1952 Topps Tookie Gilbert Card

The value of a 1952 Topps Tookie Gilbert card can vary widely based on its condition and grading. Here are some estimated values for the card in different conditions and grades:

• Ungraded (raw) in Good (G) condition: $25 - $50

• Ungraded (raw) in Very Good (VG) condition: $50 - $100

• Ungraded (raw) in Excellent (EX) condition: $100 - $200

• Graded PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) 4 (VG-EX): $150 - $250

• Graded PSA 6 (EX-MT): $300 - $500

• Graded PSA 8 (NM-MT): $800 - $1,200

• Graded PSA 9 (MINT): $2,000 - $4,000

Please note that these estimated values can fluctuate depending on the current market conditions and demand for the card. Higher-grade cards are rarer and tend to command a premium due to their scarcity and the condition of the card.

Tookie Gilbert's 1952 Topps card is a classic and highly collectible piece of baseball memorabilia. His relatively short but memorable MLB career, coupled with the popularity of the 1952 Topps set, has made this card a sought-after item among collectors. Gilbert's personal life and his dedication to the sport of baseball, both as a player and a mentor to younger players, add to the card's allure.

While the estimated values provided above can give you an idea of the card's worth, it is essential to remember that the true value of a collectible lies in the eyes of the beholder. For fans of Tookie Gilbert and baseball history, this card serves as a tangible reminder of a bygone era and the players who made the game great.