Monday, October 18, 2021

UPDATE: 1952 Topps Survivors

 I felt it was time to update the list of players in the iconic 1952 Topps set that are still with us. This was a project that was begun by the late Bob Lemke. Since my last update of this list, Eddie Robinson  passed away at the ripe old age of 100. He was the oldest living MLB player at the time of his death. In August we lost Johnny Groth. He was 95. Cloyd Boyer, the older brother of Clete and Ken Boyer, left us in September at the age of 94.

That brings the survivors of the 1952 Topps set down to twelve. Here is the current list of the '52 survivors: 


Bobby Shantz

Born 9/26/1925

Card #219







Bobby Morgan

Born 6/29/1926

Card #355






Carl Erskine

Born 12/13/1926

Card #250







Charlie Maxwell

Born 4/8/1927

Card #180








Bob Kelly

Born 10/4/1927

Card #348







Tommy Brown

Born 12/6/1927

Card #281








Bob Ross 

Born 11/2/1928

Card #298







Curt Simmons

Born 5/19/1929

Card #203













Ike Delock

Born 11/11/1929

Card #329



Vern Law

Born 3/12/1930

Card #81







Dick Groat

Born 11/4/1930

Card #369







Willie Mays

Born 5/6/1931

Card #261













    With the passing of Eddie Robinson earlier this month, the oldest living MLB player is George Elder.  He played only part of one season with the St. Louis Browns in 1949.  He played a total of 4 years of pro ball from 1947-1950.  He played minor league ball with the Toledo Mud Hens, San Antonio Missions, Baltimore Orioles. Beaumont Exporters and the Wichita Indians.  Since he never had a baseball card, I made him one in the style of the 1983 Topps Super Veteran cards.

    4 comments:

    1. That "Oldest Living Player" card is a great idea and well executed! How appropriate his name is, too.

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    2. Great post! I remember some of these guys from watching them in the 60's. Thanks for the update.

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    3. Bob Kelly signed a 52 reprint for me recently through the mail. I have one out to Bobby Shantz too. Really like the card of Elder.

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    4. Wonderful. Thank you for sharing.

      ReplyDelete