1952 Topps #10 Al Rosen
About Al Rosen
Albert "Al" Rosen was a hard-hitting third baseman who spent his entire major-league career (1947-1956) with the Cleveland Indians. A former amateur boxer who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II (including the Battle of Okinawa), Rosen tore up the minors before sticking in Cleveland, and in 1950 he led the American League with 37 home runs as a first-year regular. He drove in 100-plus runs for five straight seasons (1950-1954) and earned four All-Star selections (1952-1955). His 1953 campaign was one of the greatest ever by a third baseman: he led the AL in home runs (43), RBIs (145), runs, slugging, and total bases, was named MVP by unanimous vote, and missed the Triple Crown by a fraction of a point in the batting race on the final day. Rosen was a member of Cleveland's 1948 World Series championship team. Nicknamed the "Hebrew Hammer" after his idol Hank Greenberg, he hit .285 with 192 home runs and 717 RBIs before back and leg injuries forced his retirement, later serving as a front-office executive with the Yankees, Astros, and Giants. He was inducted into the Cleveland Indians Hall of Fame in 2006. This Series 1 card exists with both black-back and red-back print variations.
Sources: Wikipedia · Baseball-Reference · SABR
Variations & how to tell them apart
Black Back / Red Back Series 1 (cards 1-80)
Every card in the first series exists with the back printed in either black or red ink. The black backs are the first printing and are scarcer; red backs (the second printing onward) are more common.
- Black Back — scarcer: First printing. Reverse printed in black ink. Scarcer, and typically carries a small premium over the red back.
- Red Back: Second printing onward. Reverse printed in red ink. The more common of the two.
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 1-4 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 803 | 0 | 2 | 38 | 61 | 136 | 148 | 413 | 5 |
| SGC | 148 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 10 | 19 | 110 | 4 |
SGC by variation: Black Back 68 · Red Back 80
Graded population — a scarcity guide, not a price. Snapshot 2026-06-22. Half-grades fold down (8.5→8); totals are summed across each grader's listed variations.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the 1952 Topps Al Rosen card?
It is card #10 of 407 in the 1952 Topps set - Topps' first flagship issue and the cornerstone of the postwar hobby. It pictures the Cleveland Indians player.
Does the 1952 Topps Al Rosen have back variations?
Yes. Every card in the first series exists with the back printed in either black or red ink. The black backs are the first printing and are scarcer; red backs (the second printing onward) are more common.
Is the 1952 Topps Al Rosen valuable?
Value depends on grade and (where it applies) the back variation. Use the links above to check current T206 Cards inventory and live eBay listings.
Sources: the Trading Card Database, Baseball-Reference, and PSA & SGC population reports. Card data & population compiled and maintained by T206Cards.com. Page last updated 2026-07-01.