1952 Topps #77 Bob Kennedy
1952 Topps #77 Bob Kennedy
About Bob Kennedy
Bob Kennedy was signed by his hometown Chicago White Sox in 1937 as a 16-year-old third baseman and reached the majors in 1939, beginning a 16-season career (1939-42, 1946-57) as a right-handed outfielder and third baseman known for a strong, accurate throwing arm. His playing days were twice interrupted by military service: he flew as a Marine aviator in World War II, and after being traded to the Cleveland Indians in 1948 he batted .301 as a part-time outfielder on Cleveland's World Series-winning club, contributing an RBI single in Game Two. He enjoyed his best years as the Indians' regular right fielder from 1949 through 1951, but in 1952 he was recalled to active duty for the Korean War after just 22 games. During his service he trained fellow Marine pilot Ted Williams. Kennedy also played for the White Sox, Orioles, Tigers, and Dodgers, finishing with a .254 average, 63 home runs, and 514 RBI over roughly 1,483 games. He later managed the Cubs and Athletics and served as Cubs general manager, remaining in the game until 1992; he died in 2005. This first-series card is found with both black and red printing on the back.
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 | 637 | 0 | 4 | 33 | 71 | 120 | 157 | 249 | 3 |
| SGC | 93 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 27 | 51 | 2 |
SGC by variation: Black Back 42 · Red Back 51
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.
Find this card
Search T206 Cards Find on eBay
As an eBay Partner Network affiliate, T206Cards.com may earn from qualifying purchases.
More Cleveland Indians cards
- Al Rosen
- Jim Hegan
- Merrill Combs
- Luke Easter
- Ray Boone
- Bob Feller
- Dale Mitchell
- Bob Chakales
- Pete Reiser
- Harry Simpson
- George Zuverink
- Mickey Harris
- George Stirnweiss
- Larry Doby
Frequently asked questions
What is the 1952 Topps Bob Kennedy card?
It is card #77 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 Bob Kennedy 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 Bob Kennedy 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.