1952 Topps #68 Cliff Chambers
1952 Topps #68 Cliff Chambers
About Cliff Chambers
Cliff Chambers, a left-handed pitcher born in Portland, Oregon in 1922, starred at Washington State College (11-5) before Cubs scout Dutch Ruether signed him for a $1,500 bonus on June 1, 1942. After minor-league seasons with the Los Angeles Angels and military service, he reached the majors with the Chicago Cubs in 1948, then pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1949-1951) and the St. Louis Cardinals (1951-1953). His defining moment came on May 6, 1951, when he no-hit the Boston Braves 3-0 in the second game of a doubleheader; it was the Pirates' first no-hitter in nearly 44 years, and one of the most improbable in history, as Chambers walked eight batters while striking out five and even singled home a run himself. Barely a month later, on June 15, 1951, he was dealt to St. Louis. Nicknamed "Lefty" for his throwing arm, Chambers finished 48-53 with a 4.29 ERA over six big-league seasons before a 1952 line-drive injury curtailed his effectiveness; he retired in 1954. This card is a Series 1 low number, printed in the plentiful first run rather than the scarce high-number series (#311-407) that includes the famous Mickey Mantle.
Sources: 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 | 938 | 0 | 1 | 69 | 163 | 192 | 206 | 302 | 5 |
| SGC | 132 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 17 | 33 | 66 | 6 |
SGC by variation: Black Back 74 · Red Back 58
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 Cliff Chambers card?
It is card #68 of 407 in the 1952 Topps set - Topps' first flagship issue and the cornerstone of the postwar hobby. It pictures the St. Louis Cardinals player.
Does the 1952 Topps Cliff Chambers 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 Cliff Chambers 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.