1952 Topps #316 Davey Williams
1952 Topps #316 Davey Williams
About Davey Williams
David Carlous "Dallas" Williams was a slick-fielding second baseman from Dallas, Texas who signed with the minor-league Atlanta Crackers of the Southern Association—choosing that path over the University of Texas on a scout's advice—before reaching the New York Giants. He debuted in 1949 and spent six seasons (1949, 1951–1955) with the Giants, batting .252 with 450 hits, 32 home runs, and 163 RBI over 517 games. His finest year came in 1953, when he hit .297 and earned a National League All-Star selection. Williams anchored the keystone for the Giants' 1954 World Series champions, who swept the Cleveland Indians; he is remembered for taking the relay throw on Willie Mays's iconic over-the-shoulder catch of Vic Wertz's drive in Game 1, holding Larry Doby at third. His career ended prematurely at age 27 after an April 23, 1955 collision at first base with Jackie Robinson aggravated a chronic back condition, forcing his retirement mid-season; he later coached for the Giants. This rookie card falls in the scarce high-number series (#311–407), printed in far lower quantities and famously anchored by the Mickey Mantle #311—making even role players like Williams tough finds today.
Sources: Wikipedia · Baseball-Reference · SABR
Variations & how to tell them apart
High Number
Series 6 (311-407). Minimally distributed in the fall of 1952 when retailers cut orders — the scarcest and most coveted run in the set, holding Mantle, Robinson, Campanella, the Mathews rookie and more.
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 1-4 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 408 | 0 | 2 | 15 | 39 | 79 | 72 | 195 | 6 |
| SGC | 108 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 12 | 10 | 72 | 8 |
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 Davey Williams card?
It is card #316 of 407 in the 1952 Topps set - Topps' first flagship issue and the cornerstone of the postwar hobby. It pictures the New York Giants player, and is his rookie card.
Why is this card scarce?
It is in the 1952 Topps high-number series (311-407), which was minimally distributed in the fall of 1952 and is the scarcest, most sought-after run in the set.
Is the 1952 Topps Davey Williams 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.