1952 Topps #6 Grady Hatton
About Grady Hatton
A Beaumont, Texas native, Grady Hatton starred at the University of Texas, earning All-Southwest Conference honors three times before enlisting in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He signed with the Cincinnati Reds while still in the service and, after his 1946 discharge, honored that commitment despite larger offers from other clubs. Hatton debuted for the Reds on April 16, 1946, going 3-for-5, and enjoyed a strong rookie year, leading the club in batting (.271), home runs (14), and RBI (69). Primarily a third baseman who also played second and shortstop, he spent parts of 12 big-league seasons (1946-1960) with the Reds, White Sox, Red Sox, Cardinals, Orioles, and Cubs, batting .254 with 91 home runs and 533 RBI over 1,312 games. His lone All-Star selection came in 1952, the very year of this card, when NL manager Leo Durocher named him a reserve infielder; he did not appear, as the game was called after five innings due to rain. Nicknamed "Grade-A" by a Boston writer in reference to his personal integrity, Hatton later managed the Houston Astros (1966 to mid-1968). He was never elected to the Hall of Fame but is enshrined in the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame.
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 | 695 | 0 | 2 | 43 | 72 | 113 | 150 | 312 | 3 |
| SGC | 96 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 23 | 58 | 2 |
SGC by variation: Black Back 43 · Red Back 53
Graded population — a scarcity guide, not a price. Snapshot 2026-06-22. Half grades fold down for both graders (8.5→8); PSA qualified slabs (OC, ST, PD, MC and the like) are not counted. Totals are summed across each grader's listed variations.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the 1952 Topps Grady Hatton card?
It is card #6 of 407 in the 1952 Topps set - Topps' first flagship issue and the cornerstone of the postwar hobby. It pictures the Cincinnati Reds player.
Does the 1952 Topps Grady Hatton 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 Grady Hatton 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 2026-10-05.