1952 Topps #206 Joe Ostrowski
1952 Topps #206 Joe Ostrowski
About Joe Ostrowski
Joe Ostrowski was a left-handed pitcher who reached the majors relatively late after a University of Scranton degree (1938) and a stint as a schoolteacher, which earned him the nicknames "Professor" and "Specs." Signed by the Boston Red Sox as an amateur free agent in 1941, he lost the 1943-1945 seasons to service as a medic in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II before finally debuting with the St. Louis Browns on July 18, 1948. Traded to the New York Yankees in a seven-player deal on June 15, 1950, Ostrowski settled into relief work and posted his best year in 1951, going 6-4 with a 3.49 ERA over 34 appearances. Across five big-league seasons (1948-1952) he went 23-25 with a 4.54 ERA and 131 strikeouts. Though a role player, he was a member of the Yankees' three straight World Series championship clubs in 1950, 1951, and 1952. This 1952 Topps card, part of the fourth series, is his rookie card. He was later inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (1988).
Sources: Wikipedia · Baseball-Reference
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 1-4 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 734 | 2 | 9 | 63 | 133 | 191 | 161 | 172 | 3 |
| SGC | 104 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 17 | 10 | 37 | 35 | 1 |
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 New York Yankees cards
- Bobby Hogue
- Phil Rizzuto
- Joe Page
- Johnny Sain
- Ed Lopat
- Allie Reynolds
- Bob Kuzava
- Gene Woodling
- Jack Jensen
- Don Bollweg
- Johnny Mize
- Frank Overmire
- Charlie Silvera
- Billy Martin
Frequently asked questions
What is the 1952 Topps Joe Ostrowski card?
It is card #206 of 407 in the 1952 Topps set - Topps' first flagship issue and the cornerstone of the postwar hobby. It pictures the New York Yankees player, and is his rookie card.
Is the 1952 Topps Joe Ostrowski 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.