1952 Topps #148 Johnny Klippstein
1952 Topps #148 Johnny Klippstein
About Johnny Klippstein
Signed by Cardinals scout Pop Kelchner out of an Appleton, Wisconsin tryout camp in 1944, right-handed pitcher Johnny Klippstein (1927-2003) reached the majors with the Chicago Cubs in 1950 and lasted 18 seasons, working as both a starter and reliever for eight clubs: the Cubs (1950-54), Cincinnati Redlegs (1955-58, and again 1962), Los Angeles Dodgers (1958-59), Cleveland Indians, Washington Senators, Philadelphia Phillies, Minnesota Twins, and Detroit Tigers. Chronically wild, he twice led the league in wild pitches and earned the nickname "The Wild Man of Borneo," a nod to a 1941 film and to his erratic control. His career highlights included throwing seven no-hit innings in a May 1956 game, tying for the American League lead with 14 saves for Cleveland in 1960, and a superb 1.93 ERA in 1963. He won a World Series ring with the 1959 Dodgers, tossing two scoreless innings, and pitched again in the 1965 Fall Classic for the pennant-winning Twins. He finished 101-118 with a 4.24 ERA, 66 saves, and 1,158 strikeouts over 711 games. This card is part of the 1952 Topps set's third series and, being below the scarce #311-407 high numbers, was printed in comparatively larger quantities.
Sources: Wikipedia · Baseball-Reference · SABR
Variations & how to tell them apart
White Back / Gray Back Series 3 (cards 131-190)
The third series exists on two different card stocks. The standard issue is on white/cream stock; a much scarcer parallel was printed on gray cardboard. The gray stock was used at the END of the series-3 run — leftover stock run through the same press, not a separate or foreign printing. Gray backs have a duller, gloss-less front and are never found with gum stains.
- White Back: Standard issue. White/cream card stock, normal red-ink back. Sharper, glossier front.
- Gray Back — scarcer: Scarce parallel on gray card stock. Duller, gloss-less front; never gum-stained. #189 Pete Reiser is the rarest of the run; #146 Frank House appears with a pale/yellow Tiger logo. NOTE: long mislabeled 'Canadian' (borrowed from the genuinely-Canadian 1954 Topps issue) — there is no evidence the 1952 grays were a Canadian release. TCDB catalogs these as 'Grey Back' against the normal 'Red Back'.
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 1-4 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 636 | 0 | 3 | 50 | 124 | 156 | 118 | 178 | 7 |
| SGC | 105 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 18 | 37 | 36 | 3 |
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 Johnny Klippstein card?
It is card #148 of 407 in the 1952 Topps set - Topps' first flagship issue and the cornerstone of the postwar hobby. It pictures the Chicago Cubs player.
Does the 1952 Topps Johnny Klippstein have back variations?
Yes. The third series exists on two different card stocks. The standard issue is on white/cream stock; a much scarcer parallel was printed on gray cardboard. The gray stock was used at the END of the series-3 run — leftover stock run through the same press, not a separate or foreign printing. Gray backs have a duller, gloss-less front and are never found with gum stains.
Is the 1952 Topps Johnny Klippstein 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.