1952 Topps #13 Johnny Wyrostek
1952 Topps #13 Johnny Wyrostek
About Johnny Wyrostek
John Barney "Barney" Wyrostek was a left-handed-hitting outfielder from Fairmont City, Illinois, signed by St. Louis Cardinals scout Charlie Barrett in 1937 after a three-day tryout. He climbed through seven minor-league seasons — leading his league at .358 for Columbus in 1944 — before World War II Army service in Europe interrupted his career. Reaching the majors with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1942, Wyrostek settled in as a steady, sure-handed corner and center fielder over 11 big-league seasons with the Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies (1946-47, 1952-54) and Cincinnati Reds (1948-52), the club he represents on this Series 1 card. His peak came in Cincinnati, where he was named a National League All-Star reserve in both 1950 and 1951, pinch-hitting for Jackie Robinson in the 1950 game. Known as "Barney" to friends, he batted .271 with 1,149 hits, 58 home runs and 481 RBIs, collecting his 1,000th hit off Joe Black at Ebbets Field in 1953. After baseball he served nearly two decades as mayor of his hometown. Like all first-series cards, his was issued with both black-back and red-back printing variations.
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 | 796 | 1 | 6 | 64 | 99 | 176 | 183 | 265 | 2 |
| SGC | 101 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 25 | 61 | 1 |
SGC by variation: Black Back 48 · Red Back 53
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 Wyrostek card?
It is card #13 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 Johnny Wyrostek 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 Johnny Wyrostek 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.