1952 Topps #42 Lou Kretlow
1952 Topps #42 Lou Kretlow
About Lou Kretlow
Born 1921 in Apache, OK (d. 2007), Lou Kretlow was a right-handed pitcher who debuted in 1946 and played 10 major-league seasons. He went 27-47 with a 4.87 ERA and 450 strikeouts across 199 appearances.
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 | 603 | 0 | 1 | 31 | 63 | 120 | 142 | 240 | 6 |
| SGC | 72 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 18 | 45 | 2 |
SGC by variation: Black Back 35 · Red Back 37
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 Lou Kretlow card?
It is card #42 of 407 in the 1952 Topps set - Topps' first flagship issue and the cornerstone of the postwar hobby. It pictures the Chicago White Sox player, and is his rookie card.
Does the 1952 Topps Lou Kretlow 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 Lou Kretlow 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.