1952 Topps #200 Ralph Houk
About Ralph Houk
Ralph Houk was signed by the New York Yankees in 1938 after scout Bill Essick spotted the Kansas farm boy at a Ban Johnson League tournament in Kansas City, inking him for a $200 bonus, and he began his pro career in 1939 with the Joplin Miners. A right-handed catcher, Houk debuted with the Yankees on April 26, 1947, and spent all eight of his big-league seasons (1947-1954) in New York as a reserve behind Hall of Famer Yogi Berra, appearing in just 91 games and batting .272 with 20 RBI; he collected a pinch-hit single in the 1947 World Series. His nickname, "The Major," came from World War II: he served with the 9th Armored Division, fought at Bastogne in the Battle of the Bulge, earned the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart, and was raised to the rank of major before discharge. Houk's greatest fame came as a manager, succeeding Casey Stengel and leading the Yankees to three straight AL pennants and back-to-back World Series titles in 1961 and 1962 before later managing the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox (a career record of 1,619-1,531). This is Houk's rookie card, issued in the 1952 Topps set's fourth series, well ahead of the scarce, coveted high-number run (#311-407) that opens with Mickey Mantle's famous #311.
Sources: Wikipedia · Baseball-Reference · SABR
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 1-4 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 823 | 0 | 5 | 49 | 85 | 172 | 177 | 330 | 5 |
| SGC | 176 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 12 | 12 | 38 | 107 | 3 |
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.
Find this card
Search T206 Cards Live auctions Buy It Now Sold prices
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 Ralph Houk card?
It is card #200 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 Ralph Houk 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.