1952 Topps #75 Wes Westrum
1952 Topps #75 Wes Westrum
About Wes Westrum
A Minnesota sandlot product, Wes Westrum signed with the Crookston Pirates as a high-schooler in 1940 and, after military service, reached the New York Giants in 1947, spending all 11 of his big-league seasons (1947-1957) behind the plate for the Giants. A superb defensive catcher, he set a National League record in 1950 with a .999 fielding percentage (one error in 680 chances) and was named to the NL All-Star team in both 1952 and 1953. Westrum's best year at the bat came during the Giants' legendary 1951 pennant comeback, when he hit 20 home runs, drove in 70, and drew 104 walks; he then caught all six games of the 1951 World Series loss to the Yankees. In 1954 he anchored the Giants' world-championship club, catching all four games of their sweep of the Cleveland Indians. Over 919 games he batted .217 with 96 home runs and 315 RBI, but a keen eye lifted his on-base percentage to .356. Teammate Eddie Stanky called him "the most underrated guy on the team." Westrum later managed the New York Mets (1965-1967), succeeding Casey Stengel, and the San Francisco Giants (1974-1975). This Series 1 card exists 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 | 671 | 0 | 3 | 32 | 83 | 146 | 149 | 256 | 2 |
| SGC | 91 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 20 | 58 | 3 |
SGC by variation: Black Back 45 · Red Back 46
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 Giants cards
- Hank Thompson
- Larry Jansen
- Monte Irvin
- Don Mueller
- Tookie Gilbert
- Max Lanier
- Monte Kennedy
- Bill Rigney
- Sheldon Jones
- Clint Hartung
- Willie Mays
- Chuck Diering
- Bobby Thomson
- Leo Durocher
Frequently asked questions
What is the 1952 Topps Wes Westrum card?
It is card #75 of 407 in the 1952 Topps set - Topps' first flagship issue and the cornerstone of the postwar hobby. It pictures the New York Giants player.
Does the 1952 Topps Wes Westrum 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 Wes Westrum 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.