1952 Topps #114 Willard Ramsdell
1952 Topps #114 Willard Ramsdell
About Willard Ramsdell
Born James Willard Ramsdell on April 4, 1916, in Williamsburg, Kansas, this right-handed pitcher signed with the Big Spring Barons of the Class D West Texas-New Mexico League in 1938, launching a 13-season pro career. In the thin Texas air his curveball flattened out, so manager Charles Barnabee suggested he try the knuckleball, a switch that transformed his career and earned him the nickname "Willie the Knuck." He reached the majors with the Brooklyn Dodgers (1947-48, 1950), then pitched for the Cincinnati Reds (1950-51) and Chicago Cubs (1952). Working for weak clubs, he finished 24-39 with a 3.83 ERA and 240 strikeouts over 111 games. In 1951 he led the National League in losses (17) and wild pitches (9). Traded to the Cubs in January 1952, he posted a sharp 2.42 ERA in 19 games before being sent to the minors that July. Ramsdell died October 8, 1969, in Wichita, Kansas. This is a Series 2 card in the landmark first Topps flagship set.
Sources: Wikipedia · Baseball-Reference · SABR
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 1-4 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 748 | 0 | 5 | 65 | 125 | 175 | 170 | 203 | 5 |
| SGC | 117 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 14 | 13 | 25 | 61 | 1 |
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 Willard Ramsdell card?
It is card #114 of 407 in the 1952 Topps set - Topps' first flagship issue and the cornerstone of the postwar hobby. It pictures the Chicago Cubs player.
Is the 1952 Topps Willard Ramsdell 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.