1952 Topps #47 Willie Jones
1952 Topps #47 Willie Jones
About Willie Jones
Willie Edward "Puddin' Head" Jones was a right-handed third baseman who signed with the Philadelphia Phillies after Navy service in World War II, inked by scout Johnny Nee in 1946 out of semipro ball for a $16,500 bonus. He reached the majors in 1947 and played 15 seasons, spending most of his career with the Phillies (1947-1959) before splitting his final years between the Cleveland Indians (1959) and Cincinnati Reds (1959-1961). A cornerstone of the 1950 "Whiz Kids," Philadelphia's first pennant winners since 1915, Jones posted career highs that season with 25 home runs, 88 RBI, 100 runs, and a .267 average, though the club was swept by the Yankees in the World Series. He was a two-time National League All-Star (1950 and 1951) and one of the era's premier defensive third basemen, leading the NL in fielding percentage six times and in putouts seven years. Over 1,691 games he batted .258 with 190 home runs and 812 RBI. His enduring nickname came from a 1930s novelty song, "Woodenhead, Puddin' Head Jones," and he was later honored on the Phillies Wall of Fame. Jones was born in Dillon, South Carolina, in 1925 and died in 1983. This #47 card is a Series 1 issue found 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 | 703 | 0 | 3 | 50 | 92 | 168 | 150 | 237 | 3 |
| SGC | 114 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 15 | 30 | 55 | 2 |
SGC by variation: Black Back 58 · Red Back 56
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 Philadelphia Phillies cards
- Con Dempsey
- Robin Roberts
- Andy Hansen
- Connie Ryan
- Jim Konstanty
- Eddie Waitkus
- Bill Nicholson
- Bob Miller
- Curt Simmons
- Howie Fox
- Nippy Jones
- Richie Ashburn
- Granny Hamner
- Del Ennis
Frequently asked questions
What is the 1952 Topps Willie Jones card?
It is card #47 of 407 in the 1952 Topps set - Topps' first flagship issue and the cornerstone of the postwar hobby. It pictures the Philadelphia Phillies player.
Does the 1952 Topps Willie Jones 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 Willie Jones 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.