1953 Topps #126 Bill Connelly
1953 Topps #126 Bill Connelly
About Bill Connelly
A right-handed pitcher out of Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, William Wirt Connelly began his pro career in 1945 and made a brief major-league debut that same year with the Philadelphia Athletics. His path to the big leagues was a long one: after years in the minors he resurfaced in 1950, splitting the season between the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers, before landing with the New York Giants. Connelly's signature moment came in 1952, when the Giants purchased him from the Triple-A American Association in August and he responded by winning all five of his decisions over the last six weeks, helping New York finish second in the National League. He appeared again in 1953 -- the year of this Topps card -- and finished a four-team major-league career with a 6-2 record, a 6.92 ERA, and 34 strikeouts over 25 games (7 starts) and 66 2/3 innings. Connelly kept pitching in the minors through 1957. Born in Alberta, Virginia in 1925, he died in Richmond in 1980 at age 55. His card back is known for a minor variation, with the biography printed in either black or white text.
Sources: Wikipedia · Baseball-Reference
Designations, variations & errors
Double Print
Marked DP. Roughly 50% more of these cards were printed than their neighbors (the hobby calls it 'double-printed'), so they are the most plentiful cards in the set. TCDB flags 103 of them, concentrated in the low series. Five cards normally in the low run - #94, #107, #131, #145 and #156 - were also printed on the more-plentiful #166-220 sheet. A print-quantity designation, not an error or a separate card.
White-text biography
A minor printing variation: on some copies the back biography is printed in white text, on others in black text. Catalogued by TCDB (and noted by price guides for the series-2 range) but considered a minor variation, not a headline.
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 1-4 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 491 | 2 | 2 | 54 | 114 | 143 | 89 | 85 | 2 |
| SGC | 49 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 6 | 18 | 14 | 3 |
Graded population — a scarcity guide, not a price. Snapshot 2026-06-26. Half-grades fold down (8.5→8). PSA counts are straight-graded.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the 1953 Topps Bill Connelly card?
It is card #126 of the 1953 Topps Baseball set - one of the most beautiful sets ever made, with hand-painted color portraits numbered to 280 (274 cards issued). It pictures the New York Giants player, and is his rookie card.
What does 'double print' mean for this card?
Roughly 50% more of these cards were printed than their neighbors, so double prints (DP) are the most plentiful cards in the set. It is a print-quantity note, not an error or a separate card.
Is the 1953 Topps Bill Connelly valuable?
Value depends on grade and eye appeal. Use the links above to check current T206 Cards inventory and live eBay listings.
Sources: Trading Card Database, Baseball-Reference, PSA & SGC population reports, and Baseball-Almanac. Card data & population compiled and maintained by T206Cards.com. Page last updated 2026-07-01.