1953 Topps #202 Carl Sawatski
1953 Topps #202 Carl Sawatski
About Carl Sawatski
Carl Sawatski was a left-handed-hitting catcher whose 1953 Topps card (#202) captures him as a Chicago Cub during one of his three separate stints with the club. Signed by the Philadelphia Phillies as a 16-year-old in 1944, he converted to catcher in 1946 and became a feared minor-league slugger, most famously leading the Double-A Southern Association with 45 home runs for the 1949 Nashville Vols and earning that circuit's MVP award. His booming swing produced a documented nickname, "Swish," said to describe the sound of his bat. Sawatski debuted with the Cubs in 1948 and played 11 major-league seasons through 1963, catching for the Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Milwaukee Braves, Phillies, and St. Louis Cardinals. A career .242 hitter, he collected 351 hits, 58 home runs, and 213 RBIs in 633 games as a backup receiver and pinch-hitter. He was a member of the 1957 Milwaukee Braves, who beat the Yankees in seven games to win the World Series. After retiring he became general manager of the Arkansas Travelers and later served as Texas League president, receiving the Warren Giles Award in 1987. He died in 1991.
Sources: Wikipedia · Baseball-Reference · SABR
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 1-4 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 477 | 0 | 10 | 77 | 87 | 139 | 77 | 86 | 1 |
| SGC | 80 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 22 | 13 | 22 | 16 | 2 |
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 Carl Sawatski card?
It is card #202 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 Chicago Cubs player, and is his rookie card.
Is the 1953 Topps Carl Sawatski 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.