1953 Topps #14 Clem Labine
1953 Topps #14 Clem Labine
About Clem Labine
Signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1944 out of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Clem Labine served as a WWII paratrooper before working up through the Dodgers' farm system and reaching the majors in 1950. A right-handed pitcher who became one of the era's premier relievers (with occasional starts), he anchored the Brooklyn/Los Angeles bullpen from 1950 to 1960 and later pitched for the Tigers, Pirates, and Mets through 1962, finishing 77-56 with a 3.63 ERA and 96 career saves. A two-time All-Star (1956, 1957), Labine led the National League in saves in both seasons and held the NL career saves record from 1958 to 1962. He won World Series titles with the 1955 Dodgers, 1959 Dodgers, and 1960 Pirates. His signature outing came in Game 6 of the 1956 World Series, when he out-dueled Bob Turley with a 10-inning shutout to win 1-0; he had also blanked the Giants in the 1951 pennant playoff, fanning Bobby Thomson with the bases loaded. He earned the nickname "La Vaina" from fans during Venezuelan winter ball, where his dominance made him a star. Labine died in 2007 at age 80.
Sources: Wikipedia · Baseball-Reference · SABR
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.
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 1-4 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 542 | 0 | 3 | 39 | 69 | 135 | 131 | 165 | 0 |
| SGC | 104 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 11 | 12 | 21 | 50 | 5 |
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 Clem Labine card?
It is card #14 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 Brooklyn Dodgers player.
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 Clem Labine 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.