1953 Topps #127 Clint Courtney
1953 Topps #127 Clint Courtney
About Clint Courtney
Clinton Dawson Courtney (1927-1975) was a rugged left-handed-hitting catcher signed by the New York Yankees in 1947 by scout Atley Donald for an $850 bonus, after Army service in World War II that took him to Korea, the Philippines, and Japan. He debuted for the Yankees on September 29, 1951, then was traded to the St. Louis Browns, becoming their Opening Day catcher and starring in 1952: he hit .286, won The Sporting News American League Rookie of the Year award, and finished second in the official Rookie of the Year vote to Harry Byrd while leading AL catchers in fielding. Nicknamed "Scrap Iron" after a 1952 spring-training footrace against sportswriter Milton Richman left him bloodied on broken glass and rocks, he was famed for his combative play, including celebrated brawls with the Yankees' Billy Martin. He is also credited as likely the first big-league catcher to wear eyeglasses behind the plate. Over 11 seasons (1951-1961) with the Browns/Orioles, White Sox, Senators, and A's, he batted .268 with 750 hits, 38 home runs, and 313 RBI in 946 games, and died of a heart attack in 1975 while managing the minor-league Richmond Braves. His 1953 Topps card (#127), a double print, exists with the biography on the back printed in either black or white text.
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.
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 | 483 | 1 | 3 | 66 | 83 | 160 | 97 | 73 | 0 |
| SGC | 65 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 13 | 8 | 15 | 23 | 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 Clint Courtney card?
It is card #127 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 St. Louis Browns 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 Clint Courtney 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.