1953 Topps #20 Hank Thompson
1953 Topps #20 Hank Thompson
About Hank Thompson
Henry Curtis "Hank" Thompson (1925-1969) was a left-handed-hitting third baseman who holds a singular place in integration history: the only man to break the color line for two different major-league franchises. Signed by the Kansas City Monarchs at 17, he starred in the Negro Leagues (his teammates dubbed him "Youngblood") and served as an Army machine gunner in the Battle of the Bulge before debuting with the St. Louis Browns on July 17, 1947, just after Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby. On July 8, 1949, he and Monte Irvin became the first Black players for the New York Giants. Over nine big-league seasons (1947, 1949-1956) he hit .267 with 801 hits, 129 home runs and 482 RBI. A power source from a compact frame, Thompson peaked in 1954 with 26 homers and 86 RBI, then batted .364 in the Giants' World Series sweep of Cleveland. He was also part of the majors' first all-Black outfield alongside Willie Mays and Irvin in 1951. Nicknamed "Ametralladora" ("machine gun") in Cuban winter ball for his aggressive bat, Thompson died in 1969 at age 43.
Sources: Wikipedia · Baseball-Reference · SABR
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 1-4 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 536 | 2 | 9 | 76 | 105 | 143 | 107 | 93 | 1 |
| SGC | 87 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 10 | 16 | 21 | 32 | 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 Hank Thompson card?
It is card #20 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.
Is the 1953 Topps Hank Thompson 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.