1953 Topps #150 Harry Simpson
1953 Topps #150 Harry Simpson
About Harry Simpson
Harry Leon "Suitcase" Simpson (1925-1979) broke into pro ball with the Negro Leagues' Philadelphia Stars in 1946, converting from pitcher to outfielder, and reached the majors with the Cleveland Indians on April 21, 1951 — making him one of the American League's earliest Black players. A left-handed-hitting outfielder and first baseman, he played eight seasons (1951-1959) for the Indians, Kansas City Athletics, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, and Pittsburgh Pirates, and this 1953 Topps card captures his third year in Cleveland. His finest season came in 1956 with Kansas City, when he batted .293 with 21 home runs, 105 RBI, and a league-leading 11 triples, earning his only All-Star selection; Casey Stengel later called him the best right fielder in the league. Traded to the Yankees in 1957, he reached the World Series that fall, though New York fell to the Milwaukee Braves in seven games (Simpson hit .083). He finished with a .266 average, 752 hits, 73 homers, and 381 RBI. Contrary to the myth that "Suitcase" came from frequent trades, sportswriters coined it for his size-13 shoes, after the "Toonerville Folks" comic character. Note: some copies of this card carry the back biography in white text rather than black — a minor cataloged printing variation.
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 | 527 | 0 | 4 | 63 | 85 | 179 | 103 | 92 | 1 |
| SGC | 71 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 15 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 1 |
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 Harry Simpson card?
It is card #150 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 Cleveland Indians 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 Harry Simpson 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.