1953 Topps #46 Johnny Klippstein
1953 Topps #46 Johnny Klippstein
About Johnny Klippstein
John Calvin "Johnny" Klippstein (1927-2003) was a hard-throwing right-handed pitcher signed out of a Cardinals tryout by scout Pop Kelchner in 1944; after climbing the minors he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs and debuted in 1950. Over an 18-season career he pitched for nine clubs -- the Cubs (1950-1954), Reds, Dodgers, Indians, Senators, Phillies, Twins and Tigers -- going 101-118 with a 4.24 ERA, 1,158 strikeouts and 66 saves in 711 games. Blessed with a live fastball but plagued by wildness, he earned the nickname "The Wild Man of Borneo" after his 1953 season with the Cubs, when he went 10-11 and walked 107 batters -- fitting for this 1953 Topps card. On May 26, 1956 he threw seven hitless innings in what became a combined no-hitter, and after moving to the bullpen he tied for the NL lead with 14 saves in 1960 and won a World Series ring with the 1959 Los Angeles Dodgers, later anchoring the Twins' 1965 pennant run.
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 | 404 | 0 | 1 | 26 | 70 | 112 | 95 | 100 | 0 |
| SGC | 55 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 16 | 22 | 3 |
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 Johnny Klippstein card?
It is card #46 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.
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 Johnny Klippstein 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.