1953 Topps #40 Johnny Lipon
1953 Topps #40 Johnny Lipon
About Johnny Lipon
A right-handed shortstop from Martins Ferry, Ohio, Johnny Lipon was signed as an amateur free agent in 1941 by Detroit Tigers scout Aloysius "Wish" Egan and debuted on August 16, 1942 at age 19, going 3-for-4. His career was interrupted by more than three years of U.S. Navy service in World War II (1942-1946). Lipon became Detroit's regular shortstop from 1948 to 1951, enjoying his best season in 1950 when he batted .293 and scored 104 runs. In a June 1952 nine-player trade he was sent to the Boston Red Sox — the deal that returned longtime star Johnny Pesky to Detroit — which is why this 1953 Topps card (#40) shows him in a Red Sox uniform. He was later sold to the St. Louis Browns and finished with the Cincinnati Redlegs in 1954. Over nine seasons and 758 games he hit .259 with 10 home runs and 266 RBI. Lipon then managed more than 30 years in the minors, winning over 2,000 games and earning the King of Baseball award in 1992; his lone big-league managing chance came as Cleveland's 1971 interim skipper (18-41).
Sources: Wikipedia · Baseball-Reference · SABR
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 1-4 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 520 | 0 | 14 | 87 | 126 | 131 | 88 | 74 | 0 |
| SGC | 75 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 16 | 10 | 20 | 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.
Find this card
Search T206 Cards Find on eBay
As an eBay Partner Network affiliate, T206Cards.com may earn from qualifying purchases.
More Boston Red Sox cards
- Ted Lepcio
- Mel Parnell
- Willard Nixon
- Clyde Vollmer
- Ellis Kinder
- Faye Throneberry
- Maurice McDermott
- Gus Niarhos
- Dick Brodowski
- Bill Kennedy
- George Kell
- Sammy White
- Dom DiMaggio
- Dizzy Trout
Frequently asked questions
What is the 1953 Topps Johnny Lipon card?
It is card #40 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 Boston Red Sox player.
Is the 1953 Topps Johnny Lipon 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.