1953 Topps #79 Johnny Wyrostek
1953 Topps #79 Johnny Wyrostek
About Johnny Wyrostek
John Barney Wyrostek (1919-1986) was a left-handed-hitting outfielder signed by Cardinals scout Charlie Barrett out of the East St. Louis area in 1937, hitting his way up through the minors (.332 at Kinston, then Houston and Rochester) before Pittsburgh purchased his contract in 1941. He played 11 major-league seasons (1942-1954) for the Pirates (1942-43), Reds (1948-51) and Phillies (1946-47, 1952-54), manning center and right field. A steady, contact-oriented bat, he was a two-time National League All-Star (1950 and 1951), pinch-hitting for Jackie Robinson in the 1950 game at Comiskey Park, and enjoyed his finest year in 1951 when he batted a career-high .311. He posted career highs of 17 home runs and 76 RBI in 1948, finishing with a .271 average, 1,149 hits, 58 home runs and 481 RBI over 1,221 games. This 1953 Topps card (#79) shows him with the Phillies, the team he closed his career with. During World War II he served as a corporal in General Patton's 10th Armored Division, earning two battle stars. After baseball he returned home to Fairmont City, Illinois, and was elected mayor in 1967, serving until his death from cancer in 1986.
Sources: Wikipedia · Baseball-Reference · SABR
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 1-4 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 413 | 0 | 6 | 45 | 85 | 133 | 75 | 69 | 0 |
| SGC | 54 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 18 | 12 | 8 | 15 | 0 |
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 Wyrostek card?
It is card #79 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 Philadelphia Phillies player.
Is the 1953 Topps Johnny Wyrostek 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.