1953 Topps #193 Mike Clark
1953 Topps #193 Mike Clark
About Mike Clark
Michael John Clark (born February 12, 1922, in Camden, New Jersey; died there January 25, 1996) was a right-handed pitcher whose 1953 Topps card (#193) captures the shortest of major-league windows after one of the longest of minor-league careers. Clark entered pro ball in the St. Louis Cardinals farm system in 1940 and pitched 17 seasons overall (1940–1959, interrupted by three years of U.S. Army service in World War II), going a workmanlike 163–146 across 556 minor-league games and posting an 18-win 1949 for the Class A Columbus Cardinals of the Sally League. That long apprenticeship finally paid off on July 27, 1952, when he debuted for the Cardinals at age 30. Used almost entirely out of the bullpen over 1952 and 1953, he appeared in 35 games (29 in relief) and finished a perfect 3–0 with a 5.31 ERA, 27 strikeouts, and one save in 61 innings — the entirety of his big-league record. This is his lone Topps card and his rookie card; no documented printing error is associated with it.
Sources: Wikipedia · Baseball-Reference
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 1-4 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 479 | 0 | 3 | 68 | 124 | 118 | 94 | 71 | 1 |
| SGC | 59 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 13 | 14 | 11 | 17 | 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 Mike Clark card?
It is card #193 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 St. Louis Cardinals player, and is his rookie card.
Is the 1953 Topps Mike Clark 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.