1953 Topps #220 Satchel Paige
1953 Topps #220 Satchel Paige
The legendary Satchel Paige - the set's oldest subject - on a card whose front misspells his nickname 'Satchell.' One of the most beloved cards in the set.
About Satchel Paige
Leroy Robert "Satchel" Paige (1906-1982), the oldest and most storied subject in the 1953 Topps set, began his pro career in 1926 with the Chattanooga Black Lookouts and became the greatest drawing card in Negro Leagues history, starring for the Birmingham Black Barons, Pittsburgh Crawfords, and Kansas City Monarchs. In July 1948, Cleveland owner Bill Veeck signed the right-hander on his 42nd birthday, making Paige the oldest MLB rookie ever and the first Black pitcher in the American League; he went 6-1 with a 2.48 ERA to help the Indians win the pennant and the 1948 World Series. Over six MLB seasons with Cleveland, the St. Louis Browns, and Kansas City he finished 28-31, 3.29 ERA, earning AL All-Star selections in 1952 and 1953. In 1965, at age 59, he threw three scoreless innings for the Athletics. Nicknamed "Satchel" for a baggage-toting rig he built as a boy, he was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1971 as the first player chosen primarily for a Negro Leagues career. Fittingly, this beloved card misspells his name "Satchell" on the front banner.
Sources: Wikipedia · Baseball-Reference · SABR
Designations, variations & errors
"Satchell" misspelling error
The front banner misspells Satchel Paige's nickname as 'SATCHELL' (an extra L). An uncorrected error present on every copy - PSA even catalogs the card as 'Satchell Paige.' A collector favorite on the set's oldest and one of its most beloved subjects.
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 1-4 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 4,682 | 0 | 9 | 93 | 215 | 413 | 626 | 3,214 | 112 |
| SGC | 3,002 | 0 | 1 | 15 | 33 | 79 | 195 | 2,422 | 257 |
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 Satchel Paige card?
It is card #220 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 Browns player.
What is the error on the 1953 Topps Satchel Paige?
The front banner misspells Satchel Paige's nickname as 'SATCHELL' (an extra L). An uncorrected error present on every copy - PSA even catalogs the card as 'Satchell Paige.' A collector favorite on the set's oldest and one of its most beloved subjects.
Is the 1953 Topps Satchel Paige 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.