1953 Topps #205 Vern Benson
1953 Topps #205 Vern Benson
About Vern Benson
A left-handed-hitting third baseman and outfielder from Granite Quarry, North Carolina, Vernon Adair Benson (1924-2014) was signed off the semipro sandlots by Connie Mack of the Philadelphia Athletics in July 1943 and made his major-league debut at just 18, cutting short his time at nearby Catawba College. His playing career, interrupted by World War II service, amounted to a cup of coffee: 46 games and 104 at-bats spread across 1943, 1946, and 1951-1953, split between the A's and St. Louis Cardinals, with a .202 average, 3 home runs, and 12 RBI. He was far better in Triple-A, hitting .308 with 18 homers and 89 RBI for the 1951 Columbus Red Birds. This 1953 Topps card (#205) is his rookie card and captures him as a Cardinals utility man. Benson's lasting mark came in the dugout: nicknamed "Radar" by SABR accounts for his keen eye for the game, he coached on the Cardinals' 1964 World Series championship club, later managed the Braves for a single game in 1977 (a win), and scouted for St. Louis for years.
Sources: Wikipedia · Baseball-Reference · SABR
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 1-4 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 463 | 0 | 3 | 56 | 88 | 144 | 97 | 75 | 0 |
| SGC | 53 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 20 | 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 Vern Benson card?
It is card #205 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 Vern Benson 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.