1954 Topps #104 Mike Sandlock
About Mike Sandlock
A switch-hitting catcher who also filled in around the infield, Mike Sandlock (born October 17, 1915, in Old Greenwich, Connecticut) left his electrician's job—accepting a 50 percent pay cut—to chase pro ball, playing the minors from 1938 to 1942 before reaching the majors with the Boston Braves that September. Over five big-league seasons he suited up for the Braves (1942, 1944), Brooklyn Dodgers (1945-46), and Pittsburgh Pirates (1953), batting .240 with 2 home runs and 31 RBI in 195 games. His best year came with Brooklyn in 1945: a .282 average, 2 homers, and 17 RBI in 80 games. Dodgers broadcaster Red Barber dubbed him "The Old Commuter" for his daily train rides from Connecticut. With the 1953 Pirates he became a specialist at catching the knuckleball—handling Johnny Lindell and Paul LaPalme while posting a .991 fielding mark. Philadelphia bought his contract that offseason, which is why this 1954 Topps card shows him as a Phillie, but a spring-training knee injury ended his MLB career and he never appeared for the club. Sandlock lived to 100, and from 2014 until his death on April 4, 2016, he was the oldest living former major leaguer.
Sources: Wikipedia · Baseball-Reference · SABR
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 1-4 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 480 | 0 | 10 | 88 | 133 | 138 | 58 | 53 | 0 |
| SGC | 52 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 10 | 7 | 12 | 15 | 0 |
Graded population — a scarcity guide, not a price. Snapshot 2026-06-26. Half-grades fold down (8.5→8); totals are summed across each grader's listed variations.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the 1954 Topps Mike Sandlock card?
It is card #104 of 250 in the 1954 Topps set, issued at the peak of the Topps-Bowman 'Card Wars'. It pictures the Philadelphia Phillies player.
Is the 1954 Topps Mike Sandlock valuable?
Value depends on grade and (where it applies) the back variation. 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.