1956 Topps #38 Bob Kennedy
1956 Topps #38 Bob Kennedy
About Bob Kennedy
Signed by his hometown Chicago White Sox in 1937 at just 16 years old, Bob Kennedy debuted in the majors on September 14, 1939, and went on to play 16 big-league seasons through 1957. A right-handed third baseman turned right fielder, he suited up for the White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers, and Brooklyn Dodgers, and was known throughout his career for his glove and a powerful throwing arm. Kennedy's career largely bridged two military tours: he served as a Marine Corps pilot and flight instructor during World War II (1943-45), training Ted Williams at Pensacola, and was recalled to active duty during the Korean War in 1952. His finest offensive season came in 1950, when he hit .291 with 157 hits, 79 runs, and 27 doubles; over 1,483 games he batted .254 with 1,176 hits, 63 home runs, and 514 RBIs. Kennedy was a member of the Indians' 1948 World Series champions, appearing as a defensive replacement in three games and delivering an RBI single in Game Two. After his playing days he managed the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics and worked as a front-office executive, while his son Terry Kennedy became a longtime major-league catcher. His 1956 Topps card, #38, is found with the set's two back-stock variations, the common white back and the scarcer gray back.
Sources: Wikipedia · Baseball-Reference · SABR
Variations & how to tell them apart
White Back / Gray Back Series 1 & 2 (cards 1-180)
Every card #1-180 exists with the reverse printed on white/cream card stock OR on gray card stock. Cards #181-340 are gray-back only. The scarcity FLIPS at #100: on cards 1-100 the gray back is slightly scarcer (a modest premium); on cards 101-180 the gray backs are far more common (about 12-15 to 1), so the WHITE back is the scarce, premium variation - often +50% or more, and disproportionately so in high grade, since the white-stock cards tend to be more brittle.
- White Back: Printed on white/cream card stock. The standard/common look on cards 1-100; the SCARCE, premium variation on cards 101-180.
- Gray Back: Printed on gray card stock. The scarcer variation on cards 1-100 (modest premium); the common look on cards 101-180; the ONLY back on cards 181-340.
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 1-4 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 875 | 2 | 30 | 258 | 275 | 171 | 87 | 52 | 0 |
| SGC | 64 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 23 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 0 |
PSA by variation: Gray Back 222 · White Back 653
SGC by variation: Gray Back 36 · White Back 28
Graded population — a scarcity guide, not a price. Snapshot 2026-06-30. 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 1956 Topps Bob Kennedy card?
It is card #38 of 340 in the 1956 Topps set - Topps' first set after buying out rival Bowman, and one of the most attractive issues in the hobby. It pictures the Chicago White Sox player.
Does the 1956 Topps Bob Kennedy have back variations?
Yes. Every card #1-180 exists with the reverse printed on white/cream card stock OR on gray card stock. Cards #181-340 are gray-back only. The scarcity FLIPS at #100: on cards 1-100 the gray back is slightly scarcer (a modest premium); on cards 101-180 the gray backs are far more common (about 12-15 to 1), so the WHITE back is the scarce, premium variation - often +50% or more, and disproportionately so in high grade, since the white-stock cards tend to be more brittle.
Is the 1956 Topps Bob Kennedy valuable?
Value depends on grade and (where it applies) the back or front variation. Use the links above to check current T206 Cards inventory and live eBay listings.
Sources: Trading Card Database, Baseball-Reference, BaseballCardPedia, PSA & SGC population reports, and Baseball-Almanac. Card data, images & population compiled and maintained by T206Cards.com. Page last updated 2026-07-01.