1956 Topps #252 Vern Law
1956 Topps #252 Vern Law
About Vern Law
Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an amateur free agent in 1948 out of Meridian, Idaho, right-hander Vern Law reached the majors in 1950 and spent his entire 16-season career (1950-51, 1954-67) with Pittsburgh. His finest year came in 1960, when he went 20-9 with 18 complete games and was voted the Cy Young Award, becoming the first Pirates pitcher to win it (a single award covered both leagues at the time). That season he pitched in both of the year's All-Star Games and then won two starts in the World Series, going 2-0 as the Pirates upset the New York Yankees in seven games. Over his career he compiled a 162-147 record with a 3.77 ERA and 1,092 strikeouts. A devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he was nicknamed "The Deacon" for his faith and clean living. A celebration injury to his ankle after the 1960 pennant clinch is often cited as the start of arm trouble that dogged his later years; he rebounded to earn 1965 NL Comeback Player of the Year honors. Law is not in the National Baseball Hall of Fame but was inducted into the Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame in 2025. This is his Series 3 card (#252) in the 1956 Topps set.
Sources: Wikipedia · Baseball-Reference · SABR
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 1-4 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 615 | 0 | 10 | 144 | 186 | 134 | 67 | 73 | 1 |
| SGC | 65 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 17 | 11 | 18 | 11 | 0 |
SGC by variation: Standard 64 · Gray Back 1
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 Vern Law card?
It is card #252 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 Pittsburgh Pirates player.
Is the 1956 Topps Vern Law 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.