1957 Topps #165 Ted Kluszewski
About Ted Kluszewski
Theodore Bernard "Big Klu" Kluszewski was a power-hitting first baseman discovered at Indiana University, where Cincinnati Reds officials training in Bloomington during World War II saw him launch batting-practice balls and signed him. He debuted in 1947, starring for the Reds through 1957 before stints with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago White Sox, and Los Angeles Angels to 1961. A four-time All-Star (1953-1956), he led the National League in home runs (49) and RBIs (141) in 1954, finishing second in MVP voting to Willie Mays. In 1955 he hit 47 homers while striking out only 40 times. In the 1959 World Series for the White Sox he batted .391 with three home runs and 10 RBIs, including two in the opener. His nickname reflected his massive frame and famous 15-inch biceps; he cut the sleeves off his jersey so they would not hamper his swing. He retired with a .298 average, 279 home runs, and 1,028 RBIs, and the Reds retired his number 18. This 1957 Topps card captures him at his Redlegs peak.
Sources: Wikipedia · Baseball-Reference · SABR
Graded population (PSA & SGC)
| Grader | Total | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 1-4 | Auth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 1,779 | 0 | 20 | 229 | 372 | 402 | 327 | 429 | 0 |
| SGC | 401 | 0 | 4 | 27 | 49 | 63 | 112 | 141 | 5 |
Graded population — a scarcity guide, not a price. Snapshot 2026-07-05. Half-grades fold down (8.5→8). PSA counts are straight-graded (the +/Q qualifier rows are excluded).
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Related cards
More Cincinnati Redlegs cards:
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- #32 Hershell Freeman
- #35 Frank Robinson
- #66 Brooks Lawrence
- #69 Roy McMillan
- #73 George Crowe
- #93 Hal Jeffcoat
- #103 Joe Nuxhall
- #128 Ed Bailey
- #157 Wally Post
- #180 Gus Bell
- #219 Tom Acker
- #222 Alex Grammas
- #228 Smoky Burgess
Frequently asked questions
What is the 1957 Topps Ted Kluszewski card?
It is card #165 of the 1957 Topps Baseball set - the 407-card, 2-1/2 by 3-1/2 inch set that was Topps' first at the modern standard card size, with full-color photography and complete career stats on the back. It pictures Ted Kluszewski, Cincinnati Redlegs.
How many cards are in the 1957 Topps set?
407 numbered cards. Collectors usually count 408 because #176 Gene Baker exists in an error ('Bakep') and a corrected back. The PSA master set adds the 8 checklists, 4 contest cards and the Lucky Penny for 421 items.
Sources: PSA CardFacts, Beckett, BaseballCardPedia, Baseball-Reference, PSA & SGC population reports, and hobby press-sheet research (Net54 / Topps Archives). Card data compiled and maintained by T206Cards.com. Page last updated 2026-07-10.