The Pee Wee Reese and Gil Hodges baseball cards produced by Topps in the 1950s have become some of the most iconic and valuable cards in the hobby. As stars of the legendary Brooklyn Dodgers teams of that era, Reese and Hodges captivated fans with their play and helped the Dodgers battle their crosstown rivals, the New York Yankees, in several “Subway Series” showdowns. Their popularity led to strong sales of their respective baseball cards, especially the 1952 and 1953 Topps versions, which are now highly sought after by collectors.
Pee Wee Reese was a 10-time All-Star shortstop who played his entire 16-year career for the Dodgers from 1940-1958, captaining the team for several seasons. His defensive skills were legendary, earning him 5 Gold Glove awards. At the plate, he hit over .280 seven times and was a patient hitter who drew many walks. Reese’s leadership on and off the field helped the Dodgers thrive during a time of racial integration in Major League Baseball. His respect and friendship with Jackie Robinson played a big role in Robinson adjusting to the pressures of being MLB’s first black player in the modern era.
Topps distributed the first Pee Wee Reese baseball card as part of their 1952 set. The card featured a photo of Reese from the waist up in a Dodgers uniform, with stats and career highlights printed on the back. This was during Reese’s age 33 season and he was still producing at a high level, hitting .284 with 72 RBI that year. The 1952 Topps set became one of the most iconic in baseball card history due to the classic design and photos of stars from that era in action. Reese’s card became highly popular with fans and collectors alike due to his status as a Dodgers and baseball legend. In near mint condition, a 1952 Topps Pee Wee Reese card can fetch over $2,000 today.
Topps followed up their popular 1952 set with another classic the next year in 1953. This time, the Pee Wee Reese card photo showed him in a full body pose receiving a throw from the outfield. As a 34-year old veteran, Reese was still a force for the Dodgers in 1953, hitting .254 in over 130 games played. The design and production quality of the 1953 Topps set helped take the baseball card hobby to new heights. Reese’s card was one of the most in-demand in the set and has only increased in value over the decades. A near mint 1953 Topps Pee Wee Reese can sell for upwards of $4,000 or more depending on condition.
While Reese’s defensive skills and leadership made him a fan favorite, first baseman Gil Hodges was equally beloved for his powerful bat. Hodges played most of his 18-year career with the Dodgers from 1943-1963, missing some seasons to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII and the Korean War. His best years came in the 1950s when he formed a feared middle of the order with Jackie Robinson and Duke Snider. Hodges was a .273 career hitter who smashed 370 career home runs, including a personal best of 32 in 1950. He earned 8 All-Star selections and helped the Dodgers to World Series titles in 1955 and 1959.
Like Reese, Gil Hodges received a card as part of Topps’ groundbreaking 1952 set. His photo showed him in a typical right-handed batting stance, ready to drive the ball over the fence. Hodges was in his prime in 1952 at age 28, blasting 27 home runs and driving in 102 runs. Naturally, his card was one of the most popular in the set and remains one of the most iconic from that year today. In mint condition, a 1952 Topps Gil Hodges can sell for over $1,000.
Hodges’ powerful bat was again captured on his 1953 Topps card, which featured a full body action shot. At 29, Hodges was at the peak of his abilities and delivered another All-Star season in 1953 with 27 homers and 102 RBI. His card was a standout in the set and has endured as one of the most sought after and valuable from that vintage. In pristine condition, a 1953 Topps Gil Hodges can demand over $3,000 on today’s market.
Both the Pee Wee Reese and Gil Hodges cards from Topps’ 1952 and 1953 sets have become legendary in the hobby due to the players’ excellence on the field and popularity as Dodgers. Their cards were clear fan favorites from the start that captured them in their primes. Decades later, collectors still consider these some of the most iconic baseball cards ever made due to the classic designs paired with two true baseball greats. Condition is critical to the value, but even well-loved examples can sell for thousands. For serious collectors, finding a PSA-graded gem mint copy of a 1952 or 1953 Topps Reese or Hodges card would be an incredible addition to any collection.
