1952 Topps #25 Johnny Groth Black Back PSA EX 5

1952 Topps #25 Johnny Groth Black Back PSA 5 - A Center Fielder in the Motor City

The 1952 Topps #25 Johnny Groth features the Detroit Tigers outfielder during a fascinating stretch of his career. Groth arrived in the majors with considerable expectations and quickly showed why, becoming Detroit’s regular center fielder and producing 173 hits with 12 home runs and 85 RBI in 1950 at just 23 years old.

This example is graded PSA EX 5 and features the Black Back variation. Groth’s portrait carries the unmistakable early-1950s character that makes this set so visually compelling, while the black reverse adds another important variation to this complete-set run.

Groth proved to be far more than a brief young sensation. He played 15 seasons in the Major Leagues, collecting 1,064 hits while appearing for the Tigers, Browns, White Sox, Senators, and Athletics. He would ultimately return to Detroit for the final years of his career, bringing his baseball journey full circle. The 1952 Topps Johnny Groth Black Back PSA 5 catches him near the beginning of that long road—a talented young center fielder still establishing his place in the American League.