1952 Topps #135 Dixie Howell PSA NM 7

1952 Topps #135 Dixie Howell PSA 7 - From Montreal to Brooklyn's Finest Hour

Long before Dixie Howell became a World Series champion, he was part of one of the most important teams in baseball history. In 1946, Howell played alongside Jackie Robinson with the Montreal Royals, the Brooklyn Dodgers' top minor league affiliate, during the groundbreaking season that helped pave the way for baseball's integration. A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Howell was among the teammates who welcomed Robinson, making his place in baseball history far more meaningful than his statistics alone might suggest. By the time his 1952 Topps #135 was issued, Howell had established himself as a Major League catcher with the Cincinnati Reds, bringing experience, toughness, and a fascinating personal history to one of the game's most demanding positions.

This impressive PSA NM 7 example offers excellent centering and beautiful eye appeal, making it a particularly attractive representation of Howell's 1952 Topps card. The balanced borders provide a wonderful frame for his portrait, allowing the colorful artwork and unmistakable early Topps styling to shine. With its strong visual presentation and desirable Near Mint preservation, this example stands out as a quality addition to the landmark 1952 issue. The combination of excellent centering, attractive overall appearance, and a solid PSA 7 grade makes this a terrific card for collectors who appreciate carefully selected examples throughout the set.

Howell made his Major League debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1947, batting a career-best .276 during his rookie campaign. He later spent four seasons with Cincinnati, serving as the club's most frequently used catcher in both 1950 and 1951. His baseball journey eventually brought him back into the Dodgers organization, where he reunited with Jackie Robinson and became part of Brooklyn's unforgettable 1955 World Series championship team.