1953 Topps Project - Post #13

#73 - Eddie Robinson - Chicago White Sox

Here we have the first 1953 Chicago White Sox card that I've purchased (even though Eddie would actually play for the Philadelphia Athletics in 1953). Eddie Robinson sure looks like a happy fellow. He was a pretty solid player for a few years in the 1940s and early 50s, and he also stayed in the game of baseball for some time after his playing days were over. He held a wide array of positions with major league clubs, ranging from farm system director to scout, to coach and even GM.

Here we see Eddie on the cusp of a 1953 season during which he would bat only .247, but would club 22 home runs and 102 RBI, his third straight season of 20+ home runs and 100+ RBI. He would be selected to the A.L. All-Star team for the fourth and final time in 1953.

What struck me about Robinson was his connection to the home town teams of some other card bloggers. In 1948 Eddie was a member of the world champion Cleveland Indians. He then had a brief stint with the Senators before playing 3 seasons for the Chicago White Sox. After retiring he served in the player development department and as head coach for the Baltimore Orioles. Finally, he worked in the front office and then as General Manager for the Atlanta Braves.