DID YOU KNOW #3 - 1952 series Topps cards burried in Atlantic Ocean

The Mysterious Disposal of 1952 Topps Baseball Cards

In a surprising turn of events back in the 1960s, a vast number of unsold cards from the 1952 Topps series found their final resting place in the Atlantic Ocean. An unusual decision, to say the least!

1952 Topps Sealed Box

But who was the mastermind behind this puzzling move? Enter Seymour Perry Berger, commonly known as Sy Berger.

Seymour Perry Berger

Starting his journey with Topps in 1947, Berger played a pivotal role in shaping the face of baseball cards. He, alongside Woody Gelman, designed the 1952 Topps baseball card set. The cards, with their unique design, became an instant hit. However, Berger, always the pragmatist, had not included a specific year on the cards, thinking of the possibility of them not selling well.

Fast forward to the end of the season, and Topps found themselves with a surplus of the 1952 series. In a move that would shock many today, Berger, in 1960, decided to dispose of over two million cards by dumping them into the Atlantic Ocean. Among these was the now-famous Mickey Mantle's 1952 "rookie" card.

Topps 1952 Baseball Cards

Today, the Mantle Topps card is worth millions, making it one of the most sought-after collectibles in the world.

Sources:

• Wikipedia: Sy Berger
• History Colorado: The Story Behind 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle Card