Andy Pafko

Andy Pafko was a talented outfielder known for his hustle, consistency, and strong throwing arm. Born in Wisconsin to Slovak immigrant parents, Pafko spent the bulk of his career with the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Braves, making five All-Star appearances and playing in four World Series. Pafko played fewer than two seasons with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was present for one of the team’s most memorable (and disappointing) losses when Ralph Branca surrendered a home run to Bobby Thomson to end the 1951 Dodgers, Giants National League playoff. Pafko watched the home run sail over the Polo Grounds’ short fence from his position in left field.

Pafko also holds a unique place in collecting lore, his 1952 Topps card (#1 in the iconic set) is one of the most coveted in the hobby due to the rarity of high-grade copies. Beyond cardboard fame, Andy Pafko’s long career across three organizations made him a recognizable face of baseball in the forties and fifties.