In the world of sports memorabilia, certain items hold a special allure. One such item is the rare 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank baseball card. Currently featured in the PWCC Marketplace’s December Premier Auction, this card is not just a collector’s item; it is a piece of baseball history, encapsulating the story of one of the greatest pitchers of the early 20th century, Eddie Plank.
Eddie Plank, affectionately known as “Gettysburg Eddie” due to his hometown in Pennsylvania, established himself as one of the most dominant left-handed pitchers during the “Deadball Era” of baseball. From 1901 to 1917, Plank achieved an impressive 326 wins and maintained a remarkable career ERA of 2.35 over 623 games. In his final season, he achieved a stellar 1.79 ERA. Plank’s excellence extended to the World Series, where he displayed his prowess by posting a 1.32 ERA in 54 2/3 innings, contributing significantly to the Philadelphia Athletics’ three championship victories.
Despite his accomplishments, Plank often remained in the shadows of his fellow pitchers, including legends such as Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson. However, his talent on the mound did not go unnoticed, as Babe Ruth himself praised Plank as one of the game’s finest pitchers in a letter written in 1926.
The T206 Eddie Plank card, produced between 1909 and 1911, serves as a testament to Plank’s legacy in the world of baseball. Regarded as the second rarest tobacco card, surpassed only by the T206 Honus Wagner, this card is a highly sought-after gem among vintage baseball card collectors. The card’s scarcity has led to various theories, ranging from Plank’s assumed aversion to cigarettes to a broken printing plate during production or even a simple error.
The card currently on auction at PWCC Marketplace is graded SCG 1 PR and has already attracted a bid of $32,000. Its rarity becomes even more apparent considering that it has appeared in public auctions a mere 11 times in recent years. The card’s grading history further exemplifies its rarity, with only 39 graded by SGC and 21 by PSA.
The auction also features several other notable items, including a 1909-11 T206 Sherry Magie (Magee) PIEDMONT 150 error card, which is famous for its misspelling of Magee’s name. Graded PSA 2, this card embodies the unique quirks that make card collecting such a fascinating hobby.
Additionally, collectors can find cards of great admiration in this auction, such as the 1997 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan /50 card, graded BGS 9. This card represents the pinnacle of basketball excellence. Another significant item is the 1982 NCAA Finals Ticket Stub autographed by Michael Jordan, marking a crucial moment in basketball history. Furthermore, the auction boasts a 2015 Fleer Showcase Metal Universe Blue Connor McDavid ROOKIE /50 card, the only one graded PSA 10, and a 1998 Ultra Masterpieces Tim Duncan 1/1 #55P card, graded PSA 7.
The 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank card stands out not only due to its rarity but also because it represents a pivotal era in the sport’s history. It showcases a time when legendary players were solidifying their place in baseball history and the sport was establishing its identity. For collectors and baseball enthusiasts alike, owning this card is about more than possessing a rare piece of memorabilia; it is about holding onto a fragment of the sport’s rich and storied past.
