In the realm of sports memorabilia, few items spark as much intrigue as the rare 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank baseball card. This gem, currently featured in the PWCC Marketplace’s December Premier Auction, is more than just a collector’s item. It embodies the story of one of the early 20th century’s greatest pitchers, Eddie Plank, and holds a special place in the world of vintage baseball card collecting.
Eddie Plank, affectionately known as “Gettysburg Eddie,” was a native of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, who made his mark as one of the most effective left-handed pitchers during the “Deadball Era” of baseball. From 1901 to 1917, Plank achieved an impressive 326 wins and maintained a career ERA of 2.35 over 623 games. In his final season, he dazzled with a sterling 1.79 ERA. Plank’s excellence extended to the World Series, where he posted a remarkable 1.32 ERA in 54 2/3 innings, helping the Philadelphia Athletics secure three championships.
Despite Plank’s remarkable achievements, he often found himself overshadowed by legendary pitchers like Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson. However, baseball icon Babe Ruth recognized Plank’s talent, as showcased in his 1926 letter where he hailed Plank as one of the game’s best pitchers.
The T206 Eddie Plank card, produced between 1909 and 1911, stands as a testament to Plank’s legacy. Considered the second-rarest tobacco card after the T206 Honus Wagner, it is a highly coveted treasure within the realm of vintage baseball card collecting. The card’s scarcity has given rise to various theories, including Plank’s possible dislike for cigarettes, a broken printing plate during production, or a simple printing error.
The specific T206 Eddie Plank card currently up for auction at PWCC Marketplace is graded SCG 1 PR, making it particularly rare and desirable. The card has attracted a bid of $32,000, highlighting its value and desirability among collectors. In recent years, this card has only appeared 11 times in public auctions, further emphasizing its rarity. Its grading history is also notable, with only 39 graded by SGC and 21 by PSA.
The PWCC Marketplace’s December Premier Auction also features other remarkable items, such as a 1909-11 T206 Sherry Magie (Magee) PIEDMONT 150 error card. This particular card, graded PSA 2, is renowned for its misspelling of Magee’s name, adding a unique quirk to its collectability and charm.
Among the other notable cards in the auction is a 1997 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan /50 card, graded BGS 9. This card represents a coveted piece for basketball enthusiasts and collectors alike, showcasing the greatness of one of basketball’s greatest icons. Additionally, the auction includes a 1982 NCAA Finals Ticket Stub autographed by Michael Jordan, providing a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in basketball history. Furthermore, collectors can also find 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 not only stands out for its rarity but also for its connection to a pivotal era in baseball history. It represents a time when legends were forged, and the sport was shaping its identity. For collectors and baseball enthusiasts, owning this card goes beyond the acquisition of a rare piece of memorabilia. It signifies the possession of a fragment from the sport’s rich and storied past, allowing them to connect with the legacy of Eddie Plank and the captivating history of baseball itself.