In the vast realm of sports memorabilia, there are few items that can ignite as much intrigue and captivate the hearts of collectors quite like the rare 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank baseball card. Currently featured in the PWCC Marketplace’s December Premier Auction, this card transcends being a mere collector’s item; it stands as a historical artifact, embodying the narrative of one of the early 20th century’s most formidable pitchers, Eddie Plank.
Hailing from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Eddie Plank, affectionately known as “Gettysburg Eddie,” carved out a niche as one of the most effective left-handed pitchers during the era of baseball known as the “Deadball Era.” His illustrious career spanned from 1901 to 1917, during which he achieved an impressive 326 wins and maintained a career ERA of 2.35 over 623 games. In his remarkable final season, he achieved a sterling 1.79 ERA. Plank’s excellence extended to the World Series, where he posted a phenomenal 1.32 ERA in 54 2/3 innings, contributing significantly to the Philadelphia Athletics securing three championships.
Despite such remarkable achievements, Plank often found himself overshadowed by his fellow contemporaries such as Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson. However, his prowess on the mound did not go unnoticed by all, as evidenced by Babe Ruth’s 1926 letter where Ruth, himself a fearsome pitcher before becoming a legendary slugger, extolled Plank as one of the game’s finest.
The T206 Eddie Plank card, produced between 1909 and 1911, serves as a tangible testament to Plank’s enduring legacy. It is considered the second-rarest tobacco card after the famous T206 Honus Wagner, making it a coveted treasure in the world of vintage baseball card collecting. The card’s scarcity has given rise to various theories, including Plank’s possible aversion to cigarettes, a broken printing plate during production, or a simple error.
The specific T206 Eddie Plank card available for auction at PWCC Marketplace is graded SCG 1 PR, underscoring its rarity and desirability. This card has only appeared in public auctions a mere 11 times in recent years. Equally notable is the card’s grading history, with only 39 graded by SGC and 21 by PSA.
Beyond the T206 Eddie Plank card, the PWCC Marketplace’s December Premier Auction also showcases other remarkable and rare items, such as the 1909-11 T206 Sherry Magie (Magee) PIEDMONT 150 error card, known for its misspelling of Magee’s name. Graded PSA 2, this card exemplifies the unique quirks that make card collecting such an intriguing and fascinating hobby.
Among the other notable cards featured in the auction are a 1997 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan /50 card, graded BGS 9, and a 1982 NCAA Finals Ticket Stub autographed by Michael Jordan, representing a pivotal moment in basketball history. Additionally, the auction includes a 2015 Fleer Showcase Metal Universe Blue Connor McDavid ROOKIE /50 card, the sole PSA 10 graded, and a 1998 Ultra Masterpieces Tim Duncan 1/1 #55P card, graded PSA 7.
The 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank card commands attention not only for its rarity, but also for its significant connection to a crucial era in baseball history. It represents a time when legends were forged, and the sport was shaping its identity. For collectors and baseball enthusiasts alike, acquiring this card is not merely about owning a rare piece of memorabilia; it’s about holding a tangible fragment of the sport’s rich and storied past.