In the realm of sports memorabilia, few items spark as much intrigue as the rare 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank baseball card. Currently featured in the PWCC Marketplace’s December Premier Auction, this card is more than just a collector’s item; it’s a piece of baseball lore, embodying the story of one of the early 20th century’s greatest pitchers, Eddie Plank.
Eddie Plank, known as “Gettysburg Eddie,” was a left-handed pitcher who made a name for himself 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 remarkable final season, he achieved 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 his achievements, Plank often remained overshadowed by his contemporaries like Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson. However, Babe Ruth recognized Plank’s talent and wrote a letter in 1926 praising him as one of the game’s best pitchers.
The T206 Eddie Plank baseball card, produced between 1909 and 1911, is a testament to Plank’s legacy. Considered the second-rarest tobacco card after the T206 Honus Wagner, it is a coveted gem in the world 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 simply a printing error.
The T206 Eddie Plank card currently on auction at PWCC Marketplace is graded SCG 1 PR, making it particularly rare. Its rarity is further emphasized by the fact that it has appeared only 11 times in public auctions in recent years. The card’s grading history is also noteworthy, with only 39 graded by SGC and 21 by PSA.
The auction also showcases other exceptional items, such as the 1909-11 T206 Sherry Magie PIEDMONT 150 error card. This card, graded PSA 2, is known for its misspelling of Magee’s name, adding a unique quirk that makes card collecting even more intriguing.
Among the other notable cards in the auction is the 1997 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan /50 card. Graded BGS 9, this card represents a rare find for basketball enthusiasts. Another highlight is the 1982 NCAA Finals Ticket Stub autographed by Michael Jordan, symbolizing a pivotal moment in basketball history. The auction also features the 2015 Fleer Showcase Metal Universe Blue Connor McDavid ROOKIE /50 card, the only one graded PSA 10, and the 1998 Ultra Masterpieces Tim Duncan 1/1 #55P card, graded PSA 7.
The allure of the 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank card goes beyond its rarity; it connects collectors and baseball enthusiasts to a crucial era in the sport’s history. Owning this card means possessing a unique piece of memorabilia that encapsulates baseball’s rich and storied past, a time when legends were made and the sport’s identity was forged.
