In the world 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 highly effective left-handed pitcher who made his mark during baseball’s “Deadball Era” from 1901 to 1917. With an impressive 326 wins and a career ERA of 2.35 over 623 games, Plank’s talent was undeniable. In his final season, he achieved a remarkable 1.79 ERA. Plank’s excellence was further demonstrated in the World Series, where he posted a 1.32 ERA in 54 2/3 innings, helping the Philadelphia Athletics secure three championships.
Despite his achievements, Plank often found himself overshadowed by other pitching greats like Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson. However, his prowess on the mound was recognized by none other than Babe Ruth himself. In a 1926 letter, Ruth, who was also a formidable pitcher before becoming a legendary slugger, praised 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 in the world of vintage baseball card collecting. The card’s scarcity has given rise to various theories regarding its rarity, including Plank’s possible aversion to cigarettes, a broken printing plate during production, or a simple printing error.
The card currently up for auction at PWCC Marketplace is graded SCG 1 PR, making it particularly rare and desirable. As evidence of its scarcity, the card has only appeared 11 times in public auctions in recent years. Additionally, its grading history is noteworthy, with only 39 graded by SGC and 21 by PSA.
Alongside the T206 Eddie Plank card, the PWCC Marketplace auction also features other rare and collectible items. One such item is the 1909-11 T206 Sherry Magie (Magee) PIEDMONT 150 error card, graded PSA 2. This card is famous for its misspelling of Magee’s name, adding to its unique appeal and intrigue in the world of card collecting.
Other notable cards in the auction include a 1997 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan card, graded BGS 9, limited to just 50 copies. There is also a 1982 NCAA Finals Ticket Stub autographed by Michael Jordan, representing a pivotal moment in basketball history. For hockey enthusiasts, the auction features a 2015 Fleer Showcase Metal Universe Blue Connor McDavid ROOKIE card, graded PSA 10, which is the only one of its kind. Additionally, collectors will find a 1998 Ultra Masterpieces Tim Duncan 1/1 #55P card, graded PSA 7.
The significance of the 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank card extends beyond its rarity. It represents a pivotal era in baseball history, embodying the legends that were forged and the sport’s journey in shaping its identity. The card holds a piece of the sport’s rich and storied past, making it a must-have for collectors and baseball enthusiasts alike. Acquiring the T206 Eddie Plank card is not merely about owning a rare piece of memorabilia; it is about preserving a fragment of baseball’s history and paying homage to one of the game’s greats.
