In the world of sports memorabilia, few items inspire 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 not only a collector’s item but also a piece of baseball history. It encapsulates the story of Eddie Plank, one of the greatest pitchers of the early 20th century.
Hailing from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Eddie Plank, affectionately known as “Gettysburg Eddie,” made a name for himself as one of the most dominant left-handed pitchers during the “Deadball Era” of baseball. From 1901 to 1917, Plank amassed an impressive 326 wins and maintained a career ERA of 2.35 over 623 games. In his final season, he achieved an outstanding 1.79 ERA. Plank’s excellence extended to the World Series, where he contributed to the Philadelphia Athletics’ three championships with a remarkable 1.32 ERA in 54 2/3 innings.
Despite his accomplishments, Plank often found himself overshadowed by contemporaries like Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson. However, his skill on the mound did not go unnoticed by legends of the game, such as Babe Ruth. In a 1926 letter, Ruth, who himself transitioned from a formidable pitcher to a legendary slugger, praised Plank as one of the best pitchers of his time.
The T206 Eddie Plank card, produced between 1909 and 1911, is a testament to Plank’s enduring legacy. Considered the second-rarest tobacco card after the T206 Honus Wagner, it is a highly sought-after gem in the world of vintage baseball card collecting. The scarcity of the card has given rise to various theories, including Plank’s possible aversion to cigarettes, a printing plate mishap during production, or a simple printing error.
The card currently on auction at PWCC Marketplace, graded SCG 1 PR, is particularly rare and has already attracted a bid of $32,000. Its scarcity is underscored by the fact that it has only appeared 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 features other remarkable items, such as the 1909-11 T206 Sherry Magie (Magee) PIEDMONT 150 error card, famous for misspelling Magee’s name. Graded PSA 2, this card exemplifies the unique quirks that make card collecting such an intriguing hobby.
Among the other notable cards in the auction is a 1997 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan card, graded BGS 9. This card, limited to just 50 copies, represents a gem from basketball history. Additionally, the auction includes a 1982 NCAA Finals Ticket Stub autographed by Michael Jordan, commemorating a pivotal moment in the sport’s evolution. Hockey enthusiasts will be captivated by the 2015 Fleer Showcase Metal Universe Blue Connor McDavid ROOKIE card, graded PSA 10, which is the only one of its kind to receive such a high grade. Lastly, the auction offers the rare 1998 Ultra Masterpieces Tim Duncan 1/1 #55P card, graded PSA 7, appealing to fans of both basketball and collecting.
The 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank card stands out not only for its rarity but also for its connection to a crucial era in baseball history. It symbolizes a time when legends were born, and the sport was coming into its own. For collectors and baseball enthusiasts alike, owning this card is about more than just possessing a rare piece of memorabilia; it’s about holding a tangible fragment of the sport’s rich and storied past.
