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, also known as “Gettysburg Eddie,” was a left-handed pitcher hailing from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He established himself as one of the most effective pitchers during the “Deadball Era” of baseball, spanning from 1901 to 1917. With an impressive 326 wins and a career ERA of 2.35 over 623 games, Plank left an indelible mark on the sport. In his final season, he achieved a remarkable 1.79 ERA. Plank’s excellence extended to the World Series, where he posted a 1.32 ERA in 54 2/3 innings, contributing to the Philadelphia Athletics’ three championships.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Plank often found himself overshadowed by contemporaries like Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson. However, his prowess on the mound was acknowledged by none other than Babe Ruth himself. In a 1926 letter, Ruth, a formidable pitcher-turned-legendary slugger, hailed Plank as one of the game’s best pitchers.
The T206 Eddie Plank card, produced between 1909 and 1911, is a testament to Plank’s legacy. It is considered the second-rarest tobacco card after the T206 Honus Wagner, making it a highly sought-after treasure 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 a simple error.
The card currently up for auction at PWCC Marketplace, graded SCG 1 PR, is particularly rare and has already attracted a bid of $32,000. Its scarcity is evident as it has appeared in public auctions only 11 times in recent years. The card’s grading history is also notable, with only 39 graded by SGC and 21 by PSA.
The PWCC auction also presents other rare items, such as the 1909-11 T206 Sherry Magie (Magee) PIEDMONT 150 error card. This card, graded PSA 2, is known for its misspelling of Magee’s name, adding to the unique quirks that make card collecting an intriguing hobby.
Notable cards in the auction also include 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 features 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 stands out not just 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. Acquiring this card goes beyond owning a rare piece of memorabilia – it means holding a fragment of the sport’s rich and storied past.