In the world of sports memorabilia, few items capture the attention and intrigue of collectors like the rare 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank baseball card. This card, currently featured in the PWCC Marketplace’s December Premier Auction, is more than just a collector’s item. It’s a piece of baseball history, encapsulating the remarkable career of one of the greatest pitchers of the early 20th century, Eddie Plank.
Originating from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Eddie Plank, also known as “Gettysburg Eddie,” established himself as one of the most dominant left-handed pitchers during the era known as the “Deadball Era.” Spanning from 1901 to 1917, Plank amassed an impressive 326 wins and maintained an exceptional career ERA of 2.35 over 623 games. His final season featured an outstanding 1.79 ERA, highlighting his unwavering excellence. Plank’s incredible skills also translated to the World Series, where he played a pivotal role in securing three championships for the Philadelphia Athletics, boasting an extraordinary 1.32 ERA in 54 2/3 innings.
Despite his undeniable achievements, Eddie Plank often found himself overshadowed by other renowned pitchers of his time, including Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson. However, his abilities on the mound did not go unnoticed by baseball legends. In a letter penned in 1926, Babe Ruth, who himself started his career as a formidable pitcher before becoming a legendary slugger, praised Plank as one of the game’s finest pitchers.
The T206 Eddie Plank card, produced between 1909 and 1911, stands as a lasting testament to Plank’s legacy. Regarded as the second-rarest tobacco card after the T206 Honus Wagner, it is a highly sought-after gem in the realm of vintage baseball card collecting. The card’s scarcity has given rise to numerous theories, including Plank’s rumored distaste for cigarettes, a broken printing plate during production, or simply an error.
The T206 Eddie Plank card available for auction at PWCC Marketplace has been graded SCG 1 PR, emphasizing its rarity. With a current bid of $32,000, the card has only appeared in public auctions 11 times in recent years. Its grading history is remarkable, with only 39 cards graded by SGC and 21 by PSA.
The auction also features other notable rarities, such as the 1909-11 T206 Sherry Magie (Magee) PIEDMONT 150 error card, famous for misspelling Magee’s name. Graded PSA 2, this card showcases the intriguing peculiarities that make card collecting such a captivating hobby.
Among the auction’s highlights are the 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 boasts 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 significance of the 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank card extends beyond its rarity. It serves as a connection to a crucial era in baseball’s rich history, when legendary players left an indelible mark on the sport. Owning this card isn’t just about possessing a rare memorabilia piece; it’s about cherishing a fragment of baseball’s storied past. For collectors and baseball enthusiasts alike, it represents an opportunity to be part of the enduring legacy of Eddie Plank and the captivating narrative of early 20th-century baseball.
