In the vast world of sports memorabilia, few items capture the attention and intrigue of collectors quite like 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 collectible; it’s a piece of baseball lore, embodying the incredible story of one of the early 20th century’s greatest pitchers, Eddie Plank.
Born and raised in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Eddie Plank, also known as “Gettysburg Eddie,” established himself as one of the most dominant left-handed pitchers during the era of baseball known as the “Deadball Era.” From 1901 to 1917, Plank achieved an impressive 326 wins and maintained a career ERA of 2.35 over 623 games. In his final season, he recorded a stellar 1.79 ERA. Plank’s excellence extended to the World Series, where he played a crucial role in helping the Philadelphia Athletics secure three championships with a remarkable 1.32 ERA in 54 2/3 innings.
Despite his incredible accomplishments, Plank often found himself overshadowed by his contemporaries such as Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson. However, his remarkable talents on the mound were not lost on everyone, as Babe Ruth himself, a formidable pitcher before becoming a legendary slugger, once wrote a letter extolling 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 enduring legacy. It is considered the second-rarest tobacco card after the legendary T206 Honus Wagner, making it an immensely coveted treasure in the world of vintage baseball card collecting. The card’s scarcity has given rise to various theories, including Plank’s possible aversion to cigarettes, a broken printing plate during production, or a simple error.
At the PWCC Marketplace’s December Premier Auction, collectors have the unique opportunity to bid on the T206 Eddie Plank card, which has been graded SCG 1 PR. This particular card is exceptionally rare and has only appeared in public auctions a mere 11 times in recent years. Adding to its allure, only 39 of these cards have been graded by SGC and 21 by PSA.
The auction also features other noteworthy items, such as the 1909-11 T206 Sherry Magie (Magee) PIEDMONT 150 error card, which is famous for its misspelling of Magee’s name. Graded PSA 2, this card showcases the unique quirks that make card collecting such an intriguing hobby.
Among the auction’s other highlights are a 1997 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan /50 card, graded BGS 9. This card holds significant value for basketball enthusiasts as it represents a pivotal moment in the sport’s history. Additionally, collectors will find a 1982 NCAA Finals Ticket Stub autographed by none other than Michael Jordan himself, symbolizing a key milestone in the world of basketball. The auction also showcases a 2015 Fleer Showcase Metal Universe Blue Connor McDavid ROOKIE /50 card, the only one graded PSA 10, and a rare 1998 Ultra Masterpieces Tim Duncan 1/1 #55P card, graded PSA 7.
The 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank card not only stands out for its rarity but also for its connection to a vital era in baseball history. It represents a time when legends were forged, and the sport was in the process of defining its identity. For both collectors and baseball enthusiasts, the opportunity to own this card is about more than just acquiring a rare piece of memorabilia; it’s about holding a fragment of the sport’s rich and storied past.
