In the vast realm of sports memorabilia, few items carry as much allure and fascination as the rare 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank baseball card. Showcased in the December Premier Auction by PWCC Marketplace, this card transcends mere collectability; it encapsulates the narrative of Eddie Plank, one of the early 20th century’s finest pitchers.
Eddie Plank, affectionately known as “Gettysburg Eddie,” hailed from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and etched a name for himself as one of the most dominant left-handed pitchers of the “Deadball Era.” From 1901 to 1917, Plank claimed an impressive 326 victories and boasted a career ERA of 2.35 across 623 games. In his remarkable final season, he achieved a sterling 1.79 ERA. Plank’s excellence extended to the World Series, where he notched a 1.32 ERA in 54 2/3 innings, contributing to the Philadelphia Athletics’ conquest of three championships.
Despite Plank’s notable achievements, he often found himself overshadowed by contemporaries like Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson. However, his prowess on the mound did not go unnoticed, as evidenced by a 1926 letter from Babe Ruth, where the legendary slugger hailed Plank as one of the game’s finest pitchers.
The T206 Eddie Plank card, produced between 1909 and 1911, stands as a lasting tribute to Plank’s legacy. Regarded as the second-rarest tobacco card, surpassed only by the T206 Honus Wagner, it is a prized gem in the world of vintage baseball card collecting. The card’s scarcity has given rise to various theories, including Plank’s rumored aversion to cigarettes, a damaged printing plate during production, or a simple printing error.
The card currently up for auction at PWCC Marketplace, graded SCG 1 PR, holds particular significance due to its rarity, fetching a bid of $32,000. Notably, this card has made only 11 appearances in recent public auctions, elevating its desirability. Its grading history is also noteworthy, with only 39 being graded by SGC and 21 by PSA.
The PWCC auction also boasts other remarkable items, such as the 1909-11 T206 Sherry Magie (Magee) PIEDMONT 150 error card. Known for misspelling Magee’s name, this card, graded PSA 2, showcases the peculiarities that make card collecting an enthralling pastime.
Among the auction’s highlights are 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, collectors will find a 2015 Fleer Showcase Metal Universe Blue Connor McDavid ROOKIE /50 card, the sole PSA 10 graded specimen, and a 1998 Ultra Masterpieces Tim Duncan 1/1 #55P card, graded PSA 7.
The 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank card commands attention not only for its rarity but also for its connection to a pivotal era in baseball’s history. It symbolizes a time when legends were forged and the sport was shaping its identity. Acquiring this card goes beyond mere possession of a rare collectible; it entails holding a fragment of the sport’s rich and storied past—an opportunity cherished by both collectors and avid baseball enthusiasts alike.
