In the realm of sports memorabilia, few items spark as much intrigue and excitement 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 tangible piece of baseball history that embodies the story of one of the early 20th century’s greatest pitchers, Eddie Plank.
Eddie Plank, affectionately known as “Gettysburg Eddie,” was a native of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, who carved out a niche as one of the most effective left-handed pitchers during the “Deadball Era” of baseball. His illustrious career spanned from 1901 to 1917, during which he achieved an impressive 326 wins and maintained a career ERA of 2.35 over 623 games. In his remarkable final season, he achieved a sterling 1.79 ERA. Plank’s excellence extended to the World Series, where he posted a remarkable 1.32 ERA in 54 2/3 innings, helping the Philadelphia Athletics secure three championships.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Plank often remained overshadowed by his contemporaries such as Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson. However, his exceptional pitching skills were not lost on all, as Babe Ruth himself acknowledged Plank as one of the game’s best pitchers in a 1926 letter. Ruth, who was a formidable pitcher before becoming a legendary slugger, praised Plank’s abilities on the mound.
The T206 Eddie Plank card, produced between 1909 and 1911, stands as a testament to Plank’s legacy. Regarded as the second-rarest tobacco card, surpassed only by the T206 Honus Wagner, it is a highly sought-after gem 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 printing error.
The current auction at PWCC Marketplace features the T206 Eddie Plank card graded SCG 1 PR, which has already garnered a bid of $32,000. The rarity of this card is highlighted by its appearance in public auctions only 11 times in recent years. The card’s grading history is also significant, with only 39 graded by SGC and 21 by PSA, further adding to its exclusivity.
The auction also showcases other notable and rare items, such as the 1909-11 T206 Sherry Magie (Magee) PIEDMONT 150 error card. This card, graded PSA 2, is famous for its misspelling of Magee’s name, showcasing the unique quirks that make card collecting such an intriguing hobby.
Furthermore, the auction features cards like 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 significant moment in basketball history. Additionally, collectors can find the 2015 Fleer Showcase Metal Universe Blue Connor McDavid ROOKIE /50 card, the only one graded PSA 10, and the 1998 Ultra Masterpieces Tim Duncan 1/1 #55P card, graded PSA 7.
The 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank card stands out not only for its scarcity but also for its connection to a pivotal era in baseball history. It represents a time when baseball legends were forged and the sport was shaping its identity. For collectors and baseball enthusiasts alike, acquiring this card is not just about owning a rare piece of memorabilia; it’s about holding a fragment of the sport’s rich and storied past.
