In the realm of sports memorabilia, few items hold as much allure as the incredibly rare 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank baseball card. Showcased in the prestigious PWCC Marketplace’s December Premier Auction, this card is more than a mere collector’s item; it’s a tangible link to the captivating story of Eddie Plank, one of the greatest pitchers of the early 20th century.
Hailing from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Eddie Plank, affectionately known as “Gettysburg Eddie,” carved out a remarkable career as one of the most dominant left-handed pitchers of the “Deadball Era” in baseball. Spanning from 1901 to 1917, Plank’s record boasts an impressive 326 wins and a career ERA of 2.35 over 623 games. In his final season, he astounded with a remarkable 1.79 ERA. Plank’s pitching brilliance extended to the World Series, where he posted a sensational 1.32 ERA in 54 2/3 innings, playing a significant role in securing three championships for the Philadelphia Athletics.
Despite his extraordinary accomplishments, Plank often found himself in the shadow of his contemporaries, including legends such as Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson. However, Plank’s mastery on the mound did not go unnoticed. A testament to this is a 1926 letter written by Babe Ruth, who himself was an excellent pitcher before etching his name in baseball history as a legendary slugger. In his letter, Ruth commended Plank as one of the finest pitchers the game had ever seen.
The T206 Eddie Plank card, produced between 1909 and 1911, stands as a timeless tribute to Plank’s enduring legacy. Regarded as the second-rarest tobacco card after the iconic T206 Honus Wagner, it is a highly sought-after treasure in the world of vintage baseball card collecting. The rarity of this card has given rise to various theories, including Plank’s supposed aversion to cigarettes, a printing plate mishap during production, or a simple error.
The card featured in the PWCC Marketplace auction boasts a SCG 1 PR grade and has already attracted a bid of $32,000. Its scarcity is highlighted by the fact that it has appeared in public auctions a mere eleven times in recent years. The card’s grading history is also significant, with only 39 being graded by SGC and 21 by PSA.
Aside from the illustrious Eddie Plank card, the PWCC Marketplace auction captivates collectors with numerous other rarities. One standout is the 1909-11 T206 Sherry Magie (Magee) PIEDMONT 150 error card, which bears the misspelled name “Magee.” Graded as a PSA 2, this card exemplifies the peculiarities that make card collecting a thrilling pursuit.
Furthermore, the auction offers notable cards such as the 1997 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan /50 card, graded BGS 9, and the 1982 NCAA Finals Ticket Stub autographed by Michael Jordan, symbolizing a monumental moment in basketball history. Adding to the allure, the auction presents the only PSA 10-graded 2015 Fleer Showcase Metal Universe Blue Connor McDavid ROOKIE /50 card, and a 1998 Ultra Masterpieces Tim Duncan 1/1 #55P card graded PSA 7.
The 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank card stands out not simply due to its extraordinary rarity, but also because of its deep connection to a pivotal era in baseball history. It represents a time when legends were born, and the sport itself was shaping its identity. For collectors and baseball enthusiasts alike, acquiring this card is more than just attaining a rare piece of memorabilia; it’s about preserving a fragment of the rich and storied past of America’s beloved pastime.
