In the realm of sports memorabilia, few items spark as much intrigue and curiosity as the elusive 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank baseball card. This remarkable piece, currently featured in the PWCC Marketplace’s December Premier Auction, is not just a collector’s item; it is a tangible part of baseball history, representing the incredible legacy of Eddie Plank, a renowned pitcher from the early 20th century.
Eddie Plank, affectionately known as “Gettysburg Eddie,” hailed from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and established himself as one of the most formidable left-handed pitchers during the “Deadball Era” of baseball. His illustrious career spanned from 1901 to 1917, during which he achieved an impressive total of 326 wins and maintained a remarkable career ERA of 2.35 over 623 games. In his final season, Plank astounded with a sterling 1.79 ERA. Notably, his exceptional pitching skills extended to the World Series, where he showcased a remarkable 1.32 ERA in 54 2/3 innings, contributing to the Philadelphia Athletics winning three championships.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Plank often found himself overshadowed by other prominent pitchers of his time, such as Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson. However, his talent on the mound did not go unnoticed, as evidenced by a letter written by Babe Ruth in 1926. Before becoming the legendary slugger he is remembered as today, Babe Ruth himself was a formidable pitcher and held Plank in high regard as one of the game’s best.
The T206 Eddie Plank card, produced between 1909 and 1911, serves as a testament to Plank’s enduring legacy. This card, considered to be the second-rarest tobacco card after the T206 Honus Wagner, is a coveted treasure in the world of vintage baseball card collecting. Its scarcity has given rise to numerous theories, including the possibility that Plank disliked cigarettes, a printing plate mishap during production, or a simple printing error.
The T206 Eddie Plank card currently up for auction at PWCC Marketplace holds a grade of SCG 1 PR and has already attracted a bid of $32,000. Its rarity is further underscored by the fact that it has only appeared in public auctions 11 times in recent years. The card’s grading history is also notable, with only 39 graded by SGC and 21 by PSA, adding to its allure.
As the PWCC Marketplace auction unfolds, other exceptional items heighten the excitement for collectors and enthusiasts. Among them is the 1909-11 T206 Sherry Magie (Magee) PIEDMONT 150 error card, graded PSA 2, recognized for its misspelled variation of Magee’s name. Such unique quirks make card collecting an endlessly intriguing hobby.
Additionally, the auction features notable cards like 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, representing a pivotal moment in basketball history. Moreover, the auction showcases the 2015 Fleer Showcase Metal Universe Blue Connor McDavid ROOKIE /50 card, singularly graded PSA 10, and the 1998 Ultra Masterpieces Tim Duncan 1/1 #55P card, graded PSA 7.
The significance of the 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank card surpasses mere rarity and scarcity. It symbolizes a pivotal era in baseball history, characterizing a time when legendary players were made and the sport itself was molding its identity. Acquiring this card is not solely about owning a scarce piece of memorabilia; it is about grasping a fragment of the sport’s lush and storied past, a connection to the greatness of Eddie Plank and the remarkable era in which he thrived.
