In the world of sports memorabilia, few items hold as much allure and intrigue as the rare 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank baseball card. Currently featured in the December Premier Auction at PWCC Marketplace, this card is more than just a collector’s item; it’s a piece of baseball lore that embodies the story of Eddie Plank, one of the early 20th century’s greatest pitchers.
Eddie Plank, affectionately known as “Gettysburg Eddie,” established himself as one of the most effective left-handed pitchers during the “Deadball Era” of baseball. Hailing from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Plank’s career spanned from 1901 to 1917, during which he recorded 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 Plank’s immense contributions to the sport, he often remained overshadowed by his contemporaries such as Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson. However, his talent on the mound was not lost on all, as evidenced by a letter written by Babe Ruth in 1926. Ruth, who himself was a formidable pitcher before becoming a legendary slugger, hailed Plank as one of the greatest pitchers the game had ever seen.
The T206 Eddie Plank card, produced between 1909 and 1911, serves as a tangible testament to Plank’s enduring legacy. Considered the second-rarest tobacco card after 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 dislike for cigarettes, a broken printing plate during production, or a simple printing error.
The currently auctioned T206 Eddie Plank card, graded SCG 1 PR, is particularly rare and has already attracted a bid of $32,000. Its rarity is underscored by the fact that it has appeared only 11 times in public auctions in recent years. The card’s grading history is also significant, with only 39 graded by SGC and 21 by PSA.
The PWCC Marketplace auction also showcases other notable 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 and emphasizes the unique quirks that make card collecting such an intriguing hobby.
Among the auction’s highlights are also 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 key moment in basketball history. Additionally, the auction features a 2015 Fleer Showcase Metal Universe Blue Connor McDavid ROOKIE /50 card, the only one graded PSA 10, and a 1998 Ultra Masterpieces Tim Duncan 1/1 #55P card, graded PSA 7.
The significance of the 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank card extends beyond its rarity. It serves as a connection to a pivotal era in baseball history when legends were forged, and the sport was in the process of shaping its identity. For collectors and baseball enthusiasts alike, acquiring this card is not solely about owning a rare piece of memorabilia; it’s about holding a fragment of the sport’s rich and storied past.