In the realm of sports memorabilia, there are few items that can match the intrigue and allure of the rare 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank baseball card. Currently featured in the PWCC Marketplace’s December Premier Auction, this card is not just a collector’s item; it is a piece of baseball history, encapsulating the story of one of the most talented pitchers of the early 20th century: Eddie Plank.
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 career spanned from 1901 to 1917, during which he amassed an impressive record of 326 wins and maintained an outstanding career ERA of 2.35 over 623 games. In his final season, Plank astounded fans with a remarkable 1.79 ERA. His excellence extended to the World Series, where he displayed his skills with a stunning 1.32 ERA in 54 2/3 innings, contributing to the Philadelphia Athletics’ securing of three championships.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Plank often found himself overshadowed by other legendary pitchers such as Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson. However, there were those who recognized and appreciated Plank’s talent, including none other than Babe Ruth himself. In a 1926 letter, Ruth, who started his career as a pitcher before becoming a legendary slugger, extolled 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 testament to Plank’s enduring legacy. It is considered the second-rarest tobacco card, surpassed only by the T206 Honus Wagner card. Its rarity has given rise to various theories, such as Plank’s possible disdain for cigarettes, a broken printing plate during production, or simply a printing error.
The T206 Eddie Plank card currently up for auction at PWCC Marketplace, graded SCG 1 PR, is particularly special and has already attracted a bid of $32,000. The card’s scarcity is highlighted by the fact that it has appeared in public auctions only 11 times in recent years. The card’s grading history is also noteworthy, with only 39 graded by SGC and 21 by PSA.
The December Premier Auction at PWCC Marketplace also boasts other rare and intriguing items, including a 1909-11 T206 Sherry Magie (Magee) PIEDMONT 150 error card, known for its misspelling of Magee’s name. This card, graded PSA 2, exemplifies the unique quirks that make card collecting such a fascinating hobby.
Among the other notable items in the auction are a 1997 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan card, graded BGS 9, and a 1982 NCAA Finals Ticket Stub autographed by Michael Jordan, representing a pivotal moment in basketball history. Additionally, the auction features a 2015 Fleer Showcase Metal Universe Blue Connor McDavid ROOKIE card, the only one graded PSA 10, and a 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 rarity, but also for its connection to a significant 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 about more than just owning a rare piece of memorabilia; it is about holding a fragment of the sport’s rich and storied past.
