In the world 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 more than just a collector’s item; it is a piece of baseball history that encapsulates the remarkable career of one of the early 20th century’s greatest pitchers, Eddie Plank.
Eddie Plank, affectionately known as “Gettysburg Eddie,” was born and raised in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He established himself as one of the most dominant left-handed pitchers during the “Deadball Era” of baseball. Plank’s 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 final season, he achieved a spectacular ERA of 1.79. Plank’s excellence extended to the World Series, where he played a crucial role in securing three championships for the Philadelphia Athletics, posting an impressive 1.32 ERA in 54 2/3 innings.
Despite his achievements, Plank often found himself overshadowed by his contemporaries such as Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson. However, his outstanding performance on the mound did not go unnoticed by legendary slugger Babe Ruth, who in a 1926 letter described Plank as one of the game’s best pitchers.
The T206 Eddie Plank card, produced between 1909 and 1911, is a testament to Plank’s lasting legacy. Considered the second-rarest tobacco card after the T206 Honus Wagner, it holds a special place in the world of vintage baseball card collecting. The rarity of the card has given rise to various theories, including Plank’s possible aversion to cigarettes, a broken printing plate during production, or simply an error.
The Eddie Plank card currently up for auction at PWCC Marketplace, graded SCG 1 PR, is particularly rare and has already attracted a bid of $32,000. Its scarcity is underscored by the fact that it has appeared in public auctions only 11 times in recent years. The card’s grading history is also notable, with only 39 graded by SGC and 21 by PSA.
The auction features other extraordinary items as well, including a 1909-11 T206 Sherry Magie (Magee) PIEDMONT 150 error card, known for its misspelling of Magee’s name. Graded PSA 2, this card exemplifies the unique quirks that make card collecting such an intriguing hobby.
Among the other remarkable cards in the auction is a 1997 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan /50 card, graded BGS 9. This card represents a true gem for basketball enthusiasts. Another notable item is a 1982 NCAA Finals Ticket Stub autographed by Michael Jordan, symbolizing a key moment in basketball history. Additionally, the auction showcases 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 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank card stands out not only for its rarity but also for its connection to a pivotal era in baseball history. It serves as a powerful representation of a time when legends were made, 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 is about holding a fragment of the sport’s rich and storied past.
