In the realm of sports memorabilia, few items spark as much intrigue as 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’s a piece of baseball lore, embodying the story of one of the early 20th century’s greatest pitchers, Eddie Plank.
Eddie Plank, affectionately known as “Gettysburg Eddie,” was a native of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, who rose to prominence as one of the most effective left-handed pitchers in the “Deadball Era” of baseball. From 1901 to 1917, Plank achieved an impressive 326 wins and maintained a career ERA of 2.35 over 623 games. His final season boasted a sterling 1.79 ERA. Plank’s excellence extended to the World Series, where he contributed to the Philadelphia Athletics securing three championships with a remarkable 1.32 ERA in 54 2/3 innings.
Despite his achievements, Plank often remained overshadowed by his contemporaries such as Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson. However, his prowess on the mound was not lost on all, as legendary slugger Babe Ruth extolled Plank as one of the game’s best pitchers in a 1926 letter.
The T206 Eddie Plank card, produced between 1909 and 1911, serves as a testament to Plank’s legacy. It is considered the second-rarest tobacco card after the T206 Honus Wagner, making it a highly coveted treasure in the world of vintage baseball card collecting. The card’s scarcity has given rise to various theories surrounding its limited numbers, including Plank’s possible dislike for cigarettes, a broken printing plate, or a simple error during production.
The T206 Eddie Plank card currently being auctioned at PWCC Marketplace holds the grade SCG 1 PR and has already attracted a bid of $32,000. Its rarity is underscored by the fact that it has only appeared in public auctions 11 times in recent years. The card’s grading history is also noteworthy, with only 39 graded by SGC and 21 by PSA.
In addition to the rare T206 Eddie Plank card, 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 known for its misspelling of Magee’s name, further adding to the allure and intrigue of card collecting as a hobby.
Among the auction’s offerings are also a 1997 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan /50 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 includes a 2015 Fleer Showcase Metal Universe Blue Connor McDavid ROOKIE /50 card, the only one graded PSA 10, as well as 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 represents a time when legends were forged, 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’s about holding a fragment of the sport’s rich and storied past.
