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In the world of baseball card collecting, certain treasures stand out for their rarity and historical significance. Among these, the 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank card holds a place of reverence. This card, featuring Hall of Fame pitcher Eddie Plank, is not just a piece of memorabilia; it's a snapshot of baseball history, representing an era of legends and the story of a pitcher whose brilliance was often overshadowed by his more flamboyant contemporaries.

Eddie Plank, known affectionately as "Gettysburg Eddie," emerged as one of the finest left-handed pitchers during baseball’s "Deadball Era." His career, spanning from 1901 to 1917, was marked by an outstanding record of 326 wins and a remarkable 2.35 ERA over 623 games. In his final season alone, he boasted an impressive 1.79 ERA. Plank's prowess extended to the World Series, where he delivered a 1.32 ERA across 54 2/3 innings, contributing significantly to the Philadelphia Athletics' three championship titles. Such was his skill that he was compared to greats like Christy Mathewson, Sandy Koufax, and Mariano Rivera.

Despite these achievements, Plank's name often didn't resonate with the same intensity as some of his contemporaries. Yet, Babe Ruth, who himself transitioned from a dominant pitcher to the game's most celebrated slugger, acknowledged Plank's greatness in a 1926 letter, praising him as one of the finest pitchers to have ever played the game.

The rarity of Plank’s 1909-11 T206 Sweet Caporal card adds another layer to his legacy. Considered the second-rarest tobacco card after the iconic T206 Honus Wagner card, it's a coveted item for vintage baseball card collectors. Currently, a copy of this rare Plank card is up for bid in the December Premier Auction at PWCC Marketplace. Graded SCG 1 PR, the card had already attracted a bid of $32,000 at the time of writing.

The scarcity of Plank's card is shrouded in mystery and speculation. Theories range from Plank's alleged aversion to cigarettes (mirroring the speculation around the Wagner card), a broken printing plate, or simply a production error. Whatever the reason, its rarity is undeniable, having appeared in public auction just 11 times in recent years. The PWCC example is particularly rare, being one of only 39 graded by SGC, with PSA grading a mere 21.

Aside from the Plank card, the PWCC auction features other rare items. A notable inclusion is the 1909-11 T206 Sherry Magie (Magee) PIEDMONT 150 error card, sought after for the misprint of Magee's name. The card, graded PSA 2 with a PWCC-A Eye Appeal Rating, is a testament to the quirks and idiosyncrasies that make card collecting fascinating.

The auction also showcases other remarkable pieces. Among them is the 1997 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan /50 card, a rare find given its limited number and high grade of BGS 9. Another highlight is an autographed 1982 NCAA Finals Ticket Stub from Michael Jordan, a memento from the championship game where Jordan secured victory for North Carolina with his game-winning shot. For hockey enthusiasts, there's the 2015 Fleer Showcase Metal Universe Blue Connor McDavid ROOKIE /50 card, the only one graded PSA 10. Additionally, the 1998 Ultra Masterpieces Tim Duncan 1/1 card, a symbol of Duncan's early career and the evolving world of 1/1 cards, is up for grabs.

These cards not only represent rare collectibles but also serve as tangible links to the history of sports, connecting collectors and fans to moments and figures that have shaped the games we love. The 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank card, in particular, embodies this connection, offering a window into an era when baseball was forging its identity and legends like Plank were crafting the narrative of America's pastime. As this card goes up for bid, it invites us to reflect on the legacy of a pitcher whose impact on the game is etched not just in the record books, but also in the hearts of baseball aficionados and collectors around the world.