The famous Chicago Cubs double play combination of Joe Tinker, Johnny Evers, and Frank Chance have become immortalized in baseball lore thanks to the 1910 poem “Baseball’s Sad Lexicon” written by Franklin P. Adams. While their on-field exploits created legendary status, their individual baseball cards have also achieved notable value in the collecting world.
Joe Tinker received attention from collectors early on thanks to his status as one of the earliest stars depicted on baseball cards. Tinker’s most valuable card comes from the classic 1909-11 T206 set, considered one of the finest and most comprehensive issues from the early 20th century. In pristine condition with a grade of SGC 1 or PSA Gem Mint 1, a Tinker T206 in this condition can command $15,000-$25,000 at auction.
Even in lower grades around Very Good to Excellent condition, a Tinker T206 still carries value of $2,000-$5,000 due to the rarity of high grade examples remaining in existence over 100 years later. Earlier issues portraying Tinker also hold value, like his card from the smaller sized 1909 E90 set which can reach $500-$1,000 in solid condition. As a key member of the famed Cubs infield and one of the earliest stars depicted, Tinker cards remain an attraction for serious collectors.
While not quite reaching the lofty values of Tinker, Johnny Evers cards still hold substantial worth. His T206 is also widely considered the key card from the iconic set and regularly brings $4,000-$8,000 for high grade examples. Like Tinker’s earlier issues, Evers’ E90 card provides another collectible option at $200-$400. Perhaps Evers’ most visually appealing card comes from the 1911 Boston/Graham Almanac issue which features vibrant color images and sell for $600-800.
As the player-manager of the Cubs dynasty, Frank Chance arguably had the biggest on-field impact of the trio. His cards have not achieved quite the same financial value. Chance’s T206 is still a highly sought issue but more commonly sells in the $1,000-$2,500 range depending on condition. Still, a flawless example could potentially command over $5,000 from a dedicated buyer.
Chance was also included in some rare early sets like the 1909-11 Chicago Charms issue which holds additional significance for featuring exclusively Chicago players. High grade Chance Charms cards can reach $800-1200 at auction. Other issues including his 1910 Canadian Caramels and 1911 Boston Almanac also attract interest north of $300. Despite his intimidating on-field presence, Chance’s cards have more longevity as viable mid-range collecting options compared to the pricier grades of Tinker and Evers material.
While the individual cards of these Cubs legends offer plenty of history and affordability depending on condition, items combining all three players present a true assembling challenge. The most obvious inclusion of the trio occurs on the famous 1910 “Tinker Evers Chance” tobacco ad cards which were inserted in packages of Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. In top condition with brilliant colors, a complete 3-card “set” can demand over $15,000. But finding even two together in high grade is an accomplishment.
Rarer still is their shared inclusion in certain early tobacco sets. The ultra-elusive 1911 Minor League Cigarettes set contains cards of all three of them and finding any in existence today would draw worldwide attention from collectors. Raw cards in this issue would easily be worth at least $10,000 simply due to the complete absence of high grade examples. Their inclusion together in the eye-catching 1915 Cracker Jack set also provides a showcase that routinely sells for well over $3,000 when the cards grade respectably.
While not a true “set”, locating the key early individual cards of Tinker, Evers, and Chance offers collectors a chance to obtain tangible pieces of baseball history forever linked through legend. Even in lower grades, the nostalgia and lore behind these Cubs stalwarts ensure the cards maintain long-term collecting interest regardless of shifts in the wider hobby marketplace. For those seeking the finest examples to showcase the best the leaders of baseball’s first true dynasty have to offer, premium prices will follow. But for most fans, simply owning a piece of any one of them remains a worthwhile achievement on its own.
While the financial value of Tinker, Evers, and Chance baseball cards varies greatly depending on issue, grade, and findability of complete groupings – their continued popularity is assured for generations of collectors to come. As some of the earliest true superstars of the national pastime immortalized in verse, their individual cards especially from premiere 20th century sets like T206 and E90 provide viable historic collectibles. With care and wisdom, any level of enthusiast can join in celebrating these Cubs greats through baseball’s enduring collectible culture.
