Eddie Collins was an American professional baseball player who played second base in Major League Baseball from 1906 to 1930. He played his entire career for the Philadelphia Athletics and Chicago White Sox. Considered one of the greatest second basemen of all time, Collins was a skilled fielder and hitter who compiled over 3,000 career hits. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939. Due to his outstanding play and long MLB career spanning over two decades, Eddie Collins has been featured on numerous vintage baseball cards that remain popular collectibles today.
One of the earliest Eddie Collins baseball cards is from the 1909-11 T206 tobacco card set. Produced by the American Tobacco Company, the mammoth 511-card T206 set is one of the most iconic in the history of sports card collecting. The Collins card features an image of him in an Athletics uniform from the right side. His name is printed at the bottom along with “PHILA” denoting his team. The T206 set is highly sought after by collectors due to its excellent photo quality, colorful design, and the fact that it was one of the first widespread baseball card releases. In gem mint condition, a T206 Eddie Collins card can sell for over $15,000.
In the 1910s, Collins appeared in several other early tobacco card releases including the 1910-11 Sweet Caporal, 1911-12 Sweet Caporal, and 1912-14 Cracker Jack sets. Like the T206, these early 20th century tobacco issues had regional distribution through cigarette and candy brands, helping to popularize baseball cards across the United States. Collins’ popularity as a perennial All-Star second baseman ensured his inclusion in many early 20th century sets. In high grade, his cards from these early 20th century tobacco issues can sell for thousands of dollars.
One of the most famous Eddie Collins baseball cards comes from the 1914 Cracker Jack set. Considered a landmark release, the 1914 Cracker Jack was the first national baseball card set distributed through a product brand. Featuring 72 total cards, the Collins card depicts him as a member of the Philadelphia Athletics. With its colorful design and wide availability through Cracker Jack boxes, the 1914 Cracker Jack set helped establish baseball cards as a mainstream collectible. In topNear Mint or Mint condition, a 1914 Eddie Collins Cracker Jack card can sell for over $5,000 due to its historical significance.
After being traded to the Chicago White Sox in 1916, Collins began appearing on cards featuring his new team. He is included in several 1920s releases such as the 1923 DeLong baseball cards and 1924 Goudey Sport Kings subset. Both sets feature Collins in a White Sox uniform. As one of the first modern glossy baseball card productions, the 1924 Goudey Sport Kings are highly sought after by collectors. In pristine condition, a Collins card from this set can sell for well over $10,000.
In the 1930s after retirement, Collins continued appearing on vintage cards through reprint and commemorative sets. He is included in 1930s issues such as 1933 Goudey, 1934 Goudey, and 1939 Play Ball. As one of baseball’s first true superstars who played in the deadball era and helped usher in the live ball era, Collins remained a popular figure among fans. His inclusion in 1930s sets helped preserve his legacy for future generations. In top grades, his 1930s cards can sell for over $1,000 due to the nostalgia of reprints featuring one of the early game’s greatest players.
Eddie Collins had a truly remarkable career that has cemented his place as one of baseball’s all-time greats. His prolific play resulted in numerous baseball card appearances spanning the 1910s through 1930s. Today, Collins’ vintage cards remain popular with collectors. His early tobacco issues, 1914 Cracker Jack, and 1920s/30s Goudey cards are especially valuable in top condition due to their rarity, historical significance, and depictions of Collins as an Athletics and White Sox star. As one of baseball’s first true icons, Eddie Collins will always have an important place in the history of the game as well as the collecting world. His baseball cards continue to fascinate enthusiasts over a century after his playing career ended.
