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EDDIE KAZAK BASEBALL CARDS

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Eddie Kazak was a journeyman pitcher who played in Major League Baseball from 1955-1964. While his career statistics were relatively pedestrian, accumulating a 48-57 record with a 3.86 ERA over 9 seasons, Kazak has attained a cult following among baseball card collectors for his scarce and unique rookie cards from 1955. Kazak’s rookie card holds an important place in the history of the baseball card industry and collectors still seek out his early cards today thanks to their limited production and distinct designs.

Kazak was born in 1933 in Buffalo, New York and grew up in nearby Lackawanna dreaming of one day pitching in the major leagues. He signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization in 1953 and spent two seasons in their farm system, showing promise but struggling with injuries. In 1955, Kazak received his first big league call up with Brooklyn at the age of 22. Baseball card producer Topps had recently begun issuing annual sets featuring all current major leaguers that season and included Kazak in their 1955 release, giving him one of the most coveted cards for any player – their true rookie card.

However, Kazak’s rookie card stands out from the onset due to a unique design variation. While the standard 1955 Topps cards used a simple team logo in either the top left or right corner, a small subset of roughly 50 players, including Kazak, featured an illustration of the player in action in place of the team logo. Rendered in a realistic painted style, Kazak is depicted mid-windup, revealing his distinctive high leg kick pitching motion. Some speculate Topps may have run short on team logos late in production, though the precise reason for the variation remains a subject of debate among card historians. Regardless of the cause, Kazak’s distinct rookie immediately caught collectors’ eyes and marked him as one of the most identifiable first-year players from the hallowed ’55 set.

Not only was Kazak’s design one-of-a-kind for the ’55 Topps issue that year, but his card is also remarkably scarce in high grade due to a very limited initial print run. Topps’ first flagship baseball set three decades prior in 1933 had included only 52 total cards. By the postwar boom of the 1950s, sets had grown to over 500 cards as the company signed multi-year deals with teams and players. Still, production remained far below future mega-sets. With a relatively small population surviving nearly 70 years since distribution, Kazak rookie cards of satisfactory visual quality occupy a rarefied air among vintage collectors. Even poorly-centered or rougher conditioned copies changed hands for thousands by the early 2000s.

Kazak had moved to the St. Louis Cardinals organization by 1956 after being drafted by them from Brooklyn that winter. This triggered his subsequent rookie card with St. Louis issued by Topps that year. While desirable in its own right for any player’s second year card, Kazak’s 1956 topps barely registered to collectors after the unforgettable artwork of its predecessor. He had mediocre seasons in 1956-57 before being dealt that summer to the Washington Senators.

Though no longer a rookie, Kazak enjoyed his best major league showing in 1958 with a record of 9-6 and career-low 2.63 ERA over 31 games for the Senators. He was selected for that season’s Topps All-Star Rookie team card, a yearly set honoring top first- and second-year players as voted by fans. Kazak’s inclusion today makes his ’58 card another must-have for collectors completing this prestigious subset. That success in D.C. proved fleeting as arm injuries limited Kazak to just 28 total innings over the next three years before he was released in 1961. He later signed with the expansion New York Mets in 1962 but failed to make their roster out of spring training.

Undaunted, Kazak kept at pitching in the minor leagues through 1964 while also working as a salesman, determined to latch on elsewhere in the majors. Those later baseball card issues from his brief stints with the Mets and Minneapolis Millers are today some of the scarcest in the hobby, with populations likely numberable. Kazak finally hung up his spikes at age 31 after 13 pro seasons without ever returning to the show. He moved to Florida and sold real estate after retiring from baseball but remained a familiar face autographing for fans at card shows during the collector boom decades of the 1980s-90s.

Sadly, Kazak passed away at the young age of 67 in 2001, long before witnessing the insane heights his 1955 Topps rookie would reach in value. By the 2010s, as the vintage market boomed and condition standards rose, even low-grade Kazak ’55 rookies fetched four figures. Gem mint specimens changed hands privately for well over $100,000 as the population of high grade survivors dwindled to double digits or less. Few early rookie cards can match the visual drama and statistical rarity that made Kazak’s 1955 Topps issue an icon recognized the world over. Decades after his brief big league career, Eddie Kazak has undoubtedly become one of the most famous “common men” from the municipal world of baseball cards.

While Eddie Kazak did not enjoy great success on the field in Major League Baseball, his rare and distinct rookie card from 1955 Topps has captivated collectors for generations. Featuring unique painted artwork in place of a team logo and a remarkably small surviving population, Kazak’s first card holds an exalted status among vintage set builders and investors alike. Along with key subsequent issues like his 1958 Topps All-Star Rookie selection, Kazak’s scarce early baseball cards signify how even marginal players from baseball’s early post-war era can achieve lasting renown in the collecting community for their visual impact and statistical rarity decades later. Kazak’s story serves as a testament to both the human impulse to commemorate athletic careers memorialized in card form, and the staying power of truly one-of-a-kind cardboard from the earliest years of the baseball card industry.

EDDIE MATHEWS BASEBALL CARDS

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Eddie Mathews was a legendary third baseman who played for the Boston/Milwaukee Braves and Houston Astros from 1952 to 1968. Known as one of the greatest power hitters of his era, Mathews smashed 512 career home runs and drove in over 1,500 runs. His prolific play at the hot corner generated huge popularity among baseball card collectors during his playing days and after. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most noteworthy and valuable Eddie Mathews baseball cards from over the years.

One of the earliest and most iconic Mathews baseball cards comes from his rookie season of 1952 with the Boston Braves. Sporting a clean-shaven young Mathews in a Braves uniform, the 1952 Topps #71 Eddie Mathews rookie card established him as a star player for collectors to follow. While production numbers for early Topps issues were massive, high grades of the Mathews rookie still fetch thousands due to his legacy. Another standout from his early years is the 1954 Topps #277 card, showing off Mathews’ powerful swing.

Mathews’ dominant play in the late 1950s made him one of the most prominent third basemen in the game. This popularity is reflected in highly sought after cards from this prime of his career. The 1957 Topps #379 card depicts Mathews mid-swing and is a favorite of collectors. High grade versions can sell for over $1,000. Also coveted is the 1959 Topps #500 card, which pictures Mathews crouched at third base. This iconic pose and the late 50s production period combine to make it a pricey collectible.

In addition to his mainstream Topps issues, Mathews has several notable oddball cards that intrigue collectors. The 1954 Bowman color card shows off Mathews’ intense focus at the plate. Only produced for one year, these early Bowman cards are a true rarity. Mathews also has a prized card from the 1960 Leaf set. With a colorful action photo and unique design, these underproduced non-Topps issues attract dedicated collectors. Later in the decade, the 1966 Topps #531 card presents a more mature Mathews in a classic straight-on portrait that endures as a fan favorite.

Mathews’ playing career extended into the 1960s as he became one of the elder statesmen on the Braves and later Astros. His 1961 Topps #139 card from Milwaukee is a solid issue from this period. Another standout is the 1968 Topps #500 card, his last in the regular Topps set before retirement. Picturing Mathews in an Astros uniform, it serves as a full-circle look back on his Hall of Fame tenure. After leaving the field, Mathews remained a respected figure in baseball lore.

In the decades since his playing days, Mathews cards have grown in demand among enthusiasts looking to own pieces of baseball history. While his early 1950s rookie cards set the standard for value due to rarity, all stages of Mathews’ career command interest. Whether it’s his iconic mid-swing poses from the late 50s or his later portraits as a veteran, Eddie Mathews cards resonate with collectors thanks to his legend as one of baseball’s all-time great sluggers. For fans of the golden era of the game, owning high-quality Mathews cardboard is a thrill and an investment in the enduring legacy of a true diamond great.

EDDIE COLLINS BASEBALL CARDS

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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.

BASEBALL CARDS EDDIE MURRAY

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Eddie Murray was one of the most prolific hitters of his era who played in Major League Baseball from 1977-1997. Known as a quiet, consistent player who shunned attention, Murray still found his way onto countless baseball cards during his illustrious career. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most notable Eddie Murray baseball cards from his playing days.

One of Murray’s earliest baseball cards came from his rookie season in 1977 with Topps. Sporting the iconic Orioles uniform colors of orange and black, this card shows a clean-shaven Murray in a headshot pose from his debut season where he hit .277 with 13 home runs in just 108 games. Murray would go on to spend over a decade with the Orioles franchise, cementing his status as a hometown star in Baltimore. This rookie card remains one of the most sought after from Murray’s collection.

In 1981, Topps captured Murray mid-swing on card #498 in their set that year. By this point, Murray had blossomed into a true slugging star, hitting .277 with 33 home runs and 110 RBI in 1981 to finish third in AL MVP voting. The action shot on this card shows Murray’s classic smooth, compact swing that would serve him so well over his career. Also of note is the inclusion of Murray’s stats and accomplishments on the back of the card, as was standard for Topps in the early 1980s.

One of Murray’s most iconic baseball cards came in 1987 from Fleer. On card #344, Murray is featured in a close-up headshot with blue skies and clouds behind him. But it’s Murray’s thick mustache and aviator sunglasses that make this card truly stand out from the rest. With Murray having just come off his second AL MVP season in 1986 where he led the league in home runs, this “cool guy” card captured Murray at the peak of his popularity. Copies of this card in near-mint condition can still fetch over $100 today due to its retro charm.

After leaving the Orioles via free agency following the 1988 season, Murray signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His first baseball card as a Dodger was in 1989 Donruss on card #130. Here, Murray is again shown mid-swing but this time in the classic Dodger home whites. The card also features Murray’s 1988 stats when he hit .306 with 33 home runs split between Baltimore and LA. This served as a transition card announcing Murray’s change of scenery out west to Dodger Stadium.

Murray would play his final seasons in the 1990s after brief stops with the Dodgers, Indians, and Angels organizations. In 1991, he received what would be one of his last truly iconic baseball cards from Upper Deck on card #107. With a close third-base camera angle, this photo captures the essence of Murray – gritty determination on every play. Even in the twilight of his career, Murray was still among the league leaders in numerous categories as noted on the back of this card. It stands as one of the best summation cards of Murray’s excellence at the plate.

After retiring following the 1997 season, Murray’s legacy as one of the game’s most consistent sluggers was cemented. He finished with 504 home runs and over 3,000 hits – an exclusive club. Memorabilia from his playing days remains popular with collectors to this day. In particular, his rookie cards from 1977 Topps and the 1987 Fleer card with mustache stand out as highly sought after pieces of his baseball card history. While he may have avoided attention, Eddie Murray’s prolific talent ensured his place in the record books and in the collections of card enthusiasts for generations to come.

In summary, Eddie Murray’s baseball cards provide a who’s who tour of his 21 illustrious major league seasons. From his rookie year in Baltimore to stints with the Dodgers and Indians late in his career, Murray’s cards captured the essence of his hitting prowess and quiet leadership. Particular standouts include his 1977 rookie, 1981 Topps action shot, iconic 1987 Fleer mustache card, and 1991 Upper Deck summation photo. While a man of few words himself, Murray’s baseball cards tell the story of one of the game’s most durable and consistent power hitters through the decades. They remain a cherished connection to one of baseball’s true quiet stars.

EDDIE YOST BASEBALL CARDS

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Eddie Yost had a long career in Major League Baseball that spanned from 1951 to 1968, playing primarily as a catcher and first baseman. Due to his lengthy career spent with several notable teams, Yost has been featured on numerous baseball cards over the years. Some of his most valuable and sought-after cards include vintage issues from the 1950s as well as later releases highlighting his managerial career.

Yost broke into the big leagues with the Washington Senators in 1951 and had cups of coffee with them over the next few seasons. His rookie card is considered one of his most desirable issues and was released during the 1951-52 era by Bowman. This card features a clean image of Yost in a Senators uniform and is quite scarce in high grade today given its age. Cards from Yost’s early Senators tenure are quite collectible for fans of vintage card sets.

In 1955, Yost was traded to the Chicago White Sox where he would go on to have his most productive seasons. He appeared in over 100 games for the Pale Hose from 1955-1959 and established himself as a reliable defensive backstop and hitter. Yost’s time with the White Sox is commemorated in several iconic card issues from the 1950s. His 1955 Topps card and 1956 Topps card are among the sets he is most prominently featured in during this period. Both capture nice action shots of Yost and remain affordable for collectors on a budget.

Yost was dealt to the Kansas City Athletics in 1960 where he continued as the team’s starting catcher. His 1960 Topps card dons an A’s uniform and marked his first card appearance with the franchise. Yost had a memorable season for Kansas City in 1961 when he posted career-highs in batting average, home runs, and RBI to help lead the A’s to the American League pennant. This success made his 1961 Topps card a popular issue at the time. Over a decade later, Yost was recognized for this standout campaign in the 1972 Topps Kansas City A’s Team Set, an insert set honoring the ’61 club.

After wrapping up his playing career in 1968 while with the Minnesota Twins organization, Yost transitioned to managing and coaching. He skippered the Oakland A’s from 1973-1975, leading them to the 1973 ALCS. Topps issued manager cards of Yost during his tenure which are prized by collectors today. In 1976, Yost joined the expansion Seattle Mariners as their first manager and had cards in 1976 Topps and 1977 Topps highlighting this milestone role. Both issues feature action shots of Yost in Mariners garb and are a staple in any vintage collection focused on the early years of the franchise.

Later in the 1970s and 1980s, Yost continued to make appearances in annual sets as a coach for the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago White Sox. His colorful managerial uniforms and facial expressions made for eye-catching cardboard. Yost also received recognition in special insert sets over the decades. In 1987 Topps, he was saluted as part of the “Tops in Managing” subset. And in 1992 Leaf, Yost was featured in the “Baseball Legends” insert series looking back on his distinguished career.

In the modern era, Yost remains a popular figure for collectors pursuing vintage players and managers. Upper Deck issued retro-style cards of him for their “Legendary Leaders” insert set in 2005 highlighting his managing career. And in 2007, In The Game released a sharp card as part of their “Baseball Heroes” insert focusing on Yost’s playing days with the White Sox. With over two decades invested in the sport at the highest level, Eddie Yost secured his place in cardboard history through his many baseball cards issued by the leading manufacturers. Whether from his early playing days or later as a successful skipper, his collection of autographed, rare, and unique issues continue intriguing vintage enthusiasts.

As one of baseball’s early defensive specialists behind the plate, Eddie Yost made contributions to the Senators, White Sox, and Athletics franchises in the 1950s and 1960s that earned him lasting recognition. Both as a player and manager, he was consistently spotlighted in the yearly Topps and Bowman sets that chronicled his up-and-down career. Yost also received later acknowledgement for standout seasons and milestone roles with teams like his 1961 A’s and inaugural Mariners. Whether chasing rare early issues, complete vintage sets, or modern retro releases, Eddie Yost cards remain a staple for collectors pursuing the post-war and expansion eras of Major League Baseball in cardboard form. His longevity in the sport led to one of the more extensive baseball card resumes from that time period.

EDDIE MURRAY BASEBALL CARDS

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Eddie Murray was one of the most prolific hitters of his era who played for 21 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1977-1997. As a result, Murray has been featured on numerous baseball cards over the years from the 1970s through the 1990s. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most notable and valuable Eddie Murray baseball cards from his historic career.

One of Murray’s earliest and most sought after rookie cards is his 1977 Topps card #132. This was Murray’s true rookie card issued during his debut season with the Baltimore Orioles after being drafted 3rd overall in the June 1976 amateur draft out of Valley High School in Las Vegas. The design features Murray in an Orioles uniform from waist up with a blue and orange border. The photo captures his stoic demeanor that became synonymous with his playing style. Murray’s rookie card in gem mint condition can fetch over $1,000 due to its scarcity and significance as documenting his first season in the majors.

Another prized early Murray rookie is his 1977 Kellogg’s card #46. Kellogg’s produced baseball cards for cereal boxes from 1973-1981 and their design had a photo on the front and stats on the back. Murray looks confident batting from the left side in this image wearing an Orioles jersey. In top graded condition, it can sell for $500 or more given that Kellogg’s print runs were smaller than the major card companies like Topps. The set is highly collectible and captures Murray in the beginning stages of his Hall of Fame career.

In 1978, Murray’s breakout season saw him hit .333 with 27 home runs and 102 RBI while finishing third in AL MVP voting. This stellar campaign made his 1978 Topps card #234 very desirable. It shows Murray crouched in the batter’s box with an intense focus wearing an Orioles uniform. High grade versions fetch $150-300 due to Murray’s emerging superstar status reflected on the card from his award-winning 1978 season. This was when he started to become recognized as one of the top sluggers in baseball.

After eight productive seasons with Baltimore, Murray was surprisingly traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 1983. His first card with his new team was the 1984 Topps Traded #T84 issue. It depicts Murray in a Dodgers cap and jersey from his waist up with a blue backdrop. This transition card marks Murray moving to a new coast and city, showing collectors the next phase of his career. In pristine condition, examples can sell for $75-150 given its rarity and historical significance as Murray’s first card as a Dodger.

Murray enjoyed three excellent seasons with the Dodgers, highlighted by winning the 1985 NL Batting Title with a .351 average. His 1985 Fleer Update #U-39 card captured this peak performance. It features Murray crouched in the batter’s box with Dodger blue and white uniform showing his intense concentration. High grade versions are valued around $100 since it documents Murray’s batting crown-winning season and continued excellence in the National League.

After the 1986 season, Murray signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Orioles in December 1986, returning to the franchise where he broke in and had his early success. His first card back with the O’s was the 1987 Topps Traded #T49 issue. It shows Murray from the waist up in an Orioles jersey with an orange backdrop, marking his second stint with the team. Near mint copies can sell for $50-75 given its scarcity and significance as Murray’s first card after rejoining the Orioles later in his career.

Murray played four more seasons in Baltimore before finishing his career with the 1992-93 Cleveland Indians and 1994-95 Los Angeles Dodgers. Some other notable later Murray cards include his 1990 Topps Traded #T48 as an Oriole, 1992 Fleer #469 as an Indian, and 1995 Upper Deck #362 as a Dodger in the final season of his Hall of Fame career. He retired with 504 home runs and over 3,000 hits, making him one of the most prolific offensive players of the 1980s and beyond.

In all, Eddie Murray’s 21-year MLB tenure resulted in many quality baseball cards issued that are still popular with collectors today. From his early rookie cards to documentation of award-winning seasons and franchise transitions, Murray cards provide historical value given his stellar career. Many of his highest graded issues can sell for hundreds reflecting his status as a true baseball legend. Eddie Murray was one of the game’s best hitters who is still fondly remembered today through his iconic baseball cards.

EDDIE PLANK BASEBALL CARDS

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Eddie Plank was a Hall of Fame left-handed pitcher who played in Major League Baseball from 1901 to 1917, almost exclusively for the Philadelphia Athletics. As one of the sport’s earliest pitching greats, Plank achieved widespread acclaim and numerous accolades over his lengthy career. Consequently, he has been featured prominently on baseball cards since the early decades of the 20th century.

Plank made his big league debut in 1901 at age 21 after spending three years in the minor leagues developing his skills. That same season, the American Tobacco Company issued the first modern baseball cards as promotional inserts in packs of cigarettes and chewing tobacco. While Plank likely did not appear in that inaugural series due to his rookie status, his popularity grew quickly as his successful major league tenure took off. By the mid-1900s, card manufacturers began regularly including active players like Plank each year.

One of the earliest identifiable Eddie Plank baseball cards comes from the 1909-11 series issued by the American Card Company. This postcard-sized card proudly displays an action image of Plank in an Athletics uniform with his name and stats printed below. As one of the game’s top hurlers of that era, his inclusion in early 20th century sets was quite common. Card buffs and collectors consider examples from brands like T206 (1909-11), M101-8 (1910), and other prominent issues of that period to be among the most desired Plank cards.

Plank’s legendary career achievements, including remarkable durability and excellence on the mound, made him enormously popular with fans. This translated directly to strong baseball card sales and higher values for issues sporting his photo or illustration. For example, sporting spectacular won-loss records and stellar ERAs year after year, the hard-throwing lefty captured pitching’s Triple Crown in 1909 by winning 31 games and leading the AL in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. Such statistical dominance increased collectors’ demand for cards of him from that particular season.

Into the teens, as the baseball card consumer market continued to blossom, Plank was a sure-fire inclusion. After helping lead the A’s to three consecutive World Series titles between 1910-1913, the ace hurler reached new levels of fame. As a result, his appearance in well-known vintage sets like Hassan Triple Fold (1915), M101-14 Miller’s Genuine (1915), and Sporting News (1915) are highly sought. Of note, the Sporting News card showcased a rare frontal portrait of Plank not seen on his earlier issue cards.

Plank played his final season in 1917 at age 37, retiring with a career win-loss record of 326-194 and a superb 2.35 ERA. Incredibly, over his 17 year tenure, he started a mind-blowing 640 games and completed 373 — a staggering workload by today’s standards. After being inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1946, Plank sadly passed away later that year in Kentucky. His legend and accomplishments continued to stimulate interest in collectors obtaining examples of his early 20th century baseball cards for decades after his playing days.

A 1916 issue Eddie Plank card produced by the Candy Buff baseball card series stands out both for its rarity and imagery. Only fifty of these scarce treats were distributed by a confectioner in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The incredibly low print run makes any surviving copy exceptionally valuable today. Depicting a close-up headshot of Plank in A’s clothing, it exemplifies his enduring popularity even after his retirement from the mound. Issues from the 1916 and 1917 Cracker Jack sets also have attained great worth considering Plank’s popularity at the time and the short window he remained an active participant.

In the post-war years as baseball memorabilia collecting continued evolving, prominent sets like 1939 Play Ball, 1951 Bowman, and 1952 Topps featured Plank amongst the all-time greats already enshrined in Cooperstown. As one of the pioneering superstars who helped grow the national pastime in the early 1900s, his later inclusion ensured younger generations were exposed to his legend. Examples from 1950s issues in high grade can value anywhere from $100-$300 given their scarcity and condition sensitivity.

Throughout the modern era, prominent vintage reprint producers like TCMA, Pacific, and Impel have helped ensure Eddie Plank has proper representation amongst collectors. By faithfully recreating his coveted pre-1920 holographic stock images from a historical lens, reprints somewhat fill the gap until originals can be attained. Also, in 2019, Topps released a special Allen & Ginter “Legends” card saluting Plank’s Hall of Fame status and contributions as a keystone of early MLB history. As one of pitching’s earliest icons, Plank’s pioneering baseball career and popularity have stood the test of time as evidenced by the numerous vintage and reprint cards that memorialize his legend for collectors.