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T206: End of a Century
As we settle in for New Year’s Eve
2007, we move to just a year away from the 100th anniversary of the T-206 White Border tobacco baseball
card set, which was issued over three years by the American Tobacco Company beginning in 1909. When I began collecting
T-206 almost a decade ago, I never thought I would ever complete the set, even without the ultra elusive Honus Wagner, Eddie
Plank, Sherry Magie and “Slow” Joe Doyle variation cards. I was content with my first two -- Christy Mathewson
(White Cap) and Chief Bender (Portrait) cards that I acquired from a friend who wanted a little spending cash for a trip to
Las Vegas and had some of his grandfather’s cards to sell (my only regret was that I could not convince him to sell
his Walter Johnson (Portrait) card). But thanks to the Internet, with special thanks to eBay, I accomplished the goal
of a set of 520 T-206 cards. (Since then, I have also sold nearly all of them to purchase Lionel Carter's Eddie Plank
and a Magie error.) Just one year shy of the centennial, it is time to begin considering how to celebrate a century
of cardboard magic as the “Monster” turns 100.
There are many ways to commemorate
the 100th birthday of the most celebrated baseball card set ever issued. Those lucky enough to own a genuine
T-206 Honus Wagner card might stick a candle (unlit, of course) in a cupcake in front of their card, and offer it to the image
of the “Flying Dutchman” in honor of its legacy as the greatest baseball card ever known. Others might build
a Field of Dreams in their study or living room for the two members of the Black Sox featured in T-206, Chick Gandil
and Eddie Cicotte, giving the pair a supernatural opportunity to right an old wrong. Two other players featured
on T-206 cards -- “Sleepy” Bill Burns (wearing a left-handed glove on his right hand in his T-206 card) and Hal
Chase (whose fame at the time was reflected in five different T-206 cards, unsurpassed in number even by the great
Ty Cobb, who was only represented on four issues) -- were involved behind the scenes of that 90-year old scandal and could
also be afforded a shot at redemption.
It would be truly special if those with complete
or partial sets of T-206 would feel comfortable enough with available insurance and security to bring their collections to
a convention at midnight, December 31, 2008, where T-206 collectors would be able to swap stories and, of course, cards.
While this won't be coming to fruition any time soon, I may light a few candles and let my sons blow them out. After
all, one day, kids -- all these will be yours!
What's your T206 New Year's resolution?
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