t206 John McGraw Glove at Hip

The 1909 to 1911 T206 baseball card set has long been considered one of the most, if not the most, important issues in the entire hobby. The visual appeal of the cards, the immense size of the set, and the incredible player selection make this treasure a collector favorite. Along with the 1933 Goudey and 1952 Topps sets, the classic T206 set is one of “The Big Three” in the world of baseball cards.

You can easily make the argument that “The Monster,” as it is commonly referred to, is truly the pinnacle of all trading cards sets. It is much larger than the 1933 Goudey set, requiring more than twice the amount of cards to complete. It is also arguably more visually appealing than the 1952 Topps set due to the superb artwork used in the design.

Furthermore, the 524-card T206 set is home to the most valuable trading card in the world, the card that has become the symbol of the hobby itself. Of course, I am referring to the Mona Lisa of trading cards . . . the T206 Honus Wagner. The Wagner card shares the limelight with 75 other cards featuring members of baseball’s Hall of Fame, but it is worth more than the other 523 cards combined, assuming they are in the same condition. At the time of this writing (2009), the highest price ever paid for any trading card was $2.8 million, a Wagner example that was graded NM-MT 8 by Professional Sports Authenticator, the leading third-party authentication and grading service.

This example features John McGraw’s “hands on” management style, sporting a catchers mitt he used to warm up his players.  If you were to build a Mount Rushmore of baseball managers, John McGraw would have to be part of any foursome. McGraw managed the New York Giants from 1902 to 1932, winning ten National League pennants and three World Championships. Along the way, he influenced the game of baseball like no one before or since. At 5-foot, 7-inches, 155 pounds, McGraw was famously known as “Little Napoleon,” and the name fit like one of his trademark suits. McGraw was given to violent outbursts toward his players, the opposition, and, of course, umpires. He was not, however, all brimstone and no brains. On the contrary, McGraw brought a cerebral quality to managing, using his mind as much as his mouth.

Overshadowed by his amazing managerial record is the fact that John McGraw was one heck of a ballplayer. Some of his numbers are downright unfathomable. With Baltimore in 1898 and 1899, he led the league in runs scored, with 143 and 140, respectively. He also drew a league-leading 236 walks in those two seasons. McGraw had a ridiculous career on-base percentage of .466, and between 1899 and 1901, his OBP exceeded .500. He was a career .334 hitter, and a smart speedster with outstanding base running skills.

McGraw was as strong of heart as he was of body and mind. Over the course of his life, he overcame the deaths of his mother, three siblings, and later, his wife. As a child, McGraw was physically abused by his father and eventually moved to a neighboring inn. Despite these personal setbacks, McGraw’s focus was unshaken. His conservative, buttoned-down veneer aside, McGraw was a worldly sort, performing in Vaudeville shows and investing in pool halls, race tracks, and casinos.

First and foremost, however, McGraw was a winner. In 33 years as a manager with the Orioles and Giants, he won 2,763 games, second only to Connie Mack. Heed the words of the man himself, “In playing or managing, the game of ball is only fun for me when I’m out in front and winning,” said McGraw. “I don’t give a hill of beans for the rest of the game.” Although retired, John McGraw was selected to manage the National League team in the first All-Star game in 1933, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1937.

Not for sale, but contact me if you want me to entertain offers.