In a stunning revelation for baseball memorabilia enthusiasts, a remarkable collection of century-old baseball cards has been discovered, offering a tangible connection to the sport’s storied past. Found by an individual in Northern California, this collection has reignited the passion for collecting baseball history.
The journey of this extraordinary collection began with a simple phone call to Auction Monthly, an auction house based in Granite Bay, in late September. The caller informed them about an old tin box filled with baseball cards that he wanted to sell. What followed was a meeting that unveiled a treasure trove of history. Inside a rusty Pedro Cut Plug Tobacco tin lay a meticulously preserved assortment of strip, caramel, and tobacco baseball cards, dating back over a century.
The collection once belonged to a man named “Ed,” who was born in 1909 and spent his childhood in Oakland. Ed held onto his baseball card collection throughout his life, never letting go of his cherished possessions. According to Ed’s son, his father was part of the generation that lived through the Great Depression, which meant that he never threw anything away. The tin, probably a gift from an uncle, became a treasure chest for young Ed, was rediscovered by his son in a closet after his father’s passing in 1994.
Now, almost thirty years after its rediscovery, this collection has found its way into a hobby that, although vastly different from the 1920s, still shares the same fascination and allure.
Inside the tin resided over 600 cards, all dating from 1926 or earlier. The cards showed signs of wear, reflecting both their age and the love they received from the hands of young baseball fans. The collection boasted a notable presence of the legendary Babe Ruth, with no less than 20 cards featuring the iconic “Bambino.”
Among the highlights of this extraordinary find were:
– A 1919-21 W514 Shoeless Joe Jackson card
– A 1921 E220 National Caramel Ruth card
– A 1922 American Caramel E121 Ruth card
– Cards representing almost every player from the infamous 1919 Black Sox scandal
– Several Ruth cards from the W514 series dating from 1919-21
– Three 1920 W519 Ruth cards
– A 1922 American Caramel E121 Ty Cobb card
– A 1921 W516 Ty Cobb card
– A 1920 W519 George Sisler card
This collection spanned several pre-War sets, covering a diverse array of strip cards from 1919-1923, reflecting Ed’s childhood years, and several 1924-26 Zeenuts cards, a series distributed on the west coast.
Upon acquiring the collection, the auction company was astounded by the number of Ruth cards, which emphasized the collection’s significance. The company wasted no time in selecting the finest cards for grading while selling others in their original state.
For the world of baseball card collectors, this discovery is not just a transaction or an addition to their inventory. It is a poignant reminder of the deep-rooted love for baseball that transcends generations. What was once a source of pride for a young boy has carried through the decades in a tobacco tin, now symbolizing the timeless allure of the game and its iconic figures.
Each card, weathered by time and the eager fingers of a young fan, tells a story. It’s the story of a boy who idolized legends like Ruth, Jackson, Cobb, and Sisler, and through these cards, could hold a piece of his heroes in his hands. This narrative resonates with many collectors who value the emotional connection, nostalgia, and love for the game, rather than just their monetary worth.
As this collection enters the public sphere, it serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of baseball’s early legends. Uncovering such a cache of memorabilia is like finding a hidden gem that, once polished, sheds light on a bygone era of sports history. Whether for collectors, historians, or baseball aficionados, the release of this century-old collection is a momentous event, bridging the tangible artifacts of the past with the present passion for collecting.
Each card from this remarkable find acts as a bridge across time, connecting the dots of baseball’s evolution. As the auction house proceeds with the collection, each piece will find its way into the hands of those who appreciate not only their rarity but also the journey these cards have undergone. From a pocket of a young baseball fan in the early 20th century to a cherished position in the collections of modern enthusiasts, these cards encapsulate the essence of America’s beloved pastime—a legacy that continues to captivate and inspire.