Eddie Plank
Several theory's (such as the "broken printing plates" myth, etc.) have been proposed to explain the "short-printing" of the Eddie Plank card. Well,
my take on this mystery is very simple....having read Connie Mack's
** response to a Philadelphia sports writer (circa 1910)........
"The secret of Plank's pitching is no secret at all. It is a good strong arm, a powerful constitution to back it, and neither drinks, smokes,
chews tobacco, nor swears...."
My guess is Eddie Plank informed the American Tobacco Co. (ATC) that he did not want his image portrayed on Tobacco cards. And, being the low-keyed
guy that he was, Plank did not "hype-up" his anti-tobacco stance (as Wagner did). Most likely, a brief "cease and desist" order was issued to ATC.
Furthermore, why ATC continued issuing the Plank card with a SWEET CAPORAL 350, Factory #30 back for a short period of time is anyone's guess. ?
I have some thoughts regarding this; however, I'm curious what your's may be ? ?
The majority of T206 Plank cards in circulation are the SWEET CAPORAL 350, Factory #30 versions. And, it is interesting to note that the colors of the
majority of these particular Plank cards are quite pale in comparison with the rich-looking colors of the PIEDMONT 150 or SWEET CAPORAL 150 cards.
So, let's hear your thoughts on this subject ?
Footnote
**
"Connie Mack", by Norman Macht
TED Z
T206 Reference
.