A few questions about M116 Sporting Life

[marvymelvin]

Hey guys, I really like the look of the M116's as I am a sucker for pastels, pink and blue backgrounds and the like. I am curious though why they seem to be so reasonably priced compared to other similar cards of the era. Not that this is a bad thing as I have other interests that aren't quite so reasonable. It is just a curiosity of mine.

Not only are the listed prices in the Standard Catalog reasonable, but "actual realized prices" are even yet again a lot less than what is cataloged for the grade. I have the same questions about the Sporting News and blank backed M101-4's and 5's, but at least they have rare backs to hunt down.

I included some borrowed images from the net of both the blue and pastel Cobbs, and then as a Yankees fan I have included some Yankees. Not all of the players in the set have both a blue and pastel background. Just some seemingly at random.

Again, aside from some extremely overpriced, crazy, nonsense asking prices floating out there on the net, these are actually selling/changing hands at reasonable prices.

Granted, some of the images look a little goofy; Wolter looks like he is from the planet Vulcan; but generally the blue and pastel hints make these quite attractive, in my opinion. What is your opinion?

[Bored5000]

I love the Eddie Plank card in the M116 set. But for me, the thing that kills the interest level in the set is how they were distributed. I want my cards to have been distributed with some type of product, be it tobacco or caramels or gum or ice cream.

Maybe that is just a bizarre pet peeve. But the sanitary, cold distribution of the M116s solely as a mail-in really dulls my interest in the set. There doesn't seem to be a lot of "character" in the available M116s out there. So many of them look like they have barely even been handled over the past 100 years because of the distribution method.

[ethicsprof]

these cards are absolute beauties IMHO.
I,as you, also appreciate the reasonable prices for high grades.
I think it is the only part of my type collection that has only 6s and 7s.
some great experts on this set on the board: Todd S, Tim N,et al.
I suspect that they'll chime in at some point.
all the best,
barry

[GregMitch34]

I agree, prices are insanely low. But I have to admit that about half the cards are NOT attractive--dull gray or crappy yellow background. On the other hand, the other half are usually great with swell portraits and interesting color adds. Not to mention the backgrounds.

[DeanH3]

The M116 is a great choice for a Wagner portrait. They usually won't break the bank.

[Kawika]

Impossible not to love M116s in my opinionated opinion.

[milkit1]

nice wood David!
You should do a Red sox team set

[Kawika]

Originally Posted by milkit1

nice wood David!
You should do a Red sox team set

Bet you say that to all the boys. Nahnah, just kidding.
Red Sox team set is a splendid idea. Anyone have a quick checklist?

[birdman42]

Originally Posted by Kawika

Red Sox team set is a splendid idea. Anyone have a quick checklist?

According to teamsets4u, here are the Sawx:

Frank Arellanes
Bill Carrigan
Ed Cicotte
Ray Collins
Pat Donahue
Patsy Donovan MG
Clyde Engle
Larry Gardner
Charles Hall
Harry Hooper
Edwin Karge
Harry Lord Blue
Harry Lord Pastel
Thomas Madden
Amby McConnell Boston
Harry Niles
Tris Speaker
Jake Stahl
John Thoney
Heinie Wagner
Joe Wood

Bill

[milkit1]

That would be a pretty realistic set to accomplish considering you have two of the toughies. It took me over 5 years to complete my cubs team set but I did include a cubs wrapper, three blank backs, a proof. I am only missing an autographed one which most likely wont happen.

[Kawika]

Thanks very much Bill. Hooper is one M116 I'd love to land. Been the penultimate bridesmaid a couple of times already. Cicotte could be a toughie because of the Black Sox thing. Then there's the recently discovered Frank Smith - Boston which will be all but impossible. Otherwise the rest are probably gettable although some will always be tougher than others. Might just give it a whirl.

[milkit1]

oh yeah I forgot about that Smith! Man what was Duffy Lewis problem? He is hardly in any of these sets

[yankees23]

I think the M116's are undervalued. I agree that they do not have the same appeal as tobacco/caramel cards but they appear to be a lot rarer than T206's. In fact there are nearly twice as many T206 Planks than M116 according to the PSA pop report.