Why Do I Collect T206 Cards? Looking Through My Vintage Pre War Baseball Cards!!

I rarely share cards from my own collection. So, I decided to sit down and share all of my cards from my favorite pre war baseball card set. Most of the cards in my T206 collection are Hall of Fame players, but some aren't, but there's a story behind why I have each of them. I decided to take a few minutes and share these cards and talk about each of the players. There is so much beauty in this set and so much history in the players that are in it. Amazing pitchers, hitters, managers, owners, with MLB records that still stand. I hope you enjoy looking at some cards from my collection, and let me know if this is something you'd like me to do more often.
If you're interested in submitting your favorite pickups from the month of May, to be included in the upcoming MidLife Community Show and Tell video, please use this link: forms.gle/SCR1fAq6UqNkoqJr5
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All statements and opinions shared in this video (and all of my videos) are for entertainment purposes only, and are not investment advice. I consider Sports Cards to be a hobby, and not an investment. If you're interested in investment advice, I recommend connecting with a certified financial planner.

[@NYCStrider]

It’s so good to see these cards together within the narrative of your collection. I think it’s great to remember that a representative collection can be much more enjoyable than a completist one.

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed it!!

[@returntocollecting]

Awesome T206 collection! They are so nice! Love the Matty!! The Duffy and Marquard are super cool! That Keeler is great! Thanks for sharing!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks my friend. You have some beauties from that set, yourself.

[@markstein1916]

Nice group! Sometimes I prefer the portraits with their incredible flesh tones and lifelike clarity. Other times I prefer the action/posed full-body shots with their vibrant and colorful backgrounds, sunsets, etc. impossible to pick a favorite. Enjoyed the video and would love to see more of your stuff!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks so much. I really like the combination of portrait and action cards in this set.

[@ghostrunneron]

Sharing cards with little history nuggets is the way to go. Thank you!

[@MidLifeCards]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much. It was a fun one to put together.

[@davelachey8118]

Nice collection of T206s Graig. I didn't realize you had so many in your PC. These cards continue to fascinate me for their color and artwork. I've collected several myself.

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks so much. I'm fortunate to have them.

[@MichaelRader-vu1tt]

I loved seeing your T206 cards. Amazing how great the centering is on all of those cards and many should have been graded higher IMO. I just love looking at Vintage cards and hearing the stats and stories about the players on those cards, so keep it up. Thanks for sharing.

[@MidLifeCards]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment.

[@debragiovine9797]

Great looking T206 collection. Craig. ,,, T206 is my love ❤of baseball cards thanks for sharing the players & their stories …

[@MidLifeCards]

Awesome. I'm so glad you enjoyed it!!

[@johnquinn8506]

Great stuff Graig, I'll bet I'm not the only one that would love to see more of your collection

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks so much. I appreciate it.

[@davidlapointe7446]

I collect modern and vintage. Even w all the technology nowadays and shiny cards, nothing beats the look and colors of the t206 cards. I don't have any yet but eventually will. I just got into vintage about 10 months ago. That Owen Wilson card is gorgeous, looks like he is wearing a confederate uniform. Great show Graig. Thanks for explaining the different t206 cards at the beginning.

[@MidLifeCards]

Awesome. I totally agree about the newer shiny stuff.

[@keithlancaster2619]

Thanks for sharing your T206 collection with us Graig. Please don’t make this a one off. For lack of a better description, these T206 cards have so much personality to them. Also, for being over 100 years old, I find it remarkable the beauty of the cards in such an early set. Keep up the good work!

[@MidLifeCards]

I agree about the personality of T206 cards. They're awesome.

[@Brad-mj3tg]

Wow this was fun to see and especially hear you talk about the players and cards. Really beautiful cards you should do this more often. The registration on every one of these is beautiful. Love your knowledge of the players you collect.

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks so much. Super glad you enjoyed it.

[@s.macintosh-jc9rf]

Hi Graig, Thanks for sharing your T206 cards. I never knew that you had so many! This was a wonderful way to begin my weekend. Have a good one, Peter

[@MidLifeCards]

Slowly but surely I've been adding to them.

[@mookiechillson]

Boy, these are nifty cards, particularly gathered together like you have. I think the Joe Kelley might be my favorite. I definitely love that you're sharing your collection, Graig. I think the "why" and the "how" you curate are just as fascinating as "what" you curate - and I think we got a great sense for all of that here.

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks Mook. I always appreciate and look forward to your comments.

[@brentrichards4699]

You cornered the market on T206! Lol, na, but I had no idea you had so many. LOVE hearing you talk about them and why you picked each one up! Very fun and informative

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks, my friend.

[@shawhin]

As an avid Bender collector, I always love to see the portrait! I own various backs for the three T206 Bender cards. Sovereign(Portrait), Cycle(with trees), and Polar Bear(without trees). Although, I totally agree with your obsession with clean registration and vibrant front versus the back. Awesome collection, Graig!

[@MidLifeCards]

Sounds like you've got some awesome cards!!

[@shawhin]

@@MidLifeCards Thanks man. One of these days I’ll have to share them on YT. Seems a shame not to.

[@DoubleDvintagebaseballcards]

Well Graig if I collected t206 cards your examples are the the eye appeal I would go for. Man your collection is amazing, the eye appeal is off the charts for each and everyone of them.

[@DoubleDvintagebaseballcards]

I just got the a clubby card with your Miller Huggins love that card

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks Dylan. Appreciate you watching and having these nice words.

[@BrianSoltesz-ts8br]

Great segment. Enjoyed hearing the stats and history. Keep showing the cards please

[@MidLifeCards]

Appreciate that feedback!!

[@Tim.K.1976]

On the T206 subject I just purchased my first one at my local card shop (a total impulse buy) which I submitted to you as my favorite May pickup, I told you my story but wanted to share it with your other subscribers. The card I bought is a Polar Bear Cincinnati Reds Bob"The London Flash"Bescher when I got home I did some research on old Bob and it turns out he was kind of the Rickey Henderson of his day having the most stolen bases 4 years in a row. Bob is from London Ohio about 30 minutes from where I live now and grew up in SW Ohio pretty cool. Going further down the reasearch wormhole I learned that the Polar Bear Tobacco Factory No. 6 1st district Ohio was in Middletown Ohio right down the road form me in Dayton. It was so much fun doing the research on these cards that I had always seen but didn't know a lot about. This impulse buy has opened a new card quest/search for me. My new hunt is to complete T206 Polar Bear Cincinnati Reds set and B.T.W. I absolutely love the tobacco stains on these cards it just adds to their history and story for me.

[@MidLifeCards]

They can be addicting!!

[@ACollectorsDream]

Awesome cards, thanks for sharing. I always enjoy seeing your collection, looking great!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks Orlando. I always seeing your cards as well!!

[@mrmjmiller]

Great cards... Thanks for sharing.

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks for watching.

[@iconic_baseball]

Beautiful T206 collection Graig! 👏 I LOVE seeing collections and most importantly the background - what they mean to you and why those pieces were chosen.

[@iconic_baseball]

p.s. as a Pirates HOF guy.. that Fred Clarke is STUNNING!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks AL. I appreciate that!!

[@jon-eriksuermann9844]

A video on your Yankee Captain collection would be really cool to see. Much like my Cardinals team hall of fame collection yours captures lesser known, but important, players that would otherwise go forgotten if limited to a common MLB hall of fame collection.

[@MidLifeCards]

I'll do that at some point. Great suggestion.

[@ThatVintageCardboardSmell]

We love everything you put out! Keep it coming.

[@MidLifeCards]

That's super kind of you. Thanks so much for the kind words.

[@GreenvilleGear]

Great stuff. Thanks! And thanks for showing. Definitely share more and don’t feel funny about it. This t206 collected really enjoyed it! And I have a couple Bobby Wallaces. Love that card!

[@MidLifeCards]

I love that Bobby Wallace too!!

[@CheeksBreaks]

Deep color is right. I vote for more of this as someone who wants to collect vintage but needs more knowledge. Envy is the root of much evil, you shouldn't worry about the haters. Just started The Baseball 100 by Posnanski! Have a nice weekend 👊

[@MidLifeCards]

I'm reading one of Posnanski's books right now as well.

[@3WordsCollector]

Hal Chase was a known gambler and some say cost the Reds a pennant with all the games he was throwing. Cool cards, love the history of the old timers

[@MidLifeCards]

He was an interesting character with an interesting history, for sure.

[@peterb4871]

Wow, I never knew your T206 collection was that big. You have some great cards there. Now let’s see the Pirates.

[@MidLifeCards]

LOL. Thanks. I should share my Pirate cards at some point.

[@larrygitlin6017]

Wow, very impressive collection of T206 cards and a great accumulation of HOFamers. They were all quality looking cards and very impressed with your Mathewson dark cap. In 2019 National I bought a 2.5 that was gorgeous for I think $750 but returned it later as found a light crease I did not like. He then offered it for $575 and I refused which I regret to this day as I do not have one now. Even though I am a portrait guy, I like that one better than his T206 portrait which makes him look harsh. Surprise how extensive your collection is.

[@MidLifeCards]

I like the portraits a lot too, but do like the Matty "action" shot more than his portrait in this set.

[@Hodges1455]

Gave a video like. Enjoyed seeing all those T206 cards! Such a wonderful collection!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks!!

[@JayAverageVintageCollector]

This was great! Love seeing collections!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks so much. Appreciate the feedback.

[@stevegallo8483]

Great T206 collection! I see you have 2/3 of the famous Tinker to Evers to Chance combination. Very cool. Trying to collect all the T206 Hall of Famers could get very expensive considering some of the Hall of Famers in the set (like Cy Young, Ty Cobb, Tris Speaker (his rookie is a T206), Walter Johnson), and that doesn't even mention the two rarest T206 cards, both Hall of Famers, Eddie Plank and Honus Wagner.

[@MidLifeCards]

The Plank and Wagner will NEVER happen. I'm working on the others only.

[@doug_sports_collector]

Nice collection Graig, made me go get mine out and look through them again. I'm collecting the St. Louis National league cards; one to go to complete the set. I really like your Keeler card, looks so crisp, so much like a photo and I like that background color. Mathewsons' battery mate, Roger Bresnahan, go look them up.

[@MidLifeCards]

That Keeler is one of my favorite all time cards.

[@RL3sports]

I had no idea you had so many. Beautiful artwork. Thanks for sharing. Pick a category we haven't seen for a while, for the next show and tell. Got hockey? You choose

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks for the feedback. Appreciate it.

[@ACD1994]

Wrestling would be great, too, I haven't seen many people on KZbin talk about that. Even more under appreciated than vintage basketball and football

[@Politano1955]

Now I know why I'm having trouble finding nice looking centered T-206's. You have them all. :-)

[@MidLifeCards]

LOL. Sometimes I have to overpay.

[@chadholt1171]

I Enjoyed this video. I’m getting close to expanding my Cubs team sets to pre war. I think the T206 will be the first tobacco cards I focus on

[@MidLifeCards]

It's such a beautiful and iconic set!!

[@mackeymintle66]

I laughed at just the title! I get asked a version of that every time I mention cards, or anything else I collect.😂❤

[@MidLifeCards]

:-)

[@RL3sports]

I have a segment idea for you to consider. Show other people's collections. You could do it once a month like a show and tell. Maybe like your Q&A. Show 4 or 5 five minute videos. Maybe a lot of work on your part. Set the parameters any way you like. Just spitballin here. Non youtubers only!

[@MidLifeCards]

Very interesting idea. I'm going to brainstorm on that.

[@4softcorners728]

Beautiful collection Graig!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks so much!! That means a lot.

[@jamesmcferran4938]

Love this great collection!!! I love your Chief Bender!!! It makes me wonder since you love football as well, why don’t you show us your Jim Thorpe collection, especially his baseball cards! Now that would be another awesome Native American to add to your collection!

[@ACD1994]

Interesting thought.

[@MidLifeCards]

I don't have ANY Thorpe cards. They're so expensive, I haven't been able to buy any at this point.

[@schweigera]

What a great collection!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks so much.

[@mackeymintle66]

I’m good friends with Kid Elberfeld’s great-great grand niece, or similar, (I forget the actual relation)😊 for decades that card and the Infamous Honus Wagner were the only two tobacco cards I knew about. 😂👍

[@MidLifeCards]

That's amazing!! A Yankee legend!!

[@markstein1916]

These cards, in particular, look soooo much better in SGC holders! I have a mixed bag too (Raw, PSA, SGC). I’m so tempted to display them ALL in SCG slabs for the sake of beauty, aesthetics and uniformity. But the time, hassle and expense keeps me from actually doing it. Nice collection with off-the-charts eye appeal for the grades.

[@MidLifeCards]

I agree that most pre war cards look better in SGC holders.

[@jude999]

I like the E-90s. Elberfeld has paper loss on back. I have always been told that is an automatic 2 with SGC. I have an SGC 2 Caramel Cy Young that looks like a 6 but got a 2 because I was told it has paper loss on the back even though I can't see any paper loss with a loupe.

[@MidLifeCards]

A couple of them do have a small amount of paper loss on the back, which is ok with me and makes them affordable for me.

[@Brian-pf7qq]

From 75 to 77 I worked security at metropolitan stadium, where the twins played. Calvin Griffith who owned the twins who was the adopted son of Clark Griffith. I ran the elevator for Calvin Griffith. I also was the guy who would open the gate in the bullpen when the picture would come in to relieve.

[@MidLifeCards]

Wow. Thats awesome.

[@oarancards4443]

I own 233 different your a smart man keep piling-them on

[@MidLifeCards]

They're beautiful cards in my opinion. Congrats on your collection.

[@ACD1994]

Keeler's advice to hitters was "Keep your eye clear, and hit 'em where they ain't" In 1897, Keeler had a batting average of .424 👀

[@MidLifeCards]

Not too shabby, huh?

[@GoldenSlumber474]

Do another Graig covering your football cards. P.S. You have my Joe Kelley card. 😙😉

[@MidLifeCards]

LOL. You'll pick up a Kelley...I have no doubt.

[@bobwhite4671]

Love the cards and the history. By the way, love the SGC holders more.

[@MidLifeCards]

No question that older cards really pop in SGC holders.

[@cryptonite8495]

Yes, more of your collection! But not less analysis / commentary. Wait, that's an unreasonable request. Maybe work some commentary into showing your collection. Not about the players, but why and how you shifted most of your purchasing from the Golden Age to Pre-War. Those tobacco cards (and ice cream and candy) ain't cheap, and you ain't a hedge fund manager. Other non hedge fund managers on a budget would be interested to know how you did it, and the discipline it took. How did you shop for T206's? Were they all auctions except for the shows? How often did you succeed? What are some stories of the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat that we can all relate to? All right, I think I've prodded quite enough.

[@MidLifeCards]

I've slowly been putting more and more of my hobby funds towards this set. I really enjoy them and the history behind them.

[@theathletearchives]

Thanks for sharing. I wish you would have talked more about Hal Chase and his repeated ties to gambling and throwing games. His playing history is severely clouded. It's more relevant now than ever with all these online gambling sites sponsoring baseball. Even my RSN looks like it's going to be sponsored by FanDuel next year. Sorry, I am not trying to be critical, I love your channel and content. I just hope we don't have more Hal Chases in our future.

[@MidLifeCards]

Hal Chase is certainly an EXTREMELY interesting character. The hard part for me is knowing how much of the history that is written about people is true and how much isn't. But, usually when there's smoke, there's fire.

[@cryptonite8495]

If I had an outlet beyond one card a month here at MidLife, I'd flex my collection nonstop. 😂 Have you already shown all of your pirates?

[@MidLifeCards]

I have not gone through all of my pirate cards before. I may do that at some point.

[@LegendsNeverDieCollection]

Love T206s! Did you say how many you have total? I may have missed that.

[@MidLifeCards]

I think it’s 22. 17 HOFers and 5 non HOFers.

[@LegendsNeverDieCollection]

Love it man! I’m at 67 with 15 HOFers 👍🏻

[@Jimmycardcollector]

How about a show where you ask us questions and we respond?

[@MidLifeCards]

I do that. I’ve been doing a video every Monday with that exact premise. I ask a question, and I feature several of the responses the following week.

[@mackeymintle66]

10:12 young Bill Nye?😂

[@MidLifeCards]

That's funny.

[@timothylittle8876]

I love looking at other people's collections. Those are some beautiful cards. The ones in the SGC holder do look the best imo. But im not against having them in psa holders. Keep sharing!

[@MidLifeCards]

They do tend to pop in the SGC slab.

[@standback23]

Love your T206 video. Just wondering why PSA doesn"t put the year of the card on their label. i prefer SGC cards for this reason and think it adds more appeal.

[@MidLifeCards]

Interesting question!! I'm not sure the answer to it.

[@user-zn8wr1rf5x]

I respect that you will not collect O.J. Simpson cards because of what he did after his playing career. I still collect them, even if not a big football card fan, as to me they are some of the best for that sport. But given your stance on Simpson card collecting, and especially in light of the recent addition of Negro League statistics to major league statistics from the pre-war segregationist era of baseball, I wonder whether you eventually might take the same position on collecting certain T206 cards because of the player's racist tendencies or core beliefs? For example, Clark Griffith has a nice T206 card with a nice red background, but was an outspoken opponent of Jackie Robinson signing with the Dodgers in 1947. Griffith refused to integrate his team for 7 years thereafter. How about Eddie Collins? Boy, his T206 sure has a nice red background too, right? But read the book "Shut Out" and otherwise as to his integral role in making Jackie Robinson's tryout with the Red Sox worthless. Boston didn't integrate until 1959. Tris Speaker's T206 card has a really nice blue background. Speaker the person, a virulent racist and a member of the Ku Klux Klan. Cap Anson, you have mentioned this way already. You have spoken out recently about how the pre-WWII era segregation was the biggest problem with baseball's history. Even if you concluded that you would advocate keeping their statistics separate instead of integrated into MLB records. Would you relatedly have any reservations about collecting baseball cards from its segregationist, pre-WWI era? Should we call cards from this era not the nicely vague and generally benign term "pre-WWII" cards, but instead "segregationist era" cards? Would you at least perhaps still collect cards from this era, but not those who obviously represent virulent racism during or after their careers - such as Collins, Speaker and Griffith - just as you will not collect Simpson cards because of what he did after his career? Or do you feel that you just really personally enjoy collecting "pre-WWII" cards now and aren't going to let the segregationist history of this time period and/or racist attitudes and actions of such players stand in your card collecting way as it does given your jusgment of Simpson's actions?

[@MidLifeCards]

I appreciate how much time and energy you spent to write this comment. Clearly, you've given this topic a lot of thought. It's unfortunate that so many people in our country's history had the negative beliefs and actions that they did towards certain groups.

[@user-zn8wr1rf5x]

Thanks for those thoughts, like with real property 9:49 9:49 redlining per the recent book “Freedom To Discriminate”. There are cool cards from that era and legendary players so hard to not collect them regardless of the ban on black players in that era. I can appreciate your passion for collecting T206 cards, regardless.

[@ACD1994]

@@user-zn8wr1rf5x Great comment. I've mentioned before, too, Anson, Hornsby, Speakers and some others that played baseball then, who played an integral role, in keeping out players of color and, refusing to play with them. But, it is an interesting point, where do we as collectors draw the line when, it comes to which players to collect, or not collect. I think Curt Schilling, who is, a more modern/recent example of someone that had a HOF career, but is not. In the hall of fame due to stuff happening off the field. His card market and memorabilia is relatively affordable considering his accomplishments and accolades, in multiple World Series. Also, with the recent news of, Josh Gibson. Being the new MLB batting average leader, will be interesting if any of the pre-war segregationists card prices could be affected. It's not an easy, or comfortable conversation but, time will tell.

[@ACD1994]

I do want to mention, however, not every pre-war player is grouped together. Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Cy Young, Walter Johnson, etc were fine people. And not just great baseball players.

[@user-ph7ql9fb1m]

Bring the heat my man!!! Graig tap dancing like Sammy Davis Jr right now!!