It’s been a long time since I’ve bought a vintage T206 card. I have about a half dozen now. I’m pretty selective in which ones I chase because I like to have T206 cards that have a story behind them. The last card I bought was of Lena Blackburne. His contribution to the game is felt in every single pitch thrown in every single Major League Baseball game.
The other day I was reading my Bill James baseball abstract, looking for potential T206 subjects, and came across a mention of Larry McLean. McLean was noted in the abstract because he was the largest player in the 1910's at 6'5" 289 lbs. He also had a bad disposition when he'd been drinking. Further research revealed that he was shot and killed in a bar by a bartender acting in self defense as McLean climbed the bar and attacked him.
Out of curiosity, I searched eBay for T206 cards of Mclean. I found one with a reasonable price and went after and won it. It came in the mail last week:
McLean beckons you closer...
Other than the dot on the front, this card is in magnificent shape. Of the few T206 cards I own, this is by far the best condition of any.
However, as nice a card as it is, this picture, along with the story of McLean scares and intimidates me a little. I wonder what this guy was like when he was alive. And there is something strangely familiar with this picture. What does it remind me of? Oh yeah, this:
I will show this card off proudly during the day, but at night it’s getting tucked safely away. Where it can’t get me.
This card is definitely a great steak.
7 comments:
Sweet card! I want a T206.
AWESOME. Great card WITH a great story = priceless.
I would share your fear if it were a picture of a clown.
I've had a number of t206's in my day - I really love the t205's myself. Great find and great story!
I went back and read the Lena Blackburn post about the mud, great stuff there!!! I can absolutely say I learned something useful today.
Nice addition Doon!
Maybe the coolest T206 card I've seen. Love the old gear, and, because of your post, now I'm terrified.
I posted about Blackburne quite a while ago, as I was born in Blackburn, Lancashire (the same one from the beatles song) i thought i'd get a card of every Blackburn.
A great story!
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