A rare and historically significant Ty Cobb rookie card is currently creating a buzz among collectors as it prepares to be showcased at an upcoming auction. The 1907 Seamless Steel Tubes Post Card, adorned with a handwritten and signed message from the iconic “Georgia Peach,” is poised to become one of the most cherished Ty Cobb memorabilia pieces available for public acquisition.
This exceptional card hails from the early days of Cobb’s legendary career. Making his grand entrance into Major League Baseball in late 1905, Cobb began the 1907 season with a modest .293 career batting average. However, by the conclusion of that season, he had solidified his reputation as one of the sport’s most esteemed players, a fact that shines proudly on this postcard.
The postcard itself is a treasure trove for collectors, being one of only three known specimens of the 1907 Seamless Steel Tubes Cobb rookie card that Heritage Auctions has had the honor of showcasing. With fewer than five known to exist in total, this card holds an esteemed place in the world of baseball memorabilia. Its unique sponsorship by a Detroit factory specializing in exhaust systems for steam locomotives adds an intriguing layer to its charm, especially against the backdrop of Detroit’s burgeoning industrial dominance during that era.
What sets this particular postcard apart and elevates its significance is the heartfelt handwritten message penned by Cobb himself, originally addressed to a former teammate from the 1905 Augusta (GA) Tourists. Marked with a Chicago postmark from October 7, 1907, a mere day before the Detroit Tigers clashed with the Chicago Cubs in the World Series, the message encapsulates Cobb’s enthusiasm and eagerness for the Fall Classic. In the note, Cobb gleefully recounts his triumphs of the season and eagerly anticipates the World Series:
“Well, we have won the pennant and here for the world series. I led in hitting, stolen bases 60, assists, and second 100 runs, hit 355 unofficially – hope you lots of luck, will be glad to hear at any time. Royston GA., have an offer to go with all-Americans out to California. Excuse this advertising card.”
Signing off as simply “Ty,” Cobb’s bold black fountain pen ink signature and message have stood the test of time, maintaining remarkable clarity even after more than a century. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA as Authentic, the card shows signs of wear from its journey through the mail and more than eleven decades of storage, but its historical importance and scarcity overshadow any minor wear and tear.
This Ty Cobb rookie card, enriched with a blend of personal and baseball history, is anticipated to fetch a sum of $150,000 or more at auction. This presents a rare opportunity for avid collectors to own a tangible piece of baseball’s illustrious past, encapsulated in the legacy of the legendary Ty Cobb.
