1909 T206 Stoney McGlynn

I learned something new today.

In 1991, Major League Baseball changed its definition of a no-hitter. Since 1991, a no-hitter must be at least nine innings.

That wasn't the case prior to the new edict. Pitchers were one credited with no-nos if they lost a game as a member of the visiting team where the home team didn't bat in the ninth inning; and if a game was shortened due to weather or darkness.

Manny no-hitters were erased from the record books. Include one from Stoney McGlynn.

On Sept. 24, 1906, McGlynn tossed a 7-inning no-hitter against Brooklyn. The game ended in a 1-1 tie after darkness.

Another interesting fact: On June 3, 1907, McGlynn pitched both games of a doubleheader, winning the first game but losing the second.

Oh the things you learn when buying poor old baseball cards.

1961 Fleer Babe Ruth

I've posted this card before. Not this exact card but the same player, year and issue. You can find it here.

Most collectors try and replace their cards with better examples. But here at Poor Old Baseball Cards, I replace my cards with the lowest conditioned card I can find. And when it comes to this 1961 Fleer Babe Ruth, I've found a better (worse) card.

At some point, this card was literally ripped in half. And it still would be in two pieces if it weren't for that strip of tape holding it together.

This 1961 set has been gaining ground in my book for a while. It's not the oldest set and it's not all that common, but what I like most is that the cards in the set are relatively affordable. Even Babe Ruth. I just picked this one up off eBay a few weeks ago for under $10.

Some may ask: Why would anyone pay $10 for a baseball card that has been ripped in two?

My answer is simple: Babe Ruth.

And in the world of vintage poor old baseball cards, that's a valid argument. Don't you think?

1909 T206 Harry Pattee

From what I can tell, there are six cards in the T206 set that feature horizontal poses: Joe Birmingham, George Mullin, Danny Murphy, Barney Pelty, Jack Powell and Harry Pattee. 

I've been collecting T206s for a while now, I'd guess 25-plus years. I recall buying my first - Eddie Collins - at a local baseball card shop at a time when baseball card shops were like Starbucks, one on practically every corner.

I remember studying the players, famous or not: Ty Cobb, Rube Marquard, Red Ames, Admiral Schlei, Walter Johnson and John Titus (one of my favorites since he wore a moustache).

But I don't recall Harry Pattee. After looking him up, I realized he only played one season and only 80 games. A member of the Brooklyn Superbas. He had 76 hits, nine RBI and hit for a .216 average.

This particular card has seen better days. It appears it spent a good portion if its life in a scrapbook. Nonetheless a great poor old baseball card.