T206 Add: SGC Kaiser Wilhelm, with Bat

Here's the final T206 I subbed with SGC from my initial foray into their grading services. Kaiser Wilhelm has two poses in the set and as a Dodger he was always going to be an essential player for me to fully acquire and add to my Monster PC.

The Kaiser Hands at Chest pose happens to be the first ever T206 I landed over 11 years ago so it is only fitting that card is finally paired up alongside the With Bat version. I like this one a lot more based on the color and the pose itself, although the pitching card is nice as well.

Kaiser hated the nickname Kaiser; holds the disputed minor league record for consecutive scoreless innings with over 70; was a teammate of Honus Wagner in the Interstate League; threw a spitball and did not want to pitch on Sundays for religious reasons; and ended his career as a scout and coach, including stints as Philadelphia Phillies' and University of Rochester skipper.

Protecting The First T206 I Ever Acquired: Kaiser Wilhelm, Now A PSA Authentic Altered

Almost 10 years ago I made a trade with Brian of Classic Card Collector and picked up my first T206. I remember the joy and thrill of opening the bubbler and holding the first card from The Monster I could call my very own. It was in rough shape but that only added to the fun and love for me. After almost 8+ years of owning it I decided it was time to protect the card as best I could and have it slabbed. $8 and many months later, it returned.

Irv Wilhelm was a teammate of Honus Wagner in an independent league; relied heavily on a spitball; hated the nickname Kaiser; holds the minor league record for consecutive scoreless innings at 72; and managed in the majors, minors, independent leagues, and college after retiring.

Trade With Classic Card Collector: My First T206, and It's A Brooklyn Dodger!

Well, a Superba, technically. I completed my first trade with Brian of Classic Card Collector, and boy is it ever a doozy. I stumbled upon Brian's blog, and did so at the right time, because he had posted one of his many T206s. After looking through some of his posts, I saw that he had a few doubles, and inquired as to the availability of any of them. After a few e-mails back and forth, we had ourselves a deal, with Brian receiving everything you see here and yours truly finding the below beautiful piece of vintage goodness in his mailbox:

Finally! Every collector should own a T206. I've wanted one forever, but it was never a major priority, and I never had the heart to lay down the dough for one. Thankfully, Brian was kind enough to work with me on a deal and part with one, which is now one of the centerpieces of my vintage collection.

I don't know much about Kaiser Wilhelm, but what I do know comes from this post on the man from Ernest over at Blue Heaven. I also don't really know anything about the T206 set, so beyond seeing it's got a Piedmont back, I can't delve into what that means. Anyhoo, you should all go and check out Brian's blog and his fascinating progress on the T206 set he's working on, and give his blog a follow. Who knows, you might find yourself embroiled in trade talks of your own.

Thanks for the phenomenal trade Brian, and welcome to the card blogging community!