Vintage Card Of The Month: T206 Red Ames

 The Vintage Card of the Month this month is a T206 Red Ames. The T206 are pretty popular for a number of reasons including being a multi-year set (1909-1911) and the set included some of the hottest stars of the era like Christy Mathewson, Cy Young and Ty Cobb.

 

Red Ames actually had a significant career, not Hall of Fame significant but solid numbers that he could be proud of when he retired. He played 17 seasons, most with the New York Giants during the John McGraw years (11 seasons) but he also spent a couple of seasons with the St Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies. His 183-167 lifetime record is not the best but his lifetime 2.63 ERA ties him with CY Young.

 

During his career with the Giants the team won the NL Pennant 5 times, winning the World Series twice. It should be noted that even though the Giants won the 1903 Pennant but McGraw refused to play in the World Series because he felt the American League was a minor league and he did not want to lower himself to their level so the Pirates took the Giants place against Boston. He also led the league in Strikeouts per 9 IP three times, Saves twice and Home Runs per 9 IP once (0 Home runs given up in 1911). On the down side he led the league in Wild Pitches twice and Losses once.

 

The card itself is in decent condition, probably worth a mid-range grade. There is a crease on the front bottom left corner and it is cut off center. The back is a Sweet Caporal, is centered nicely and bright colors.