Lasting Legacy of Honus Wagner: A Look at the Influence on History
A closer look at the lasting mark left by Honus Wagner—a timeline of influence.
Honus Wagner, nicknamed "The Flying Dutchman", was a dominant American professional baseball shortstop who played from 1897 to 1917, primarily for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Known for his exceptional speed, fielding versatility, strong arm, and hitting prowess (average and power), Wagner is considered one of the greatest shortstops ever. He was among the first five inductees into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936. Wagner's all-around skill set defined the five-tool player archetype, making him a legendary figure in baseball history.
4 hours ago : Honus Wagner T206 baseball card fetches millions at auction, breaking records again.
A rare Honus Wagner T206 baseball card, one of the most coveted collectibles, was auctioned for $5 million. This sale highlights the card's legendary status and enduring value.
1900: Wagner as Best Major League Player
In 1900, Honus Wagner was rated as the best major league player by Bill James.
1902: Wagner as Best Major League Player
From 1902, Honus Wagner was rated as the best major league player each year by Bill James.
1904: "Husky Hans" March
In 1904, William J. Hartz wrote "Husky Hans", a march and two-step, dedicated to Honus Wagner.
September 1905: Endorsement Deal with Louisville Slugger
In September 1905, Honus Wagner signed a contract to produce the first bat with a player's signature, the Louisville Slugger, becoming the first sportsperson to endorse a commercial product.
1908: Wagner's Exceptional Season
Bill James cites Honus Wagner's 1908 season as the greatest single season for any player in baseball history, highlighting his high batting average and RBI count in a low-scoring environment.
1908: Wagner as Best Major League Player
Until 1908, Honus Wagner was rated as the best major league player each year by Bill James.
January 1909: ATC Seeks Authorization
Starting in January 1909, the American Tobacco Company (ATC) sought authorization from baseball players, including Honus Wagner, for inclusion in the T206 series.
1909: T206 Series
From 1909 to 1911, The T206 Honus Wagner baseball card was designed and issued by the American Tobacco Company (ATC) as part of its T206 series.
1909: T206 Honus Wagner baseball card Production Began
In 1909, production began on the T206 Honus Wagner baseball card, a card which became one of the rarest baseball cards in existence.
1911: End of T206 series
From 1909 to 1911, The T206 Honus Wagner baseball card was designed and issued by the American Tobacco Company (ATC) as part of its T206 series.
1911: T206 Honus Wagner baseball card Production Ended
In 1911, production ended on the T206 Honus Wagner baseball card, leaving only about 50 known copies in circulation.
October 12, 1912: Wagner Denies Consent
On October 12, 1912, Honus Wagner denied the American Tobacco Company (ATC) consent to use his picture on a baseball card.
1919: Spring Fever
In 1919, Honus Wagner starred in the film "Spring Fever" with Moe Howard and Shemp Howard of the Three Stooges, marking his entry into pop culture film.
1936: Induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame
In 1936, Honus Wagner was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame as one of its first five members, solidifying his legacy as one of baseball's greatest players.
1936: Hall of Fame
In 1936, during the Baseball Hall of Fame's first election, Honus Wagner tied for second place in the voting with Babe Ruth.
1942: Sporting News Poll
In 1942, a Sporting News poll of 100 former players and managers placed Honus Wagner second behind Ty Cobb.
April 30, 1955: Statue Dedication
On April 30, 1955, a life-size statue of Honus Wagner was dedicated outside Forbes Field.
December 6, 1955: Honus Wagner's Death
On December 6, 1955, Honus Wagner, the legendary shortstop, passed away.
1969: All-time Shortstop
In 1969, on the 100th anniversary of professional baseball, Honus Wagner was selected as the all-time shortstop.
1992: Simpsons Reference
In 1992, the TV show "The Simpsons" referenced Honus Wagner in the episode "Homer at the Bat".
1994: Cobb
In 1994, Honus Wagner was depicted in a brief scene in the film "Cobb".
1999: The Sporting News' 100 Greatest Players
In 1999, Honus Wagner was voted Number 13 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Players.
2000: U.S. Postage Stamp
In 2000, Honus Wagner was honored with a U.S. postage stamp as part of a "Legends of Baseball" series.
2004: The Winning Season
In 2004, Honus Wagner was the subject of the film "The Winning Season".
2007: Record Baseball Card Sale
In 2007, a near mint-mint condition T206 Honus Wagner card sold for $2.8 million, setting a record for the highest price ever for a baseball card at the time.
April 20, 2012: Wagner card sells for over $1.2 million
On April 20, 2012, a T206 Wagner card graded VG-3 was purchased for more than $1.2 million by a New Jersey resident.
April 6, 2013: $2.1 million sale
On April 6, 2013, a 1909-11 T206 baseball card featuring Honus Wagner sold at auction for $2.1 million.
October 1, 2016: Record Price
On October 1, 2016, a T206 Honus Wagner card graded PSA-5 sold for $3.12 million, setting a record for the highest price paid for any baseball card.
May 29, 2019: T-206 card sold for $1.2 million
On May 29, 2019, a Honus Wagner T-206 sold for $1.2 million by SCP Auctions in Southern California.
May 2021: Record Price
In May 2021, one example of the Honus Wagner T206 card sold for a new record of $3.75 million.
August 2021: Record Price
In August 2021, another example of the Honus Wagner T206 card sold for $6.6 million, exceeding the previous high for most valuable sports card at the time.
2021: Record Sale of T206 Honus Wagner Card
In 2021, a T206 Honus Wagner baseball card sold for $6.6 million, becoming the second-most expensive sports card in history.
August 3, 2022: Sports Card Record High
On August 3, 2022, a T206 Honus Wagner was sold in a private sale for a sports card record high of $7.25 million.
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