Nick Barnicle

Holy Grail: The T206 Honus Wagner

Colin Barnicle, Nick Barnicle

The T206 Honus Wagner is the most famous baseball card in the world. Bought and sold many times over, the card has now appreciated to nearly $3 million dollars. But, this gem may have been doctored. From mere speculation, the accusations of alteration have risen all the way to federal indictments. But this is still 'just' a baseball card. It is a small square in the tapestry of our national pastime. And, as the art world readily illustrates, it may be that no matter what was done or not done to 'The Card,' its value really does lie in the eye of the beholder.

The Deal

Colin Barnicle, Nick Barnicle

Buster Olney, Theo Epstein

Just weeks after losing to the New York Yankees in the 2003 ALCS, the Boston Red Sox made it their mission to get the bat they needed to put them over the top. That bat belonged to reigning AL MVP Alex Rodriguez of the Texas Rangers. Deals were offered. Plans were made. Everything was done. Rodriguez was headed to Fenway Park. Until he wasn’t. This is the story of the 36 hours when the best player in the league went from savior of the Red Sox to latest weapon of the Yankees.