Card Statistics
Honus Wagner is presented in Helmar’s T3 series with Pittsburgh in a relaxed follow-through pose, his right arm extended across his body as he steps forward on the grass. The pale uniform is accented by a blue cap, blue undersleeves, blue stockings, and small red “P” insignia, giving the figure a restrained but unmistakable Pittsburgh identity. The pose is less dramatic than a batting image, emphasizing Wagner as a complete ballplayer rather than simply as a hitter.
The original artwork was painted by Natalia Valiukavich in watercolor. She models the cream uniform with warm gray, ochre, and muted blue washes, using stronger shadows through the sleeves, waist, and trouser folds to give Wagner’s broad frame weight. The deep blue cap, undersleeve, and stockings provide the strongest color accents, while the red details on the cap, jersey, and stocking bands add small points of contrast. The background is softened into broad green and brown passages beneath a clouded yellow-gray sky, keeping the figure dominant.
Johannes Peter “Honus” Wagner was one of the greatest players of the Deadball Era and is generally regarded as one of the finest shortstops in baseball history. After beginning his major-league career with Louisville, he joined Pittsburgh in 1900 and became the central star of the Pirates. Wagner combined exceptional hitting, speed, defensive range, and physical strength, winning eight National League batting titles and repeatedly ranking among the league leaders in stolen bases and extra-base hits.
Wagner was the cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s early championship clubs. He helped the Pirates win National League pennants in 1901, 1902, and 1903, then played a major role on the 1909 club that defeated Detroit in the World Series. He finished his career with more than 3,400 hits, a .328 batting average, and 723 stolen bases, while also establishing a reputation for extraordinary defensive ability at shortstop. His all-around excellence made him one of the first universally recognized superstars of the modern major leagues.
Numbered #149, the Wagner card represents one of the most historically important subjects in the T3 checklist. His long association with Pittsburgh, extraordinary all-around record, and status as one of baseball’s foundational stars make him a natural centerpiece of the series. Wagner was one of the first five players elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.
Original watercolor artwork by Natalia Valiukavich.
- Description: Cloudy yellow sky
- Team: Pittsburgh Pirates
- Population (# Sold): 17
- First Date Sold: 2021-09-28
- Latest Date Sold: 2026-06-30
- Card Status: Active
- # Sold in past year: 3
- Highest Auction: $ 180.50
- Average Auction Result: $ 82.53
Popularity Rankings
Visit these teammates on the Pittsburgh Pirates in the T3-Helmar series
Click the Card # link to go to Card Info, Click the Player Name link to go the the Player Biography
