Rookie Cards of Baseball Hall of Famers

[aljurgela]

Hi Doug -

I'll jump on this very soon...I have information on each HOFer as well as some updates to Phil's incredible work. But I struggle with the consensus definition of a "rookie" and of a "card" (since there is no consensus). To get around this, I was thinking of modifying the table to include multiple cards/photos to ensure that nothing is missed and folks can form their own opinion about what qualifies or does not. Since I have stored images of most of these cards as well, I was tinkering with the idea of adding a list and photo of each known "rookie" / "pre-rookie" item to my imageevent webpage. This might be the best course of action, but will require a bit of time to complete. I've been doing the leg-work for years, but just haven't put it all together in one place.

I'll spend some time over the next week or two to see if I can get something up-and-running for all to enjoy.


Derek, Thanks for all the work that you do for the hobby! Al

[pgconboy]

Hi Doug -

But I struggle with the consensus definition of a "rookie" and of a "card" (since there is no consensus). To get around this, I was thinking of modifying the table to include multiple cards/photos to ensure that nothing is missed and folks can form their own opinion about what qualifies or does not.

This is quite a bit of additional work but wanted to give you a strong vote of approval. I grew up collecting the late 80s and 90s and have a tough time accepting post cards/photos as rookies. That is not to deny anyone that does, but would personally be interested in any type of table that shows what is closer to recent traditional cards.

[philhjr1]

I love this thread and use it for the basis of my HOF rookie collection. Has anyone put any thought or ideas into what the rookies cards would be for this years HOF class? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[KMayUSA6060]

Will a new thread be created to continue this and keep the list all in one post?

[PiratesWS1979]

How about the '68 Milton Bradley Ryan?

[h2oya311]

How about the '68 Milton Bradley Ryan?

Yep, that one works as well. I think Phil stuck with the primary issue when available (in this case the ‘68 Topps).

And Kyle, I promise I’m working on it. I’ve got a nice spreadsheet but I need to simply put it on the site.

[bcbgcbrcb]

Hi Guys:

I was just checking in on Net54Baseball as I do every once in a while these days as I am no longer very active in the hobby and noticed the follow-up to my original HOF Rookie Cards Listing thread.

I am sure that Derek will be able to provide a most current listing as soon as he is able to. If anyone would like an updated entry to be made to my original list, I would be happy to do this also. Since I don't check in on Net 54 too often, it would be best if you send me a PM as I will see those messages in my e-mail box as well and I will respond and make the necessary updates if they are warranted.

I'm always happy to hear that board members are still referencing the list that I put together a number of years ago now, it was a lot of work and my hope was that it would act as a reference tool for collectors for many years to come. For those that do not know, I also put together another similar listing for Earliest Collectibles of BB HOF'ers which can be found in it's own thread:

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=128179&highlight=earliest+collectibles

[KMayUSA6060]

Yep, that one works as well. I think Phil stuck with the primary issue when available (in this case the ‘68 Topps).

And Kyle, I promise I’m working on it. I’ve got a nice spreadsheet but I need to simply put it on the site.

Derek,

Awesome! Looking forward to that updated list.

Hi Guys:

I was just checking in on Net54Baseball as I do every once in a while these days as I am no longer very active in the hobby and noticed the follow-up to my original HOF Rookie Cards Listing thread.

I am sure that Derek will be able to provide a most current listing as soon as he is able to. If anyone would like an updated entry to be made to my original list, I would be happy to do this also. Since I don't check in on Net 54 too often, it would be best if you send me a PM as I will see those messages in my e-mail box as well and I will respond and make the necessary updates if they are warranted.

I'm always happy to hear that board members are still referencing the list that I put together a number of years ago now, it was a lot of work and my hope was that it would act as a reference tool for collectors for many years to come. For those that do not know, I also put together another similar listing for Earliest Collectibles of BB HOF'ers which can be found in it's own thread:

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=128179&highlight=earliest+collectibles

Heck of a list. Thank you for putting it together!

[wdmullins]

1954 Johnston cookies Hank Aaron is a true rookie card as well. I've read it was released before the Topps. Not sure if that is 100% accurate. Anyone else see anything about it?

These are the earliest references I find to the Johnston Cookies cards:

1953 -- June 8 Minneapolis Star

https://i.postimg.cc/0QJWr1fX/1953-06-08-Minneapolis-Star-Johnston-Cookies.jpg

1954 -- May 13 La Crosse WI Tribune

https://i.postimg.cc/bvrFct2h/1954-05-13-Johnston-Cookies-La-Crosse-WI-Tribune.jpg

1955 -- April 13 Milwaukee Journal

https://i.postimg.cc/W4yY21MJ/1955-04-13-Milwaukee-Journal.jpg

The 1954 Topps Aaron was in the second series. I don't know when it was released.

[Yoda]

Phil, the Board owes you a debt for what I would consider the definite, go-to reference on HOFer's RC. I have already printed and embedded it in my file on the subject. Many thanks. John

[dougscats]

I am a long-time fan of Phil's list, which is the one I use for my H-o-F RC collection.

"If anyone would like an updated entry to be made to my original list, I would be happy to do this." [Phil]

As no one has done this, I'll submit this update for discussion and ultimately Phil's approval.

I've only done the players' RC's, though I've included the entire list of H-o-F inductees for those who are interested.

According to Phil's rules as I understand them, the RC is the card issued in the player's first year in mlb or, as the case may be, the Negro Leagues. If no card was issued in the player's first year, the RC is the first card printed thereafter. Where there is a conflict or a question or I'm uncertain, I've indicated a question mark and tried to list all alternatives.

H-o-F Inductees since 2017:

Year Name Rookie Year Rookie Card

2022 Bud Fowler 1858-1913 ?

2022 Gil Hodges 1943/47 ?1947 Bond Bread, 1947-56 Exhibit, 1949 Bowman

2022 Jim Kaat 1959 1960 Topps

2022 Minnie Minoso 1946/49 ?1946/47 Caramelo Deportivos [sic], 1947-66 Exhibit? 1952 Topps, Bowman?

2022 Buck O'Neil 1937

2022 Tony Oliva 1962 1963 Topps

2020 Derek Jeter 1995 1995 Topps, etc.

2020 Marvin Miller 1917-2012

2020 Ted Simmons 1968 1971 Topps

2020 Larry Walker 1989 1989 ML card, 1990 Topps, etc.

2019 Harold Baines 1980 1981 Topps, etc.

2019 Roy Halladay 1998 1998 Bowman, Topps

2019 Edgar Martinez 1987 1987 ML card? 1988 Fleer, Donruss

2019 Mike Mussina 1991 1991 UD, Score, Leaf

2019 Mariano Rivera 1995 1995 bowman, Topps

2019 Lee Smith 1980 1982 Topps, etc.

2018 Vladimir Guerrero 1996 1996 Topps

2018 Trevor Hoffman 1993 1993 Topps, etc.

2018 Chipper Jones 1993 1993 Topps, etc.

2018 Jack Morris 1977 1978 Topps

2018 Jim Thome 1991 1991 Bowman, Upper Deck,

2018 Alan Trammell 1977 1978 Topps

2017 Jeff Bagwell 1991 1991 UD, etc.

2017 Tim Raines 1979 1981 Topps

2017 Ivan Rodriguez 1991 1991 Topps, UD,

2017 John Schuerholz 1940-Living

2017 Bud Selig 1934-Living

[rats60]

Derek Jeter 1993 Topps, Bowman, Score, Select, Pinnacle, Upper Deck, SP
Roy Halladay 1997 Bowman, Bowman Chrome, Bowman's Best
Mariano Rivera 1992 Bowman
Trevor Hoffman 1992 Bowman
Vladmir Guerrero 1995 Bowman, Bowman's Best
Chipper Jones 1991 Topps, Bowman, Score, Upper Deck


Carl Yastrzemski didn't play in the majors until 1961, but his rookie card is 1960 Topps, not 1961 Topps. Why would 2nd or 3rd year cards for these be rookie cards instead of their first year MLB cards?

[Peter_Spaeth]

Marvin Miller. 1994 issue from Ken Burns baseball set.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Derek Jeter 1993 Topps, Bowman, Score, Select, Pinnacle, Upper Deck, SP
Roy Halladay 1997 Bowman, Bowman Chrome, Bowman's Best
Mariano Rivera 1992 Bowman
Trevor Hoffman 1992 Bowman
Vladmir Guerrero 1995 Bowman, Bowman's Best
Chipper Jones 1991 Topps, Bowman, Score, Upper Deck


Carl Yastrzemski didn't play in the majors until 1961, but his rookie card is 1960 Topps, not 1961 Topps. Why would 2nd or 3rd year cards for these be rookie cards instead of their first year MLB cards?

The hobby consensus is clearly that the cards identified by rats are rookie cards, not the one's on Doug's list. The rule applicable at the time was first appearance with base card in major league set, irrespective of whether in the major leagues yet.

[G1911]

I don't think I've ever before seen 1995 cards stated as Jeter's rookies instead of his 1993's. Except by people who have 1995 Jeter's for sale :D

[Peter_Spaeth]

I don't think I've ever before seen 1995 cards stated as Jeter's rookies instead of his 1993's. Except by people who have 1995 Jeter's for sale :D

PWCC used to do it for all Jeter cards 92-96. It was ridiculous. I've posted about it here.

[G1911]

PWCC used to do it for all Jeter cards 92-96. It was ridiculous. I've posted about it here.

I think PWCC falls under my exception - people with 95 Jeter's for sale. Or in this case, a fraud ring with 95 Jeter's for sale.

[Peter_Spaeth]

I think PWCC falls under my exception - people with 95 Jeter's for sale. Or in this case, a fraud ring with 95 Jeter's for sale.

I think he did it for Rivera too, don't recall who else now.

[rjackson44]

Terrific

[Peter_Spaeth]

Derek Jeter 1993 Topps, Bowman, Score, Select, Pinnacle, Upper Deck, SP
Roy Halladay 1997 Bowman, Bowman Chrome, Bowman's Best
Mariano Rivera 1992 Bowman
Trevor Hoffman 1992 Bowman
Vladmir Guerrero 1995 Bowman, Bowman's Best
Chipper Jones 1991 Topps, Bowman, Score, Upper Deck


Carl Yastrzemski didn't play in the majors until 1961, but his rookie card is 1960 Topps, not 1961 Topps. Why would 2nd or 3rd year cards for these be rookie cards instead of their first year MLB cards?

Not in the hall, but 85T McGwire is clearly his RC even though he wasn't in the bigs yet.

[bcbgcbrcb]

Doug:

Thank you for your efforts towards bringing my original list up to date. In order to better explain why my choices are what they are, I am attaching a pic of the first page from my 4-Sports Hall of Fame Rookie Cards Guide, Baseball section, which is very similar to its Football, Basketball & Hockey Section counterparts. Over the next few days, I will also share my thoughts on the newest electees from the past 6 years and make the necessary updates to my original list at the very beginning of this thread. Rats60 and Peter look to be right on with their input as well.

Please feel free to inquire about anything that you see listed here and let's talk about it.

[conner]

Tommy Lasorda rookie should be the 1952 Frostade, right? Not the 1954 topps?

[h2oya311]

Tommy Lasorda rookie should be the 1952 Frostade, right? Not the 1954 topps?

1950 Big League Stars predates both. But according to Phil’s parameters to meet “rookie card” eligibility, the 1954 Topps satisfies all the “rules”. See the post preceding your post with the requirements. The 1952 Frostade also shows LaSorda while playing for his Montreal team.

https://photos.imageevent.com/derekgranger/hofrookies1/websize/1950%20LaSorda1.jpg

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Phil has a separate list detailing the first cards/collectibles of HOFers. As noted, this particular list is for RCs as depicted in MLB garb.

[Robextend]

As a post-war HOF RC (and pre-RC) collector, I consider these to be pre-rookies:

https://photos.imageevent.com/vanslykefan/baseball/halloffamerookiecards/hofrookiecardsgradedsigned/websize/1952%20Parkhurst%20Lasorda%20PSA%204.5.jpg (https://imageevent.com/vanslykefan/baseball/halloffamerookiecards/hofrookiecardsgradedsigned)https://photos.imageevent.com/vanslykefan/baseball/halloffamerookiecards/hofrookiecardsgradedsigned/websize/1953%20Canadian%20Exhibits%20Blue%20Tint%20Lasorda %20PSA%207.jpg

I kind of mesh everything together - to each their own.

https://imageevent.com/vanslykefan/baseball/halloffamerookiecards