I think when the modern rookie card rules were created, they just went and applied them to the vintage market as well. Despite the fact that it was a completely different hobby back then. And with the internet, it's a completely different hobby now.. Given the restrictions at the time, I understand designating something like the 33 Grange as his rookie. BUT nowadays, EVERYTHING(no matter how regional, or limited, the item was) is available to everyone, everywhere. Those rules and designations are simply outdated.. Forget the designations, and use your own judgment as to what you feel is a rookie.
Am I gonna let MLB and Beckett tell me that(just an example) 2008 is Evan Longoria's rookie card, just because of their rules? F*ck no. The damn guy had MLB cards in '06. Those are his rookies.. The hobby and collectors dictate the rules as to what is, or isn't, a rookie card. Not MLB, NFL, NBA, Beckett, or whoever.
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