If memory serves me right, in the 1980s it was decided that a "rookie" card was a player's first card that was included in a set that was nationally available to the public at "regular" retail outlets. So minor league cards (generally only sold at the ballpark), regional food issues, and early traded/update cards (only available in card shops, and only as full sets) were not seen as "true" rookie cards, and in the case of the cards in traded/updated sets were listed in Beckett and/or Krause as XRC (extended rookie cards).
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I am curious why for instance if someone made it in as a manager- say Sparky why don't we consider his first manager card as a rookie instead of the 1959 topps?
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Well, he wasn't a rookie when he became a manager. The only time when a manager's card - as a manager - would be considered a rookie card would be if he never had a card issued of him as a player (if indeed he played at the Major League level at all). But, I guess, because they're not kids, managers aren't generally considered "rookies" in the usual sense, even if the phrase "rookie manager" is applied.