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Cat (ret.)I consider myself a HOF rookie collector, but I do make up my own rules as to how my collection has evolved. Instead of rookies, I have many prookies just because I like the images on some of the prookies (read zeenuts). Also, I don't like e-cards since they are often cartoon-like so if an e-card is his first card I may supplement it with something else. As an example, I have a Cobb greenback T206 rather than an earlier printed e-card.
Also, I personally define rookie cards as the card printed right after his rookie year. If such a card doesn't exist it is less important to me to have the "commonly defined" rookie card if it was printed 2 or 3 years after his rookie year. I may just go with a card I like if there is no card printed within the year after his rookie season.
Here are some cards that will drive you nuts trying to acquire:
There are another 10-12 cards that are tough but do-able.
Also, the Jackson e90-1 (not in the HOF but a must have I guess), Ruth M101-5, and Johnson T204 are not hard to find but will cause some real sticker shock, as will the negro league cards.