Baseball Hall of Fame Rookies Guide

[bcbgcbrcb]

Based on the recent discussions on Net 54 concerning Baseball Hall of Fame Rookie Cards & Collectables, I am considering putting together a comprehensive guide, along with a couple of fellow Net 54 members, which will contain photos and pricing of rookie cards and collectables of every Baseball Hall of Fame member, up to and including the Class of 2015.

Before starting to work on this project, I would like to gauge how many Net 54 members would be interested in buying a copy of the book when it is completed. I am envisioning the format to be similar to the Negro League Baseball Collectables Guide that I published last year. Expected to be included are traditional cards, postcards, photos, etc. Let's assume for now that the price point would be $29.95 plus shipping and the book should be somewhere around 250 - 300 pages, with all color photos.

I am able to do small print runs of 100 copies each so I would like to determine if there is enough interest just on our board here for me to get the ball rolling.

Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions you may have at: vguerrerobb@yahoo.com or you can simply post them here in this thread.

Thanks!

[autocentral]

Hey Phil,

I think the idea is great but I think a lot of people have variations of what they prefer as a rookie card. I know some collectors are intrigued and pursue first issue cards while others pursue first major league cards (sort of a minor league set vs. Topps issue). I think if the book classified every card that can be considered a rookie it will definitely be of interest.

So for example if you were to use Rickey Henderson the book should document possible rookie options such as:
-Chong Modesto A's
-Ogden
-Topps

Let me know if that makes sense,
-Nick

[bcbgcbrcb]

You got it, Nick. There will be different rookie card options for every HOF'er and the collector can choose what they prefer to go after. At least the collector can make an informed decision with photos and pricing available. The differences between rookie cards, pre-rookie cards, earliest collectibles, etc. will be clearly defined and explained as well.

[autocentral]

Originally Posted by bcbgcbrcb

You got it, Nick. There will be different rookie card options for every HOF'er and the collector can choose what they prefer to go after. At least the collector can make an informed decision with photos and pricing available. The differences between rookie cards, pre-rookie cards, earliest collectibles, etc. will be clearly defined and explained as well.

Sounds awesome Phil.

As well as a lot of work. Let me know if you need help and I'd be more than happy to help.

Thanks,
-Nick

[DanP]

Phil,

This would be great. Would it really just be cards or would it include: pins, stickers, etc identified as rookie cards? If it truly only included cards, I would be interested.

Thanks

[bcbgcbrcb]

Dan:

There would be at least one traditional card option for every HOF'er. In addition, there will be many other types of collectibles to choose from as well.

[HOF Auto Rookies]

Hey Phil,

Would love a copy as that's my niche. I have my own "list" buy wouldn't mind seeing this!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jimivintage]

Wow....so this is how I find out I'm no longer included? nice....

[T2069bk]

But I would almost prefer it as an ebook with the addition of a checklist that can be used for tracking etc. That would not stop me from buying the book either way!

[mawitzi]

I would pick up a copy of this when it comes out. I still prefer books over online when possible. I hope you are able to get this done. Good luck.

[h2oya311]

Originally Posted by jimivintage

Wow....so this is how I find out I'm no longer included? nice....

That's not how it went down...Phil emailed me today. Thought we'd all connect again to see if you'd still be interested. Phil posted this to get the ball rolling and to gauge interest. I dont think this can be a two (or even three man show), although there's only so much input we can get before it gets overwhelming.

[jimivintage]

Originally Posted by h2oya311

That's not how it went down...Phil emailed me today. Thought we'd all connect again to see if you'd still be interested. Phil posted this to get the ball rolling and to gauge interest. I dont think this can be a two (or even three man show), although there's only so much input we can get before it gets overwhelming.

OK, Derek...this really caught me off guard as you can probably imagine.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by jimivintage

OK, Derek...this really caught me off guard as you can probably imagine.

Would it be ok if Phil retracted his statement?

[bcbgcbrcb]

Jimi:

Good to hear from you, like Derek said, before things move forward, I want to make sure there is enough interest in this topic to begin work. I know that you have been accumulating scans and spreadsheet info for a long time in preparation for this.

[bcbgcbrcb]

Hey, Blair:

Fair question, here is my response:

All of the info on the Old Cardboard website is accessible for free thanks to the dedication and willingness to share information of a longtime hobby icon, Lyman Hardemann. Collectors realize this and many support his magazine via subscription. Based on what Lyman charges for his subscription, I doubt that he is doing much more than breaking even on it after his printing costs, shipping, etc.

As far as the Baseball Hall of Fame Rookie Cards webpage on Old Cardboard, that information is out there, also for free, because a collector who loves that facet of the hobby put in the necessary years of research and accumulated images over time and wished to share all of that info with fellow hobbyists in an effort to promote that segment of the hobby so that more can enjoy it. Knowledge is power and many collectors would have used it for self-serving purposes and left everyone else "in the dark" but that was not the case here.

Moving forward to today, the opportunity to put all of this info, plus lots more, into book form gives hobbyists an opportunity to recognize and support all of the years of research and hard work that was involved in this project. As I mentioned before, I expect printing costs of the book to run about $30 and my expected sales price is also $30 so not much money being made here. I am just looking to share the information with fellow hobbyists.

Anyway, I apologize for the long winded response but, hopefully, everyone can identify with where I am coming from and I really appreciate all of the positive comments and support thus far from all of you guys. Derek, Jimi and I are looking forward to putting out a reference tool that will be the first of its kind in the hobby. More details about the book will be forthcoming as things are still in the planning stage. Once available, this info will be shared with board members so that everyone can make an informed decision on whether or not their money will be well spent on purchasing a copy of this guide.

[Runscott]

I would need to see a copy of the final product, or read a review from someone who has a deep interest in the area. I think editing and proof-reading are paramount for something like this, and it would be good for Phil to solicit feedback from his last book and incorporate suggestions;e.g-clearer images, more exhaustive index, etc.

Having said that, Phil's prices are very fair for the physical product he creates.