I'm almost POSITIVE this card features Shoeless Joe...

[Bob Lemke]

I received a PM asking when or even whether this card would be listed in the Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards as picturing Joe Jackson.

I'm sure others have the same question, so I'll respond here.

As theoretically should be the case with every other card in the catalog, the listing of T202 (94) Lord Catches His Man in future edition will reflect how the hobby market perceives (values) the card over a period of time.

If the card's price spikes for a few weeks or months, nothing will change in the catalog. If however, demand builds and remains at a premium, the card's catalog value will reflect that.

As I noted earlier, the listing for card (4A) in the 1913 National Game listing reads (and the corresponding Tom Barker set should, as well), "(Some collectors believe the player in the picture is Ty Cobb and are willing to pay a premium for this card.") That card is listed at $75 in NM, while the other action cards in the set are pegged at $15.

Conversely, we do not note "cameo" appaearances, nor is there additional book value, on other cards such as 1971T #511 Chris Short, with Pete Rose in the background.

I expect to see a flurry of activity for the T202, but whether increased market values will be sustained is an open question. I suspect that for this card to achieve lasting status and premium value, it will be necessary for PSA and/or SGC to recogize the guest appearance of Joe Jackson on their slabs.

In any event, the Standard Catalog will not be able to make any changes on this card until the 2012 edition.