HOF Rookies

[brewing]

Since you posted in the post war section, I am going to assume you are talking about post war rookies only.

I am close to finishing this set, 4 cards away.

My thoughts:
Very expensive if you don't have disposable income.
There is some debate at what constitutes a rookie card, use your own definition and run with it.
The high numbered 1949 Bowmans and 1949 Leaf Hal Newhouser are tough.
Be patient, some of the lower priced ones can be found very cheap. Don't rush.

[HOF Yankees]

thanks brent for the advice

[David W]

Originally Posted by brewing

Since you posted in the post war section, I am going to assume you are talking about post war rookies only.

I am close to finishing this set, 4 cards away.

My thoughts:
Very expensive if you don't have disposable income.
There is some debate at what constitutes a rookie card, use your own definition and run with it.
The high numbered 1949 Bowmans and 1949 Leaf Hal Newhouser are tough.
Be patient, some of the lower priced ones can be found very cheap. Don't rush.

I agree, depending on grade, everything from about late 50's to mid 1990's should be pretty cheap and available. The 90's and on you have all the "chase" and "refractor" cards and such that could be tough if you want an expensive card. A cheap regular card would be easy, even if graded a "10".

Prior to that the Mantle is obviously a problem, as well as some others.

[Bestdj777]

Something to consider is limiting the scope of your endeavor somewhat to make it more affordable. I am a budget collector as well and, when going after HOF rookie cards, decided to limit it to New York teams from the 40s, 50s, and 60s.

[HOF Yankees]

David-grade wise does matter but overall appearance is what I consider top notch but say 1-6 grade maybe higher depending on player and set

Best- I like that idea of going after certain ones, seems like a good idea but still want some of those toughies

[David W]

Originally Posted by HOF Yankees

David-grade wise does matter but overall appearance is what I consider top notch but say 1-6 grade maybe higher depending on player and set

Best- I like that idea of going after certain ones, seems like a good idea but still want some of those toughies

Then you are looking at $200 to $500 each for mid 50's HOF'ers like Banks, Killebrew, Kaline, F Robinson in G to EX. More (much more) for Aaron, Clemente, Mays, Koufax, et al going back. Less for the marginal guys like Bunning, Mazeroski, and dozens of others. Much less for the 60's guys.

[HOF Yankees]

Chris had the idea of just picking out some to buy instead of all, saves money and time

[bcbgcbrcb]

When I first set out to accomplish this goal ten years ago, I took the Monthly Beckett Baseball Card Guide high-price column, multiplied it by 10% and looked for each rookie card at that level or below. I ended up with pretty much all lower-grade cards but I was okay with that. The last couple (due to price) were Mantle & Mathews. If you have any questions about identifying which are rookie cards, I may be able to help as I have done a pretty fair amount of research in that area.