Rookie Cards of Baseball Hall of Famers

[Compsella]

These would qualify as Minor League issues, which I believe are not considered on this list. Otherwise we'd have other examples for Ruth, DiMaggio, et al.

[pawpawdiv9]

The 34 Zeenut Joe Dimaggio (batting) is RC, year later Zeenut issue one throwing?
Cal Ripken- should it be the Charlotte O's police card (orange/blue varations)?

BTW- glad i ran across this list as i am doing a run of R/C of major Hofers

[1963Topps Set]

In regards to the original list that started this thread. What a great piece of research! You have that skill to be an historian, not an easy skill to come by. Thanks for documenting this important history!

[Compsella]

Originally Posted by pawpawdiv9

The 34 Zeenut Joe Dimaggio (batting) is RC, year later Zeenut issue one throwing?
Cal Ripken- should it be the Charlotte O's police card (orange/blue varations)?

BTW- glad i ran across this list as i am doing a run of R/C of major Hofers

In regards to this comment, I believe the original list is not counting Minor League cards. Hence why the Baltimore Ruth is not listed, the Zeenuts, Chong Modesto Rickey Henderson, etc, etc.

[bcbgcbrcb]

That's correct, the general consensus among rookie card collectors is that minor league cards represent "Pre-Rookie" Cards as opposed to the first Major League "Rookie" Cards.

[HRBAKER]

Originally Posted by bcbgcbrcb

That's correct, the general consensus among rookie card collectors is that minor league cards represent "Pre-Rookie" Cards as opposed to the first Major League "Rookie" Cards.

I thought the only consensus when it comes to what is a "Rookie Card" is that there is no consensus.

[dougscats]

A couple of questions, Phil:

-In a case like McCovey, where there are two cards in the 1960 Topps set, are both cards considered his rookie card?

-In the 1975 set, where there is a mini-size as well as regular-size set, are both sets considered rookie cards?

-What are the rookie cards for the most recent inductees [Griffey, Piazza, any others]?

I collect hall-of-famers, and, inspired by your list, I've started to actively collect their rookie cards of late.

Thanks.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Whilst you are waiting for Phil, clearly only the regular issue McCovey and not the AS is his RC, and both Bretts are his rookie from the separate sets.

Griffey has a 1987 Bellingham Mariners card.

Piazza has a 1989 Salem Dodgers card.

[dougscats]

Thanks for your reply, Peter, and your qualification, Phil.

May I take it then that:

Maddux RC is 1987?
Pedro Martinez, 1991 or 1992?
Frank Thomas, 1990?

Phil, if it's not too much trouble,
Could you update your opening list to include the past 2-3 years inductees?

I'm counting seven that aren't listed: Maddux, Martinez, Thomas, Smoltz, Glavine, Piazza, Griffey.
Am I missing any?

And good luck, Sam, on your first h-o-f RC--Hope you've got one of the new ones--

[Joe_G.]

Originally Posted by Compsella

These would qualify as Minor League issues, which I believe are not considered on this list. Otherwise we'd have other examples for Ruth, DiMaggio, et al.

This may have already been stated, but if minor league issues are not supposed to be listed then Griffith and Nichols Old Judge cards should be removed. Beckley should also be backed up to 1889 when he was issued a team change card with Pittsburgh.

[GehrigFan]

Wow, awesome job as usual, Phil! Will you be putting out an updated version of your book? And I wonder if Lyman at Old Cardboard will be updating their list. I do like that they give several options. Some of the later cards make sense, some don't (like a 1954 topps RC with a 1955 Topps listed as another alternative). I thought they credited you with helping them on that list, which is why I ask.

Anyway, one point on photos. Personally, I consider a widespread issued photo with text, facsimile sigs, etc. to be okay as Rookies, because they were issued as collectibles. As opposed to news photos and other photos that were not issued as collectibles or not issued in large quantities. Not sure if that makes sense.

I also am a little confused why some premiums count but others don't based on size. I'm more open on those. But either way on these two things, it is a great list.

Mark

[Compsella]

Originally Posted by Joe_G.

This may have already been stated, but if minor league issues are not supposed to be listed then Griffith and Nichols Old Judge cards should be removed. Beckley should also be backed up to 1889 when he was issued a team change card with Pittsburgh.

I believe Beckley, Griffith & Nichols are included because the OJ is a major league "set" even though they are depicted still in their minor league garb.

[Joe_G.]

Originally Posted by Compsella

I believe Beckley, Griffith & Nichols are included because the OJ is a major league "set" even though they are depicted still in their minor league garb.

Not sure I follow. There are more minor league teams than major league teams in OJ set. All Griffith & Nichols OJ cards depict them with minor league teams (Milwaukee & Omaha respectively).