Rookie Cards of Baseball Hall of Famers

[bn2cardz]

I don't follow "rookie" cards that much in prewar, but why aren't t200 Fatimas not considered a rookie card for some players? For instance Eppa Rixey's rookie is listed as 1916 M101-5/4, yet the t200 is from 1913 predating this listed card by 3 years.

Is it because these are team photos? In which case how many players does it take on a single card to exclude it from "RC" status?

[bcbgcbrcb]

I don't count team photos. Typically, 4 or less constitutes rookie card status for me, primarily because that was the max number that Topps used over the years for their "future star" cards.

[LincolnVT]

I understand your rational on the "no more than four" players on a rookie card. Than being said, some of the most rare examples of players featured on cards pre-date the Topps era. And many players first appearance on a card, as a professional, is on a card featuring more than four players.

All in the eyes of the beholder!

[bcbgcbrcb]

You're right, can still be their earliest collectible or even earliest card appearance, just not a rookie card to me.

[LincolnVT]

....I would add that some pre-war "rookie cards" are much more readily available than the first cards that feature professionals with more than four players on them.

[LincolnVT]

BTW....I love the list. Thanks!