When was the term "Rookie Card" introduced into the Hobby ?

[ALBB]

Yea, that rookie card phenomenon ...I recall a few things... -

when people started making a big deal about rookie cards...it got a bit absurd,as collectors started racing backwards and finding out rookie cards of " just alright " players - 68 Larry Hisle, 71 Concepcion, 62 Fregosi....cards that were pretty much commons, all of a sudden were listed higher in the " almighty price guide "

and the other thing - Dealers taking advantage of this crazy and making you know " Hey thats a second year Kaline, a third year Schmidt, a fourth year Banks....somewhat ridiculous I thought

[ALBB]

another amusing thing with Rookie cards...when there was a break in the major card companys issues sets due to the war/paper shortage/ money,etc.. you saw cards of players with 3-4-5 years of experience having their " first" card listed as a rookie...

... always seemed odd