Minor league cards

[trdcrdkid]

Originally Posted by Balticfox

Have any of the main card companies - e.g. Topps, Fleer, Donruss, Leaf, Philly/Swell, Score, Pacific, Upper Deck - ever issued a set featuring AAA players? I know Pacific did it for the AHL in 2003-04.

Bowman did a Pacific Coast League set in 1949. It's much scarcer than their MLB set from that year, but it contains no major stars, so it doesn't get much attention.

[bcbgcbrcb]

Along those same lines, how many remember that the last single player Exhibits card set issued during the 1920’s was the PCL Exhibits series, including a pre-rookie card of Earl Averill. Yes, he was also included in Zeenuts sets before that as well. Since my buddy Cesar would also like to know…..Averill’s MLB rookie card is his 1929-30 R315.

[Cubanball]

Phil, I agree with you the PCL sets are great cards with many first cards of great ballplayers. I personally love the Zeenuts cards. On the question of what is a rookie card it is all about semantics. You did a superb job in your book in highlighting the true rookie cards for hall of famers. Anyone more interested in this subject I highly recommend Phil's book picturing the true rookie cards for hall of famers from the four major sports. It's available on eBay or contact Phil.

[bcbgcbrcb]

Thanks, Cesar, much appreciated.

[t213]

Casey has a great minor league card.

Andy

[Exhibitman]

Don't forget about our friends to the north:




Gotta love the Z's:

[h2oya311]

I find that many collectors have gravitated towards the “earliest” cards rather than “rookie” cards. As noted by Phil, many Old Judges picture players from minor league clubs, so would be good examples of minor league cards that are more highly sought vs. a true “rookie” card for these players.

Not much more to add other than a few of my favorite “pre-war pre-rookies”.