'33 Goudey Ruths are not Rookies

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Posted By: Todd Schultz

classifying the '33 Goudey as Ruth's rookie is simply a flat-out mistake. Hell, Ruth had very few cards after 1933, with a dozen or more beforehand, especially if you count back variations.

There is no rhyme nor reason to the regional vs. national argument either. There is nothing to suggest that m101-4s were not distributed nationally in 1916; in fact, the advertisements in the Sporting News point to the contrary. Moreover, I do not believe it has been concluded that Goudey gum was any more available in San Franciso than Collins-McCarthy candy was in Boston, or that either was distributed throughout Texas, for example, so the tag of "national" seems to be a bit of a moving target. Finally, Ruth appeared on several Exhibit cards throughout the '20s, and while collectors contort the definition of "card" to suit their needs, the fact is these depictions appear to have been sold throughout the US as well, and not just regionally.

In sum, there is no reason to call the '33 Goudey the Babe's rookie. The card and all poses thereof stand on their own at or near the top of the hobby's desire list, such that there is no need to puff their value with such RC designations.