What is considered the Billy Martin Rookie?

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Posted By: barrysloate

I believe the rookie card debate can be looked at on a card by card basis.

I still say the rookie card of Kid Nichols makes an excellent case in point. While most feel his 1895 Mayo card is his first because it pictures him on a major league team, my preference would be the N172. It is one of the all-time classic sets, had national distribution, and the card has great stature among collectors. The fact that it pictures him with Omaha does not detract in my eyes.

That is much different than the minor leagues cards of players issued in the 1980's, whose cards are of poor quality, poor distribution, and in many cases are suspect issues. Many aren't even licensed, and have been widely reprinted.

But an Old Judge of Nichols is a classic vintage card, and it gets my vote. I would still want to look at each Hall of Famer individually to make a determination.