Let's really "re-hash" the ROOKIE debate.

[Archive]

Posted By: Ted Zanidakis

For the 2nd time today, I have to disagree with you. In the summers of the 1950's we would
come back from Asbury Park (NJ) after a great day at the shore with stacks of Exhibit cards
that we got for our pennies from the vending machines on the boardwalk.

The next day in the schoolyard we would trade....and FLIP them for other BB players we did
not have.

Let's face it guys and gals, the term ROOKIE was first applied to post-WWII cards. The
1952 Topps Mantle card (mistakedly) was the card that started it all. And, once this "rookie
fever" caught on, it was contagious and permeated throughout the BB card hobby. The
classification of post-WWII cards is well understood. However, Rookie or 1st cards of the
pre-War era, in many instances, are not so easily identified since accurate dating on many
issues has not been clearly defined.

For example, there are E-type sets that the Grading Industry have incorrectly dated on their
labels. Many of these sets are labelled 1908, when players in these sets where traded to
their (identified) teams in 1909. And therefore, these sets were actually issued in 1909 or 1910.
Yet many collectors of graded cards do not realize that they are being misled.

TED Z