What do you consider a "rookie card?"

[Blitzu]

I'm pretty simple on what I believe is a rookie card. Basically the first card that was produced in a given year for the player once they reached the professional leagues. I don't think card from the minors, colleges, or others count. For an example I don't believe the 1952 Topps Mantle is his rookie card. It may be his first Topps card, but his true and only rookie is his 1951 bowman. I don't think manufacturer matters. Whoever produces the card first in any given year when that player reaches the pros is their RC. So if two or three companies made cards in the same year then there could be multiple RC's.

That's just me, and how I look at RC cards.

[drc]

I think I agree with that.

[oldjudge]

The first issued card of a player. It could be minor league (the Baltimore News Ruth is his rookie card), but it must be a card. What is a card? Ask a person who does not collect baseball cards if what you have is a card. If he says no, it's not a card. Newspaper inserts, magazine or newspaper cut outs, pins, etc are not cards. Production levels don't matter---the Just So Young is his rookie.

[Peter_Spaeth]

I don't consider the 1914 Ruth to be his rookie card, I would call it a pre-rookie. To me, a rookie card has to be issued as a member of a major league team. I do agree on card definition.

[Runscott]

I always enjoy the 'Cobb rookie' debate.

[E93]

I would consider this to be Jackie's rookie, not the '49 Leaf or '49 Bowman.
JimB

[E93]

I would not consider minor league cards like the BN Ruth to be a rookie card. Just my opinion.
JimB