[yanksfan09]

By 1933 Ruth was much closer to retiring than being a rookie. It makes zero sense to me. There are tons of issues from 1914-1932 and many of them seemed to have wide distribution to me, at least for that era of cards.

I think for most, and for me the m101-4/5 cards are considered his rookie.

His first card, which I also consider his best is his 1914 issue from Baltimore News. I don't consider it a rookie, because it's a minor league card. However it's his best card and you can call it a pre-rookie issue.

That's how I look at. There's plenty of caramel issues, exhibits, strip cards, foreign cards, promo cards (for movies etc...), food issues etc etc... in the time period between the pre-rookie and rookie cards.

I personally can't stand it when I see the Goudey listed as a rookie and find it very misleading and stupid but that's just my opinion. At the same time I think the Goudey issues are great cards in their own right and don't need that designation at all to justify that!

In the end, to each their own and if you like it as a rookie than go for it!