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Posted By: Paul

Hal, that's how I used to justify ownership of the T206 Jennings to myself. But I always felt it was more of an excuse than a justification. Jennings completely retired during the 1903 season. He did nothing in baseball (at least he wasn't a manager or player) in 1904, 1905, or 1906. He came back as a manager in 1907. For the next few years, he would put himself in a game to pinch hit once or twice a year, up to four times one season, I think. And yes, he seems to have played one game at first base in 1918 -- for the first time since 1903.

If Yogi Berra took a couple of swings for the 1973 Mets, I wouldn't be satisfied with his 1973 Topps card. If Frank Robinson pinch hit once or twice this year, I wouldn't be satisfied with his 2005 cards. I would want a card from their playing careers, even if they pinch hit once or twice years later when they were managing a team.

But it's all a question of your personal preference. As everyone says on this board, collect what you like.