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Posted By: davidcycleback

The earlier definition was the strict hobby definition, not neccesarily mine. In my opinion, if an XRC pictures the player and the player actually has or soon will play in the bigs (not 6 years later after toiling in AA), I would call it a rookie card. I also count regional cards as rookie cards, but not minor league cards.

Duly note that the XRCs and inserts are often more expensive than the 'by the book' rookie card. The 1984 Fleer Update Clemens (XRC) is more expensive than his 1985 Topps RC.