[pokerplyr80]

I'd have to say I agree that a rookie card can be issued any time during the year, especially with how many sets are available today. Otherwise everyone would launch a product Jan 1st to be the one true rc. There are players with cards in both 48 bowman and leaf sets that are considered rookies in each. I doubt they were released the same day. I'm personally trying to obtain one of every of Ken Griffey Jr's rookie cards. I couldn't care less which was issued earlier in the year.